Side-by-side · Research reference
CartalaxvsCortagen
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
AAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED10/32 cited
BAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED11/35 cited
Cartalax
Bioregulator Peptide · Khavinson School
SQ · Protocol Unspecified
Cortagen
Bioregulatory Tetrapeptide · Khavinson-School
Injectable · Animal models
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Cartalax
Cortagen
Primary target
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergoing chondrogenic differentiationLinkova 2023
Cerebral cortex tissue — molecular targets under investigation
Pathway
Modulation of WNT, ERK-p38, and Smad 1/5/8 signaling pathwaysLinkova 2023
Antioxidant pathway modulation — suppression of LPO cascade, reduction of protein oxidative modificationKozina 2007
Downstream effect
Upregulation of chondrogenic genes (COL2, SOX9, ACAN); increased bone mineral density; osteoprotective effects in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosisLinkova 2023Povorozniuk 2007
Decreased lipid peroxidation products, reduced oxidative protein damage, altered gene expression in cardiac tissueKozina 2007Anisimov 2004
Feedback intact?
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Origin
Derived from cartilaginous tissue extracts (Khavinson bioregulator methodology)Povorozniuk 2007
Synthetic tetrapeptide derived from amino acid analysis of natural brain cortex peptide preparation CortexinAnisimov 2004
Antibody development
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02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Cartalax
Cortagen
Animal model dose
Unspecified (cartilaginous tissue extract protocol)
Rat study; extract preparation details not indexed in available abstracts.
—
Human dosing
Not established in PubMed-indexed literature
Russian-tradition protocols exist but lack peer-reviewed Western validation.
—
Evidence basis
Animal mechanistic studies only
Animal mechanistic studies
Animal model dose (rat)
—
Injection protocol (dose not specified in abstracts)
Multiple injections over study period.
Avian model dose (chicken)
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40-day injection courseKuznik 2008
Compared to epithalon in hypophysectomized and aged birds.
Human peripheral nerve study
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Therapeutic course (protocol details not provided)
Posttraumatic recovery context — reference cited but not detailed.
Route
—
Injectable (inferred from animal protocols)
03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence
Parameter
Cartalax
Cortagen
Fat loss evidence
None — primary target is cartilage and bone tissue, not adipose
—
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Cartalax
Cortagen
Documented adverse effects
None reported in indexed animal studies
—
Human safety data
Not available in PubMed-indexed literature
No adverse events reported in peripheral nerve recovery context
Limited detail in available abstracts.
Antioxidant suppression
—
Suppression of antioxidant activity noted alongside LPO reductionKozina 2007
Mechanism unclear — possible homeostatic adaptation.
Immune/hemostasis effects
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No effect on immunity or hemostasis parameters in avian hypophysectomy model (unlike epithalon)Kuznik 2008
Epithalon reversed deficits; cortagen did not.
Absolute Contraindications
Cartalax
- ·Unknown due to lack of human clinical trial data
Cortagen
—Relative Contraindications
Cartalax
- ·Active malignancy (theoretical; peptide bioregulators may influence cell proliferation pathways)
Cortagen
—05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Cartalax
Cortagen
1. Route
Subcutaneous injection typical for Khavinson bioregulators; specific protocols not detailed in indexed literature.
Reconstitute lyophilised peptide with bacteriostatic water per supplier protocol. Exact volumes depend on concentration supplied.
2. Frequency
Russian-tradition protocols often employ 10-day cycles; precise frequency unspecified in available abstracts.
Subcutaneous injection typical for bioregulatory peptides — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.
3. Storage
Lyophilised peptide bioregulators typically stored at 2–8 °C, light-protected. Reconstitution details not indexed.
Animal protocols used repeated dosing over weeks. Human timing not established — evening administration common in Khavinson tradition.
4. Storage
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Lyophilised: refrigerate or freeze per supplier. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within guideline window.