Cognitive & neurological research
Cortagen (AEDP): Research Overview
Khavinson bioregulator peptide studied in brain and nerve tissue research.
Also known as AEDP · Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro
What is Cortagen?
Cortagen is a Khavinson bioregulator tetrapeptide (AEDP) with primary effects on the brain and central nervous system. Developed at Russia's St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, it regulates inflammatory responses in the nervous system, restores balance between pro- and anti-oxidative processes, and stimulates interleukin-2 expression.
What is Cortagen researched for?
- Shows beneficial long-term results in research following ischemic brain injury.
- Research demonstrates effects on restoration of injured nerve function.
- Regulates inflammatory response in the nervous system.
- Helps regulate immune function by reducing autoimmune reactions.
- Stimulates interleukin-2 expression for immune regulation.
- Restores balance between pro- and anti-oxidative processes.
- Addresses age-related CNS changes through bioregulation.
How does Cortagen work?
Cortagen works through epigenetic regulation by penetrating cell nuclei and interacting with DNA to modulate gene expression. In the heart, it affects genes including Pass1, Hsc70, Bmp2, Wnt4, Eps15, and Eps15-rs. It powerfully regulates inflammatory responses in the nervous system, helping restore proper balance between oxidative and anti-oxidative processes.
References
Effect of Cortagen on Gene Expression in Mouse Heart
Neuroendocrinology Letters · 2004
Cortagen affects expression of genes including Pass1, Hsc70, Bmp2, Wnt4, Eps15 in heart tissue.
Animal study
Delayed Effect of Cortagen on Restoration of
Injured Nerve Function Doklady Biological Sciences · 2002
Demonstrated effects on nerve function restoration following injury.
Effect of Tetrapeptide Cortagen on Regeneration of Sciatic Nerve
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine · 2000
Research on nerve regeneration effects of Cortagen tetrapeptide.
Khavinson Peptide Bioregulators
Advances in Gerontology · 2020
Comprehensive review of bioregulator peptides and their epigenetic mechanisms.
Review or meta-analysis
Common questions
Is Cortagen helpful for recovery after a stroke or brain injury?
Yes, Cortagen shows research evidence for beneficial effects following ischemic brain injury with long-term improvements in neurological function. It regulates inflammatory responses in nervous tissue and promotes nerve regeneration, making it relevant for post-stroke recovery protocols alongside medical rehabilitation.
How does Cortagen differ from other brain-supporting peptides like Semax?
Cortagen targets the brain cortex specifically through IL-2 stimulation and inflammatory modulation, whereas Semax acts via BDNF upregulation for cognitive effects. Cortagen is more suited for neuroinflammation and recovery, while Semax focuses on cognitive enhancement, and they're often combined in comprehensive protocols.