Cortagen
Also known as: AEDP, Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro, Brain Cortex Bioregulator
AEDP | Brain Cortex Bioregulator Peptide
Overview
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. Research shows potential benefits for ischemic brain injury recovery, nerve regeneration, and reducing autoimmune reactions affecting the CNS.
Key benefits
- Regulates central nervous system function
- Powerful anti-inflammatory effects in brain
- Supports nerve regeneration
- Restores oxidative balance
- Stimulates interleukin-2 expression
- Reduces autoimmune reactions
- Beneficial after ischemic brain injury
- Modulates gene expression in neural tissue
Mechanism of action
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. Cortagen stimulates IL-2 expression and helps regulate immune function, particularly by reducing autoimmune reactions.
Molecular data
- Type
- Tetrapeptide bioregulator
- Half-life
- Minutes (short peptide); effects persist via epigenetic changes
Sequence
Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Neurological Support
Ischemic Brain Injury Recovery
EffectiveShows beneficial long-term results in research following ischemic brain injury.
Nerve Regeneration
ModerateResearch demonstrates effects on restoration of injured nerve function.
Neuroinflammation
ModerateRegulates inflammatory response in the nervous system.
Immune Regulation
Autoimmune Modulation
ModerateHelps regulate immune function by reducing autoimmune reactions.
IL-2 Stimulation
ModerateStimulates interleukin-2 expression for immune regulation.
Anti-Aging
Oxidative Balance
ModerateRestores balance between pro- and anti-oxidative processes.
Brain Aging
ModerateAddresses age-related CNS changes through bioregulation.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Oral
Available in capsule form for oral administration. Short peptides can be absorbed orally and reach target tissues. Typical protocol involves 10-20 day cycles, often repeated 2-3 times per year.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard protocol | 10-20 mg | Daily for 10-20 days | Oral capsules |
| Maintenance | 10 mg | 2-3 cycles yearly | Oral capsules |
Injectable
Injectable form available for direct administration, bypassing GI tract.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research protocol | 10 mg | Daily for 10 days | IM or SubQ |
Preparation
You will need
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs
- Sterile vial
Steps
- Clean work area thoroughly
- Reconstitute with appropriate volume
- Gently swirl until dissolved
- Store reconstituted solution refrigerated
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
Pinealon
SynergisticComplementary CNS bioregulators; Cortagen for cortex, Pinealon for general brain.
Epitalon
SynergisticOften combined in comprehensive anti-aging Khavinson protocols.
Thymalin
CompatibleDifferent organ targets; can be used in comprehensive bioregulator protocols.
Cardiogen
CompatiblePart of Khavinson bioregulator family; targets different tissue.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- During cycle
Gene expression modulation begins
- Post-cycle
Effects persist due to epigenetic changes
- Weeks-Months
Neurological function improvements
- Long-term
Cumulative benefits with periodic cycles
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Generally well-tolerated
- Minimal side effects reported
Rare side effects
- Allergic reactions (rare)
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- Allergic reactions
- Unusual neurological symptoms
Contraindications
- Active neurological emergencies (seek medical care)
- Known hypersensitivity
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- White powder or capsules
- Clear solution if reconstituted
- Proper packaging and labeling
Warning signs
- Unknown source or purity
Stop signs — don't use
- Discoloration
- Unusual odor
- Damaged packaging
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
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.
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.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.