Condition
Neurological Health
Neurological health is about keeping the brain and nervous system working well; the brain uses about 20% of the body's energy, which leaves it vulnerable to oxidative stress and inflammation. Omega-3s, vitamin D and B vitamins have the strongest evidence overall, and after traumatic brain injury, Cerebrolysin trials found improved recovery scores. Much of the brain-protection research, such as on humanin, comes from lab work, and BPC-157 findings are mostly from animals.
Sources: PMID 33620612
- Supplements studied
- 5
- Medicines and peptides
- 6
- Graded outcomes
- 16
- Trials
- 3
- People studied
- 55
Evidence by supplement
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms Open-label pilot study (n=50, 26 weeks): Luteolin formulation (100mg luteolin + 70mg quercetin + 30mg rutin) significantly improved VABS scores: communication (+8.43 months), daily living skills (+7.17 months), social domain (+8 months). 26.6-34.8% reduction in Aberrant Behavior Checklist subscales. No major adverse effects (NCT01847521). | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | ||||
| Neuroprotection (Preclinical) Multiple preclinical studies demonstrate neuroprotective effects in models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. Mechanisms include reduced Aβ plaque formation, microglial suppression, and enhanced neuronal survival. Clinical translation pending. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect |
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite Small Increase | Worsens (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 10 people | ||
| Heart Rate | Improves (the measure goes down) | 4 studies | 20 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 20 people | |||
Studies that measured blood pressure | ||||||
| Cerebral Blood Flow | Improves (the measure goes up) | 20 people | ||||
| Satiety | Improves (the measure goes up) | 10 people | ||||
| Stress Signs and Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 20 people | ||||
Wild Yam
- Hematocrit
- Liver Enzymes: changes; see studies
- Pain: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hematocrit Mixed effect | 25 people | |||||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 25 people | |||
| Pain | Improves (the measure goes down) | 25 people | ||||
| Red Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 25 people | ||||
| Urinary Albumin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 25 people | ||||
| White Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 25 people | ||||
Cistanche (Cistanche tubulosa/deserticola)
- Neuroprotection (Preclinical): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuroprotection (Preclinical) Systematic review (20 studies, n=1696 animals): Significant neuroprotective effects in AD models. Mechanisms include reduced Aβ deposition, tau inhibition, antioxidant effects, and synapse protection. Candidate for clinical trials. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Large effect |
Magnolia Bark (Magnolia officinalis)
- Neuroprotection (Preclinical): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuroprotection (Preclinical) Preclinical studies: Honokiol and magnolol prevented age-related memory deficits in senescence-accelerated mice. Decreased β-amyloid induced neuronal death through reduced ROS, calcium, and caspase-3 inhibition. Preserved cholinergic neurons via Akt pathway activation. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect |
Prescription medicines and peptides studied, for context
Humanin
- Neuroprotection: improves
- Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers: improves
- Amyloid-Beta Toxicity: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuroprotection Humanin protects neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity, oxidative stress, and other Alzheimer's-associated insults by preserving mitochondrial function and inhibiting apoptotic pathways. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Large effect | 3 studies | |||
| Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers Humanin levels are decreased in CSF of Alzheimer's patients. The variant P3S is enriched in APOE4 carriers who maintain cognitive resilience, suggesting protective effects. | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 6 studies | |||
| Amyloid-Beta Toxicity Humanin and its analogs prevent neuronal cell death induced by amyloid-beta peptides through multiple protective mechanisms including mitochondrial preservation. | Improves (the measure goes down) | Large effect | 2 studies |
Cerebrolysin
- Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery: improves
- Stroke Recovery (Early Neurological Function): improves
- Stroke Recovery (Long-term Functional Outcome): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Significant improvement in GCS and GOS scores | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 6 studies | 8,749 people | ||
| Stroke Recovery (Early Neurological Function) Notable Improvement in NIHSS scores at Day 30 | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 5 studies | 2,884 people | ||
| Stroke Recovery (Long-term Functional Outcome) Inconsistent results at Day 90 on modified Rankin Scale | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 6 studies | 1,649 people |
GHRP-6
- Brain IGF-1 Expression: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brain IGF-1 Expression Moderate Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 15 studies | 75 people |
BPC-157
- Neuroprotection: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuroprotection Moderate Protection (mostly animal data) | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 7 studies | 75 people |
Semax
- Stroke Recovery: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stroke Recovery Moderate Improvement | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 5 studies | 220 people |
Pinealon
- Neuroprotection: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuroprotection Minor Effect | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 43 studies | 40 people |
Key findings
- Autism Spectrum Disorder SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)
- AppetiteWorsens (the measure goes up)
- Hematocrit
Safety notes in the studies
- No major adverse effects (NCT01847521).
- Humanin protects neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity, oxidative stress, and other Alzheimer's-associated insults by preserving mitochondrial function and inhibiting apoptotic pathways.
The Neurological Health & Brain Protection protocol
2 primary supplements · 7 supporting supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids2–3 g EPA+DHA daily (balanced or higher DHA for brain focus)
- Vitamin D2,000–4,000 IU daily (target 40–60 ng/mL)
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Studies cited
93 studies from PubMed
- Emerging Use of BPC-157 in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review.
- Treatment with Cerebrolysin Prolongs Lifespan in a Mouse Model of Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy.
- Growth hormone releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) prevents doxorubicin-induced myocardial and extra-myocardial damages by activating prosurvival mechanisms
- Modulation of neurotrophic factors in the treatment of dementia, stroke and TBI: Effects of Cerebrolysin
- Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and the central nervous system
- Cerebrolysin after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: prospective meta-analysis of the CAPTAIN trial series.
- Humanin and Alzheimer's Disease: The Beginning of a New Field
- Cerebrolysin for stroke, neurodegeneration, and traumatic brain injury: review of the literature and outcomes
- The effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on hippocampal ischemia/reperfusion injuries in rats
- The efficacy of semax in the treatment of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke
- Growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 prevents cutaneous hypertrophic scarring: early mechanistic data from a proteome study
- Safety and efficacy of Cerebrolysin in early post-stroke recovery: a meta-analysis of nine randomized clinical trials
- Changes in Sympathetic Innervation of the Heart in Rats with Experimental Myocardial Infarction. Effect of Semax.
- Growth Hormone Secretagogue Treatment in Hypogonadal Men Raises Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Levels
- Synthetic Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptides (GHRPs): A Historical Appraisal of the Evidences Supporting Their Cytoprotective Effects
- Cerebrolysin for functional recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Therapeutic potential of pro-angiogenic BPC157 is associated with VEGFR2 activation and up-regulation
- Changes in Sympathetic Innervation of Rat Caudal Artery in Experimental Myocardial Infarction. Effect of Semax Peptide.
- Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 6 Enhances the Healing Process and Improves the Esthetic Outcome of the Wounds
- Brain-gut Axis and Pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Theoretical and Practical Implications
- Effect of Synthetic Peptides on Aging of Patients with Chronic Polymorbidity and Organic Brain Syndrome of the Central Nervous System in Remission
- A retrospective, multi-center cohort study evaluating the severity-related effects of cerebrolysin treatment on clinical outcomes in traumatic brain injury
- Humanin attenuates Alzheimer-like cognitive deficits and pathological changes induced by amyloid β-peptide in rats
- BPC 157 and blood vessels
- Cerebrolysin enhances cognitive recovery of mild traumatic brain injury patients: double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study
- Safety profile of Cerebrolysin: clinical experience from dementia and stroke trials
- The pharmacology of neurotrophic treatment with Cerebrolysin: brain protection and repair to counteract pathologies of acute and chronic neurological disorders
- Protective effects of [Gly14]-Humanin on beta-amyloid-induced PC12 cell death by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction
- The positive effects of growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 on weight gain and fat mass accrual depend on the insulin/glucose status
- Humanin; a defender against Alzheimer's disease?
- Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrain
- Evidence for in vivo production of Humanin peptide, a neuroprotective factor against Alzheimer's disease-related insults
- Acute central ghrelin and GH secretagogues induce feeding and activate brain appetite centers
- Growth hormone (GH) and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase brain insulin-like growth factor-I expression and activate intracellular signaling pathways involved in neuroprotection
- Investigation of mechanisms of neuro-protective effect of semax in acute period of ischemic stroke
- Growth hormone-releasing peptides
- Growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP-6) stimulates phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover in human pituitary somatotroph cells
- Growth hormone-releasing effect of oral growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) administration in children with short stature
- Evaluation of the safety of Sanyak (Dioscoreae rhizoma) pharmacopuncture according to the extraction method: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
- A comparative study of the safety and efficacy of 75% mulberry (Morus alba) extract oil versus placebo as a topical treatment for melasma: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial
- Lack of the effect of topical vitamin K on bruising after mechanical injury
- The effects of topical vitamin K on bruising after laser treatment
- The role of topical vitamin K oxide gel in the resolution of postprocedural purpura
- Effects of topical vitamin K and retinol on laser-induced purpura on nonlesional skin
- The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars
- Failure of topical steroids and vitamin E to reduce postoperative scar formation following reconstructive surgery
- The effects of vitamin C supplementation on serum concentrations of uric acid: results of a randomized controlled trial
- Riboflavin supplementation and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in the elderly
- Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)
- Topical tretinoin improves photoaged skin. A double-blind vehicle-controlled study
- Two concentrations of topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) cause similar improvement of photoaging but different degrees of irritation. A double-blind, vehicle-controlled comparison of 0.1% and 0.025% tretinoin creams
- Topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) treatment of hyperpigmented lesions associated with photoaging in Chinese and Japanese patients: a vehicle-controlled trial
- Topical tretinoin for treatment of photodamaged skin. A multicenter study
- Does saffron have antisolar and moisturizing effects?
- The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity
- Effect of "rose essential oil" inhalation on stress-induced skin-barrier disruption in rats and humans
- Pycnogenol® effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women
- Oral Polypodium leucotomos extract decreases ultraviolet-induced damage of human skin
- Photoprotective activity of oral polypodium leucotomos extract in 25 patients with idiopathic photodermatoses
- The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
- Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance
- Enhancement of human skin facial revitalization by moringa leaf extract cream
- Effects of an ergothioneine-rich Pleurotus sp. on skin moisturizing functions and facial conditions: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Effect of Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP 6) on Serum Uric Acid in Hyperuricemic Subjects: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
- Green tea polyphenols provide photoprotection, increase microcirculation, and modulate skin properties of women
- Oral intake of proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds improves chloasma
- The efficacy and side effects of oral Centella asiatica extract for wound healing promotion in diabetic wound patients
- Evidence of the regulatory effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on skin blood flow and study of its effects on urinary metabolites in healthy humans
- Clinical efficacy comparison of anti-wrinkle cosmetics containing herbal flavonoids
- Dietary fish-oil supplementation in humans reduces UVB-erythemal sensitivity but increases epidermal lipid peroxidation
- Effect of Curcumin on Serum Urate in Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
- Effects of Collagen Supplements on Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
- Aging skin is functionally anaerobic: importance of coenzyme Q10 for anti aging skin care
- The effect of dietary intake of coenzyme Q10 on skin parameters and condition: Results of a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study
- Cocoa Flavanol Supplementation Influences Skin Conditions of Photo-Aged Women: A 24-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial
- Chocolate flavanols and skin photoprotection: a parallel, double-blind, randomized clinical trial
- Long-term ingestion of high flavanol cocoa provides photoprotection against UV-induced erythema and improves skin condition in women
- On the effects of a plant extract of Orthosiphon stamineus on sebum-related skin imperfections
- Evaluating the Suitability and Potential Efficiency of Cannabis sativa Oil for Patients with Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Prospective, Open-Label, Single-Arm Pilot Study
- Middle cerebral artery velocity during upright posture after marijuana smoking
- The effects of smoking marihuana on physical performance
- Regional cerebral blood flow after marijuana smoking
- Effect of marihuana on intraocular and blood pressure in glaucoma
- Effects of acute marijuana smoking on pulse rate and mood states in women
- Explorative Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Intervention Study with Low Doses of Inhaled Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Reveals No Effect on Sweet Taste Intensity Perception and Liking in Humans
- Calendula extract: effects on mechanical parameters of human skin.
- Treatment of human skin with an extract of Fucus vesiculosus changes its thickness and mechanical properties
- Effects of topical boswellic acid on photo and age-damaged skin: clinical, biophysical, and echographic evaluations in a double-blind, randomized, split-face study
- Preliminary evidence hints at a protective role for boron in urolithiasis
- The Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
- Effectiveness of Dietary Supplement for Skin Moisturizing in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
- Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin deterioration
- Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects