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Cortagen

Nootropic & CNS
Ala-Glu-Asp-GlyCortexin peptide

Overview

Cortagen, also known as Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly or Cortexin peptide, is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from the naturally occurring polypeptides found in the cerebral cortex. Its structure consists of a sequence of four amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine. The synthesis of Cortagen involves standard peptide synthesis techniques, which allow for precise control over the sequence and purity of the compound. Researchers have been interested in Cortagen due to its potential nootropic and central nervous system (CNS) effects. Studies have primarily focused on its role in enhancing cognitive function, neuroprotection, and its potential therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative diseases. Observed effects include improved memory, learning, and stress resistance in various experimental models. The mechanism of action of Cortagen is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve modulation of neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitter systems. Researchers have suggested that it may influence the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other neuropeptides, contributing to its neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects. Pharmacokinetic data on Cortagen is limited. Its half-life and bioavailability vary depending on the route of administration, with subcutaneous and intramuscular routes being the most studied. The stability of Cortagen in biological systems and its metabolic pathways remain areas of active research. Currently, Cortagen is primarily a subject of preclinical research, with limited clinical trials conducted. It is not approved as a medicinal product by major regulatory agencies, and its use is largely confined to experimental and research settings.

Mechanism of Action

Cortagen is thought to exert its effects by modulating neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and influencing neurotransmitter systems. It may enhance synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival, contributing to its cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective properties.

Half-Life

IntranasalNot applicable
OralPoor bioavailability

Pharmacokinetic data is limited and varies by administration route.

Storage

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Solubility

Cortagen is soluble in water and aqueous solutions.

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Not approved as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance. Sale as research chemical is a legal grey area.

🇺🇸US

Not approved by the FDA. Not scheduled by the DEA.

🇦🇺AU

Not listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

🇬🇧UK

Not approved by the MHRA as a medicinal product.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

10 Research Publications

Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties.

Review

International journal of molecular sciences · 2025

Researchers reviewed the properties of Epitalon, a peptide derived from the pineal gland, and found that it has potential benefits for aging and brain health. The study highlighted its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, as well as its role in melatonin production and enzyme activity.

  • Researchers observed that Epitalon has significant geroprotective effects, which may help in combating aging.
  • The peptide was found to influence melatonin synthesis and modulate immune system activity.
  • Epitalon enhances the activity of important enzymes, including those involved in brain function and cellular repair.
PubMed

EPIGENETIC MODIFICATION UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF PEPTIDE BIOREGULATORS ON THE "OLD" CHROMATIN.

Unknown

Georgian medical news · 2023

Researchers studied how certain peptide bioregulators affect the structure of chromosomes in older individuals, specifically looking at 'old' chromatin in lymphocytes. They found that these peptides can modify chromatin structure, potentially influencing gene activity and metabolic processes related to aging.

  • Researchers observed that aging leads to increased condensation of chromatin, which can deactivate active genes and disrupt normal cell functions.
  • The study found that peptide bioregulators can induce changes in chromatin structure, promoting the activation of certain ribosomal genes.
  • Each peptide bioregulator showed a selective effect on specific chromosome regions, suggesting potential for targeted approaches in addressing aging-related conditions.
PubMed

[Peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly and interferon gamma: their role in immune response during aging].

Review

Advances in gerontology = Uspekhi gerontologii · 2012

Researchers observed that aging reduces the production of a key immune protein called interferon gamma in lymphocytes, contributing to weakened immunity in older adults. They also found that a specific peptide, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, can stimulate the growth of immune cells in the thymus, potentially enhancing interferon gamma production in T-cells.

  • Aging leads to decreased interferon gamma expression in lymphocytes, which contributes to immune deficiency in the elderly.
  • The peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly can activate the proliferation of lymphocytes in the thymus during aging.
  • The peptide's immune-boosting effects are linked to its ability to enhance interferon gamma production in T-cells.
PubMed

[Cortexin and cortagen as correcting agents in functional and metabolic disorders in the brain in chronic ischemia].

Animal

Eksperimental'naia i klinicheskaia farmakologiia · 2011

Researchers studied the effects of two drugs, cortexin and cortagen, on rats with chronic brain ischemia, a condition that affects blood flow to the brain. They found that both drugs improved behavior in the rats and reduced harmful processes in the brain, suggesting they may enhance neuroprotective therapies for brain ischemia.

  • Researchers observed that cortexin and cortagen improved the behavior of ischemic rats with varying resistance to low oxygen levels.
  • The study found that both drugs prevented excessive lipid peroxidation, a damaging process in brain tissues.
  • Researchers noted an increase in antioxidant activity in the brain tissues of rats treated with cortexin and cortagen.
PubMed

Geroprotective effect of ala-glu-asp-gly peptide in male rats exposed to different illumination regimens.

Animal

Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2008

Researchers studied the effects of different lighting conditions on male rats and found that constant light exposure increased mortality and tumor development. They also observed that a synthetic peptide called epithalone reduced the rate of aging and tumor growth in rats, regardless of the lighting conditions they were exposed to.

  • Constant light exposure led to higher mortality rates and more spontaneous tumors in male rats compared to standard light conditions.
  • The synthetic peptide epithalone did not significantly change the average lifespan but normalized the aging rate in rats under different lighting.
  • Epithalone significantly reduced the occurrence of certain tumors, including testicular tumors and leukemias, in rats exposed to any lighting regimen.
PubMed

Elucidation of the effect of brain cortex tetrapeptide Cortagen on gene expression in mouse heart by microarray.

Animal

Neuro endocrinology letters · 2004

Researchers studied the effects of a synthetic peptide called Cortagen on gene expression in the hearts of mice. They found that Cortagen significantly altered the expression of 234 genes, suggesting potential benefits for heart health and function.

  • Cortagen treatment led to significant changes in gene expression, affecting 234 genes in the mouse heart.
  • The maximum increase in gene expression was 5.42 times higher, while the maximum decrease was 2.86 times lower.
  • Cortagen showed both common and unique effects on gene expression compared to other peptides and melatonin.
PubMed

In vitro effect of short peptides on expression of interleukin-2 gene in splenocytes.

Animal

Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2002

Researchers studied the effects of synthetic peptides on the production of interleukin-2, a key immune system molecule, in mouse splenocytes. They found that certain peptides, particularly Vilon and Epithalon, significantly increased the synthesis of interleukin-2 mRNA, while another peptide, Cortagen, had a lesser effect.

  • Vilon and Epithalon were the most effective peptides in boosting interleukin-2 mRNA synthesis.
  • The effect of the peptides varied based on their type, concentration, and treatment duration.
  • Cortagen showed a less pronounced impact on interleukin-2 mRNA synthesis compared to Vilon and Epithalon.
PubMed

Effects of short peptides on thymocyte blast transformation and signal transduction along the sphingomyelin pathway.

Unknown

Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2002

Researchers studied the effects of three synthetic peptides on immune cell activity in mice. They found that one peptide, Vilon, significantly boosted the proliferation of thymocytes, while another peptide, Epithalon, had a lesser effect, and Cortagen showed no impact. The study also noted that Vilon enhanced specific enzyme activity related to cell signaling.

  • Vilon was the most effective peptide in promoting thymocyte proliferation.
  • Epithalon had a weaker effect compared to Vilon.
  • Cortagen did not influence thymocyte activity.
PubMed

Peptides and Ageing.

Review

Neuro endocrinology letters · 2002

Researchers found that specific peptide preparations, like Epithalamin and Epitalon, derived from various tissues, can enhance lifespan and improve health markers in animals. These peptides stimulate melatonin production, boost immunity, and show potential in protecting against age-related conditions. The study proposes a 'peptide theory of ageing,' suggesting that restoring peptide levels may help counteract the effects of aging.

  • Epithalamin increased lifespan and improved melatonin production in rats and other animals.
  • Epitalon demonstrated similar lifespan-extending effects and improved visual functions in patients with retinal degeneration.
  • The research supports a theory that aging involves changes in peptide production, leading to health decline.
PubMed

Tissue-specific effects of peptides.

Unknown

Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2001

Researchers studied the effects of synthetic peptides on tissue growth in rats. They found that specific peptides stimulated the growth of brain, liver, and thymus tissues in laboratory cultures, indicating that these peptides have unique effects depending on the type of tissue.

  • Cortagen stimulated growth in brain cortex tissue.
  • Epithalon promoted growth in subcortical structures.
  • Livagen and Vilon enhanced growth in liver and thymus tissues, respectively.
PubMed

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This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or replaces consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.