Side-by-side · Research reference

CortagenvsDSIP

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED11/35 cited

BHuman-MechanisticAUTO-DRAFTED8/36 cited

Cortagen

Bioregulatory Tetrapeptide · Khavinson-School

TetrapeptideStructure

↓ LPO productsAntioxidant effectKozina 2007

AnimalEvidence level

Injectable · Animal models

DSIP

Sleep modulator · Anti-stress

100–200 mcgPer doseSchneider 1986

HumanMechanisticSchneider 1986

HoursHalf-life (est)

SQ · Pre-sleep · Daily during cycle

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Cortagen

DSIP

Primary target

Cerebral cortex tissue — molecular targets under investigation

Multiple — modulates HPA axis + thalamic delta-wave generation (proposed)Schneider 1986

Pathway

Antioxidant pathway modulation — suppression of LPO cascade, reduction of protein oxidative modificationKozina 2007

Reduced cortisol/ACTH + enhanced delta-wave EEG activity → improved sleep onset + depthSchneider 1986

Downstream effect

Decreased lipid peroxidation products, reduced oxidative protein damage, altered gene expression in cardiac tissueKozina 2007 Anisimov 2004

Faster sleep onset, increased delta sleep, reduced stress response, possible anxiolytic effectSchneider 1986

Feedback intact?

—

Origin

Synthetic tetrapeptide derived from amino acid analysis of natural brain cortex peptide preparation CortexinAnisimov 2004

Endogenous peptide first isolated from rabbit blood during delta sleep; synthesised exogenouslySchneider 1986

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Cortagen

DSIP

Animal model dose (rat)

Injection protocol (dose not specified in abstracts)

Multiple injections over study period.

—

Avian model dose (chicken)

40-day injection courseKuznik 2008

Compared to epithalon in hypophysectomized and aged birds.

—

Human peripheral nerve study

Therapeutic course (protocol details not provided)

Posttraumatic recovery context — reference cited but not detailed.

—

Evidence basis

Animal mechanistic studies

Human-mechanistic + early clinicalSchneider 1986

Route

Injectable (inferred from animal protocols)

—

Standard dose

—

100–200 mcg SQ pre-sleepSchneider 1986

Frequency

—

Once daily, pre-sleep

Lower / starter dose

—

50 mcg pre-sleep

Duration

—

8–12 weeks per cycle

Reconstitution

—

Bacteriostatic water

Timing

—

30–60 min pre-sleep

Half-life

—

Short plasma; CNS effects last hours

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Cortagen

DSIP

Antioxidant suppression

Suppression of antioxidant activity noted alongside LPO reductionKozina 2007

Mechanism unclear — possible homeostatic adaptation.

—

Immune/hemostasis effects

No effect on immunity or hemostasis parameters in avian hypophysectomy model (unlike epithalon)Kuznik 2008

Epithalon reversed deficits; cortagen did not.

—

Human safety data

No adverse events reported in peripheral nerve recovery context

Limited detail in available abstracts.

—

Injection site reaction

—

Mild irritation

Drowsiness

—

Expected effect (intentional)

Vivid dreams

—

Anecdotally reported

Long-term safety

—

Limited modern RCT data

Pregnancy / OB

—

Avoid

Absolute Contraindications

Cortagen

—

DSIP

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Concurrent CNS-depressant therapy without supervision

Relative Contraindications

Cortagen

—

DSIP

·Severe sleep apnoea (untreated)
·Concurrent benzodiazepine / opioid use

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Cortagen

DSIP

1. Preparation

Reconstitute lyophilised peptide with bacteriostatic water per supplier protocol. Exact volumes depend on concentration supplied.

Add 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water to vial.

2. Injection site

Subcutaneous injection typical for bioregulatory peptides — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.

SQ — abdomen. Rotate sites.

3. Timing

Animal protocols used repeated dosing over weeks. Human timing not established — evening administration common in Khavinson tradition.

30–60 min pre-sleep.

4. Storage

Lyophilised: refrigerate or freeze per supplier. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within guideline window.

Lyophilised: room temp. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.

5. Needle

—

29–31G insulin syringe.