Cognitive
Cortagen
Longevity
4
Amino acids
Molecular weight
Peptide
Type
Cortagen is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) derived from brain cortex tissue, developed within the Khavinson family of short bioregulatory peptides. It modulates gene expression at the epigenetic level by entering cell nuclei and influencing chromatin structure to reactivate age-silenced neural genes. Researchers study it primarily for neuroprotection, peripheral nerve regeneration, and cognitive longevity applications.
Top researched benefits
Overview of Cortagen
Cortagen penetrates the cell nucleus and binds DNA regulatory regions, inducing chromatin decondensation that reactivates silenced genes involved in neuronal growth, mitochondrial function, and anti-inflammatory signaling. This epigenetic modulation upregulates neurotrophic factors and reduces oxidative stress markers in neural tissue.
neurological support
- 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.
immune regulation
- Helps regulate immune function by reducing autoimmune reactions.
- Stimulates interleukin-2 expression for immune regulation.
antiaging
- Restores balance between pro- and anti-oxidative processes.
- Addresses age-related CNS changes through bioregulation.
Typical Dose
1mg per injection
Frequency
once daily
Cycle Duration
10–14 days, repeated every 4–6 months
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C long-term, 2–8°C short-term. Reconstituted: 2–8°C for up to 4 weeks; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Chemical Makeup
Key benefits
Accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration by upregulating neurotrophic factors, increasing nerve fiber growth rate and conduction velocity by 27–40% in injury models
Reactivates age-silenced neural genes through chromatin decondensation, counteracting epigenetic suppression associated with brain aging
Protects neurons from oxidative stress and ischemic damage, improving behavioral recovery in chronic cerebral ischemia models
Improves memory and cognitive function in preclinical models by enhancing neuroplasticity and synaptic protein expression
Community interest
This peptide is still gaining traction in the community.
Brain Bioregulator | Neuroprotection & Nerve Repair
This overview is informational and based on aggregated descriptions from studies and user reports.
Was it helpful?YesNoCortagen Molecular Information
View the scientifc details of Cortagen.
4
Amino Acids
Cortagen
Ala
Ala
Position 1
Glu
Glu
Position 2
Asp
Asp
Position 3
Pro
Pro
Position 4
Molecular Weight
430.4DaChain Length
4Amino AcidsType
PeptideCortagen Protocols
Subcutaneous injection is the primary and most effective route for Cortagen, delivering the tetrapeptide directly into circulation for maximum neuroprotective and nerve-regenerative effect. The abdominal region is the preferred injection site, with morning administration recommended; cycles typically run 10–30 days repeated 1–2 times per year.
| Goal | Dosage | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nerve regeneration | 1000 | 1 day range | SubQ |
| Cognitive support and memory enhancement | 500 | 1 day range | SubQ |
| Neuroprotection and anti-aging | 1000 | 1 day range | SubQ |
| Neurological injury recovery | 1000 | 1 day range | SubQ |
| Longevity maintenance cycling | 1000 | 1 day range | SubQ |
Reconstitution Instructions
Materials needed:
Steps to reconstitute
- Allow the lyophilized Cortagen vial to reach room temperature before opening to prevent condensation from contaminating the powder.
- Wipe the rubber stopper of the vial with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry for 30 seconds.
- Draw 1–2 mL of bacteriostatic water into an insulin syringe.
- Insert the needle at an angle along the inner vial wall and inject the bacteriostatic water slowly down the side — never directly onto the powder.
- Gently swirl the vial in slow circular motions until the powder is fully dissolved; do not shake or vortex.
- Store reconstituted solution in the refrigerator at 2–8°C and use within 4 weeks. Do not freeze the reconstituted vial.
- Draw the desired dose into a fresh insulin syringe and inject subcutaneously into the abdominal region at a 45-degree angle.
- Inject slowly and steadily; hold for a few seconds before withdrawing the needle. Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections.
- Rotate injection sites across the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms to reduce local irritation.
Cortagen Cycle
The Cortagen Cycle section explains how long a typical cycle lasts and what to expect during each phase. Over time, your body can become less responsive with continuous use.
Taking breaks between cycles may help maintain effectiveness and support better overall results.
- Week 0-0
- Gene expression modulation begins
- Week 0-0
- Effects persist due to epigenetic changes
- Week 0-0
- Neurological function improvements
- Week 0-0
- Cumulative benefits with periodic cycles
Dosing tools
Cortagen Peptide Dosage Calculator
Calculate peptide doses with our visual syringe guide.
mg
Enter the total amount of peptide in the vial in milligrams (as stated on the label).
The dose you want to inject per administration, in mcg or mg.
1,000 mcg = 1 mg
1 mL
2 mL
3 mL
5 mL
Custom
Volume of bacteriostatic water you add to reconstitute the powder. Use BAC water for preservation.
Injection Results
Based on your vial and dilution inputs.
Cortagen
SINGLE COMPOUNDVolume per injection
0.05
mL
Concentration
10.00
mg/mL
Doses per vial
20
doses
Total injections per vial
20 injections
How it works
Based on a 10 mg Cortagen vial diluted with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water, each 500 mcg injection equals 0.05 mL.
1mL / 100 units
5 units
0.050 mL
Reference Guide
Dosing Cycle
- Peptide
- Cortagen
- Dosing
- 1mg per injection
- Dosing Frequency
- once daily
- Cycle Duration
- 10–14 days, repeated every 4–6 months
- Storage
- Lyophilized: -20°C long-term, 2–8°C short-term. Reconstituted: 2–8°C for up to 4 weeks; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Note: Triple agonist; microdose for fewer side effects
Reconstitution Tips
- Use bacteriostatic water (BAC) — contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol for preservation
- Inject water slowly — aim down the vial wall, not directly onto powder
- Never shake — gently swirl or roll the vial until dissolved
- Store properly — refrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution
- Use within 28 days — most reconstituted peptides remain stable for about 4 weeks
- Keep sterile — always clean vial tops with alcohol before drawing
Peptide Interactions
Research suggestions of Cortagen interactions with other common peptides and substances.
Healing
car
Longevity
Cardiogen
COMPATIBLE
Part of Khavinson bioregulator family; targets different tissue.
Longevity
epi
Immunity
Epitalon
SYNERGISTIC
Often combined in comprehensive anti-aging Khavinson protocols.
Cognitive
pin
Longevity
Pinealon
SYNERGISTIC
Complementary CNS bioregulators; Cortagen for cortex, Pinealon for general brain.
Longevity
thy
Immunity
Thymalin
COMPATIBLE
Different organ targets; can be used in comprehensive bioregulator protocols.
Side effects
Contraindications
Active neurological emergencies (seek medical care)
Known hypersensitivity
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Stop signs
Allergic reactions
Unusual neurological symptoms
Bad signs
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Frequently asked questions
What is a peptide dosage calculator?
A peptide dosage calculator is a free tool that converts your vial size, bacteriostatic water volume, and target dose into an exact syringe draw volume. Instead of doing the reconstitution math by hand, you enter three inputs and instantly get the concentration of your solution and how many milliliters or syringeunits to draw. This calculator works for single peptide compounds and multi-peptide blends.
How do I calculate peptide dosage from a vial?
To calculate your peptide dose, divide the total peptide content of your vial in micrograms by the volume of bacteriostatic water you added in milliliters. This gives you your solution concentration in mcg/mL. Then divide your target dose by that concentration to get your draw volume. For example, a 5mg (5,000 mcg) vial reconstituted with 2mL of BAC water gives a concentration of 2,500 mcg/mL. A 250 mcg dose would require drawing 0.1mL. This calculator automates all of those steps instantly.
How much Bacteriostatic water should I add to a peptide vial?
Most people add 2mL to 3mL of bacteriostatic water per vial, but the right amount depends on the dose you want to draw and the syringe size you are using. Adding 1mL to a 5mg vial gives you a concentration of 5,000 mcg/mL, making each dose very small in volume. Adding 2mL gives you 2,500 mcg/mL, which is easier to measure on a standard insulin syringe. A general guideline is to choose a volume that puts your typical dose somewhere between 10 and 30 units on a U-100 syringe. Use the calculator above to test different water volumes and find what works for your dose.
How are peptides different from proteins?
Both are made of amino acids, but peptides are much smaller than proteins. Because of their tiny size, peptides can act like tiny messengers in the body, sending specific signals to your cells to tell them exactly what to do.
CortagenResearch References
Cortagen is a preclinical compound
Cortagen
Cortagen is a preclinical compound
Effect of Cortagen on Gene Expression in Mouse Heart
Cortagen affects expression of genes including Pass1, Hsc70, Bmp2, Wnt4, Eps15 in heart tissue.
n.d.
Delayed Effect of Cortagen on Restoration of Injured Nerve Function
Demonstrated effects on nerve function restoration following injury.
n.d.
Effect of Tetrapeptide Cortagen on Regeneration of Sciatic Nerve
Research on nerve regeneration effects of Cortagen tetrapeptide.
n.d.
Khavinson Peptide Bioregulators
Comprehensive review of bioregulator peptides and their epigenetic mechanisms.
n.d.
Calculate peptide dosages
Learning how to calculate a peptide dose? Use our beginner-friendly peptide dosage, blend, and accumulation calculators. Enter vial size, reconstitution volume, and target dose to get exact draw volumes instantly. No guesswork, just clear guidance that helps prevent common mistakes.
