MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Educational research guidelines only. Lyophilized peptides are investigational chemical compounds and are NOT approved for human consumption, diagnosis, or therapy. Consult a licensed physician before any research application.
Cerluten Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
Cerluten (Cytomax A-5) is an oral CNS peptide bioregulator: a low-molecular-weight polypeptide complex extracted from calf cerebral cortex and supplied as 10 mg capsules, the supplement-grade analogue of the injectable cortical drug Cortexin [1][7]. Its proposed action is tissue-specific epigenetic regulation of gene expression in neural cells, including neurotrophic (BDNF) and antioxidant pathways, drawn from the broader Khavinson short-peptide literature rather than from Cerluten-specific trials [2][3]. The standard regimen is 1-2 capsules one to two times daily with food (about 10-40 mg/day) for a 30-day course, repeated once or twice a year. It is taken by mouth; the subcutaneous reconstitution figures here are an educational measurement convention only. Cerluten is sold as a dietary supplement in Russia and is not approved by the FDA or EMA; published human evidence is limited and uncontrolled, so it should be treated as educational/research material, not medical advice.
Reconstitute: Add 1 mL bacteriostatic water → 20 mg/mL concentration.
Typical dose: 10-40 mg/day orally (1-2 capsules, 1-2x daily)
Easy measuring: At 20 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.2 mg (200 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Capsules stored at room temperature, kept dry and protected from light. In the educational reconstitution model, the prepared solution is refrigerated at 2-8 °C and used within roughly 2-4 weeks.
Half-life: Not formally characterized; no human pharmacokinetic data. As an oral peptide extract, absorbed fragments are presumed to be cleared rapidly (minutes).
Route: Oral (10 mg capsules taken with food). The subcutaneous reconstitution figures on this page are an educational measurement reference only.
Status: Not FDA- or EMA-approved. Marketed as a dietary supplement in Russia; presented here for educational/research purposes only.
About Cerluten
Cerluten (Cytomax A-5) is a CNS peptide bioregulator developed within Vladimir Khavinson's Russian school of bioregulation. It is not a single defined molecule but a low-molecular-weight polypeptide complex (peptides up to about 10 kDa) extracted from the cerebral cortex of young calves, formulated as 10 mg oral capsules and marketed for central-nervous-system support [1][2]. Clinically and commercially, Cerluten is taken BY MOUTH, typically 1-2 capsules once or twice daily with food across a 30-day course; the subcutaneous reconstitution figures on this page are an educational measurement convention used throughout this site, not the real-world route of administration.\n\nThe most commonly published Cerluten dosage is 1-2 capsules (10-20 mg) one to two times daily, giving 10-40 mg of the A-5 complex per day, repeated as a one-month course once or twice a year [5][7]. For the educational subcutaneous model below, a 20 mg vial is reconstituted with 1.0 mL of bacteriostatic water (20 mg/mL, 200 mcg per insulin-syringe unit) so a 10 mg portion maps to about 50 units and a 20 mg daily amount to a full 100-unit (1 mL) draw. These figures exist only to illustrate measurement on a U-100 syringe.\n\nFrequency: Once daily in this educational model; clinically taken orally as 1-2 capsules one to two times daily with meals. Cerluten is sold as a dietary supplement in Russia and is NOT approved by the FDA, EMA, or any Western regulator. It is presented here for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
Quick Protocol Navigation
Reconstitution Instruction & Mixing Step-by-Step
Lyophilized powder must be reconstituted carefully. Agitating peptide chains can shear disulfide bonds and render the peptide biologically inert.
Draw 1.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Inject the water slowly down the inner wall of the 20 mg vial; do not aim the stream directly at the powder and avoid vigorous shaking.
Gently swirl or roll the vial until the solution is completely clear; the result is a 20 mg/mL concentration (200 mcg per insulin-syringe unit).
Store refrigerated at 2-8 °C and draw the prescribed units per dose: 10 mg is about 50 units, 20 mg is a full 100-unit (1 mL) draw, and a 40 mg intensive day is split into two separate 20 mg (100-unit) administrations.
Educational note: Cerluten is clinically taken ORALLY as capsules with food. These subcutaneous reconstitution figures are a measurement reference only and are not a validated route for an undefined cerebral-cortex peptide extract.
Interactive Cerluten Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 20 mg vial reconstituted with 1 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 20mg dry powder in 1mL water yields 20.00 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 1.3 units (1 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Phase | Dose per injection | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation (days 1-5) | 10000 mcg (10 mg) | 50 units (0.50 mL) |
| Standard 30-day course | 20000 mcg (20 mg) | 100 units (1.00 mL) |
| Intensive / recovery course (split AM + PM) | 40000 mcg (40 mg) | 200 units (2.00 mL) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 1 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the 20 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (Cerluten, 20 mg each):
- check8-week educational course at 20 mg/day: about 56 vials (one 20 mg vial reconstituted per day).
- check12-week course: about 84 vials.
- check16-week course: about 112 vials.
- checkReal-world note: the clinical protocol is a 30-day ORAL course of roughly 60 x 10 mg capsules (one 60-capsule box), not continuous use.
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- check8-week course (once-daily model): about 56 syringes.
- check12-week course: about 84 syringes.
- check16-week course: about 112 syringes (buy in boxes of 100).
- checkUse a fresh sterile syringe for every administration; this applies only to the educational subcutaneous model.
Bacteriostatic Water (30 mL bottles): Use 1.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- check8-week course: about 56 mL, roughly 2 bottles.
- check12-week course: about 84 mL, roughly 3 bottles.
- check16-week course: about 112 mL, roughly 4 bottles.
- checkEach 20 mg vial uses 1.0 mL of bacteriostatic water to yield 20 mg/mL.
Alcohol Swabs:
- checkUse 1 swab for the vial stopper and 1 for the injection site per administration (about 2 per day).
- check8-week course: about 112 swabs.
- check12-week course: about 168 swabs.
- check16-week course: about 224 swabs (buy in boxes of 100-200).
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Cerluten belongs to the Cytomax family of Khavinson peptide bioregulators: complex, low-molecular-weight peptide preparations obtained by extraction and ultrafiltration from animal tissue, in this case the cerebral cortex of calves up to about 12 months old [1][7]. Unlike the synthetic Khavinson short peptides (di-, tri-, and tetrapeptides such as Epitalon or Cortagen), Cerluten is a crude polypeptide mixture (fragments up to roughly 10 kDa) rather than one defined sequence, so its activity cannot be attributed to a single molecule. It is the oral, supplement-grade analogue of the injectable cortical polypeptide drug Cortexin.\n\nThe proposed mechanism, drawn from the broader Khavinson literature, is tissue-specific epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Khavinson's central hypothesis is that short peptides can enter cells and reach the nucleus, where they interact with histone proteins and specific promoter DNA sequences to up- or down-regulate genes in a tissue-targeted manner without altering the underlying DNA sequence [2]. In neural tissue this is proposed to modulate expression of neurotrophic and antioxidant programs, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling and CREB-linked pathways, and to counter neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein-aggregation pathology relevant to age-related cognitive decline [3]. In cultured neurons derived from elderly-donor fibroblasts, related Khavinson short peptides increased dendritic branching and total dendrite length and reduced oxidative DNA damage, supporting a pro-neuroplasticity, neuroprotective signal at the cellular level [4].\n\nIt is important to be candid about the limits of this model. Because Cerluten is an undefined extract rather than a characterized drug substance, its exact molecular targets, the fraction that survives gastrointestinal digestion, and the species actually reaching the central nervous system have not been established. Much of the mechanistic evidence comes from defined synthetic peptides and from preclinical or cell-culture systems, not from Cerluten itself [2][3][4].\n\nPharmacokinetics: No human pharmacokinetic studies of Cerluten have been published. As an orally administered peptide mixture it would be expected to undergo extensive proteolysis in the gut, so any absorbed peptide fragments would have a very short plasma residence; a formal elimination half-life has not been characterized [7]. Khavinson-school authors propose that bioregulators act as transient signals that reprogram gene expression rather than maintaining sustained blood levels, which is the rationale for short, intermittent monthly courses repeated once or twice a year rather than continuous dosing [5][6].\n\nThe real-world route is oral. The subcutaneous reconstitution scheme on this page is an educational measurement convention used across this site, not a clinically validated delivery method for this compound. Cerluten is not approved by the FDA or EMA and is sold as a dietary supplement in Russia [7].
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starKhavinson's foundational review of peptide preparations described the manufacturing technology for complex tissue-derived bioregulators (the Cytomax class to which Cerluten/A-5 belongs) and the concept that these preparations augment tissue-specific protein synthesis and cellular function; this is the scientific origin of the cerebral-cortex peptide complex rather than evidence from a Cerluten randomized trial [1].
- starA 2021 systematic review in Molecules (Khavinson, Popovich, Linkova, Mironova, Ilina) summarized evidence that short peptides can penetrate cell nuclei and interact with the nucleosome and promoter DNA, regulating genes involved in differentiation, neurogenesis, circadian rhythm, and senescence markers (p16, p21), providing the proposed mechanistic basis for neural bioregulators [2].
- starA 2022 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Ilina, Khavinson, Linkova, Petukhov) analyzed neuroepigenetic mechanisms of ultrashort peptides in Alzheimer's disease, linking peptide signaling to BDNF and CREB1 expression, restoration of circadian function, and simultaneous action on amyloid aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation; the authors note these peptides showed a broad activity spectrum without reported side effects in the reviewed work [3].
- starA 2024 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Kraskovskaya, Linkova, Sakhenberg and colleagues) tested the short peptides EDR, KED, and AEDG on neurons reprogrammed from elderly-donor fibroblasts and found increases of roughly 28-34% in primary dendritic processes and 32-46% in total dendrite length, with EDR reducing the oxidative DNA-damage marker 8-OHdG by about 23%, supporting a pro-dendritogenesis, neuroprotective effect at the cellular level [4].
- starKhavinson, Kuznik, and Ryzhak (Advances in Gerontology, 2012) reviewed long-term experimental work positioning peptide bioregulators as a class of geroprotectors, reporting effects on lifespan and carcinogenesis in animal models and a generally favorable tolerability profile across their preclinical program [5].
- starKhavinson's earlier work on peptide regulation of aging (Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 2001) framed regulatory peptides as agents intended to normalize age-related decline in tissue function, the rationale for using a cerebral-cortex complex such as Cerluten for nervous-system support [6].
- starCerluten-specific clinical data are limited to small, mostly Russian-language observational reports and product documentation; one frequently cited series of around 48 patients reported no adverse effects, but there are no PubMed-indexed, peer-reviewed Western randomized controlled trials of Cerluten as a cognitive-enhancement or neuroprotection therapy, so efficacy claims should be regarded as preliminary and class-level rather than proven for this product [7].
- starAcross the available literature, the strongest evidence is mechanistic and preclinical and derives largely from defined synthetic Khavinson peptides; it should not be extrapolated as confirmation of clinical benefit for the undefined Cerluten extract in humans [2][3][7].
Side Effects & Tolerability Profile
Clinical subjects transiently report mild side effects. Slowly escalating the titration dose represents the single most effective intervention to limit side effects.
- warningManufacturer and distributor documentation report that Cerluten is generally well tolerated, with no toxic or allergic reactions noted in limited Russian use; however, this rests on small uncontrolled observations rather than formal safety trials [7].
- warningStated contraindications are individual intolerance of any component, pregnancy, and lactation; these groups are advised not to use it [7].
- warningBecause Cerluten is an animal-derived (bovine cerebral cortex) biological extract, there are theoretical risks not formally evaluated to international standards, including immunogenicity/allergic sensitization and the prion-disease concern inherent to bovine central-nervous-system tissue [7].
- warningNo standardized toxicology, genotoxicity, or long-term safety data meeting Western regulatory requirements have been published, and the precise peptide content of each batch is not chemically defined, so lot-to-lot consistency cannot be assured [7].
- warningNo human pharmacokinetic or drug-interaction studies exist; interactions with prescription medications, anticoagulants, or other neuroactive agents have not been characterized, so caution is warranted in anyone on chronic therapy [7].
- warningThe real-world route is oral. The subcutaneous reconstitution figures on this page are an educational measurement reference only; injecting an undefined, non-sterile-by-design polypeptide extract is not a validated or advisable practice and carries infection, immunogenicity, and sterility risks.
- warningEfficacy for cognition, neuroprotection, or anti-aging is not established by controlled Western trials; reported benefits are preliminary and based largely on mechanistic and preclinical data on related peptides [2][3].
- warningRegulatory/research status: Cerluten is NOT approved by the FDA or EMA. It is marketed as a dietary supplement in Russia and is presented here for educational purposes only; it should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.
Subcutaneous Injection Technique
Most research peptides require subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue. Never inject directly into a blood vessel or deep muscle tissue unless clinically detailed.
1. Site Selection
Common locations include the abdomen (2 inches from navel), outer upper arms, or thighs.
2. Sanitization
Thoroughly clean the selected site, stopper and vial top using 70% isopropyl alcohol prep swabs.
3. Angle & Push
Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle. Depress plunger smoothly.
4. Site Rotation
Rotate injection sites continuously to avoid lipodystrophy or tissue scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical Cerluten dosage?expand_more
The most commonly published Cerluten dosage is 1-2 capsules (10-20 mg) taken one to two times daily with food, delivering about 10-40 mg of the A-5 cerebral-cortex peptide complex per day. A standard protocol is a one-month course repeated once or twice a year, with an 'intensive' course of 2 capsules twice daily (about 40 mg/day) and a lighter maintenance course of 2 capsules once daily. Cerluten is taken orally; the subcutaneous figures on this page are an educational measurement reference only.
Is Cerluten FDA approved?expand_more
No. Cerluten is not approved by the U.S. FDA, the EMA, or any other Western regulatory agency for any medical use. It is marketed as a dietary supplement in Russia. There are no PubMed-indexed Western randomized controlled trials establishing its efficacy, so it should be regarded as a research/educational compound rather than an approved treatment.
How do you reconstitute Cerluten, and what is the protocol?expand_more
In real life Cerluten is not reconstituted at all; it is an oral capsule taken with meals, so there is no genuine Cerluten reconstitution step. For the educational subcutaneous model on this page, a 20 mg vial is dissolved in 1.0 mL of bacteriostatic water to give 20 mg/mL (200 mcg per insulin-syringe unit), so 10 mg is about 50 units and 20 mg is a full 100-unit draw. This is a measurement illustration only and not a validated route for an undefined peptide extract.
What is the half life of Cerluten?expand_more
The Cerluten half life has not been formally characterized. No human pharmacokinetic studies have been published, and because it is an orally administered, undefined polypeptide mixture, any absorbed fragments would be expected to undergo rapid proteolysis and have a very short plasma residence. Khavinson-school authors propose that bioregulators act as transient gene-expression signals, which is the rationale for short, intermittent monthly courses rather than continuous daily dosing.
What are the side effects of Cerluten, and can it be stacked?expand_more
Reported Cerluten side effects are minimal in limited Russian use, with manufacturer documentation citing no toxic or allergic reactions; contraindications are individual intolerance, pregnancy, and lactation. However, formal toxicology data are absent, and theoretical risks from a bovine brain-derived biologic (immunogenicity, prion concern) remain unevaluated. It is sometimes stacked with other Khavinson Cytomax/Cytogen peptides, but no controlled data confirm the safety or benefit of such combinations, and any use should be discussed with a qualified clinician.
Related Guides & Tools
Step-by-step references for reconstituting, measuring, and storing Cerluten, plus the universal dosing calculator.
Academic References & Study Citations
Khavinson VK. Peptides and Ageing. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2002;23 Suppl 3:11-144. (Foundational description of complex tissue-derived peptide preparations, the Cytomax class to which Cerluten/A-5 belongs.) View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VK, Popovich IG, Linkova NS, Mironova ES, Ilina AR. Peptide Regulation of Gene Expression: A Systematic Review. Molecules. 2021;26(22):7053. View Scientific Paper →
Ilina A, Khavinson V, Linkova N, Petukhov M. Neuroepigenetic Mechanisms of Action of Ultrashort Peptides in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(8):4259. View Scientific Paper →
Kraskovskaya N, Linkova N, Sakhenberg E, et al. Short Peptides Protect Fibroblast-Derived Induced Neurons from Age-Related Changes. Int J Mol Sci. 2024. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VK, Kuznik BI, Ryzhak GA. Peptide bioregulators: the new class of geroprotectors. Communication 1. Results of experimental studies. Adv Gerontol. 2012. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VK. Peptide regulation of aging. Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk. 2001. View Scientific Paper →
Cerluten (A-5 cerebral cortex peptide complex) product monograph: composition, source tissue, dosing protocol, and regulatory status. PeptideInsight. View Scientific Paper →