Side-by-side · Research reference
CortagenvsGlutathione
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-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED6/39 cited
Cortagen
Bioregulatory Tetrapeptide · Khavinson-School
Injectable · Animal models
Glutathione
Endogenous Tripeptide · Antioxidant
IV · Oral · Inhaled
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Cortagen
Glutathione
Primary target
Cerebral cortex tissue — molecular targets under investigation
Intracellular redox systems, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase
Pathway
Antioxidant pathway modulation — suppression of LPO cascade, reduction of protein oxidative modificationKozina 2007
Synthesized via glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) → γ-glutamylcysteine → glutathione synthetase (GS) → GSH
Downstream effect
Decreased lipid peroxidation products, reduced oxidative protein damage, altered gene expression in cardiac tissueKozina 2007Anisimov 2004
Reduction of reactive oxygen species, conjugation of electrophiles, maintenance of cellular thiol-disulfide balance, GPX4 activation for lipid peroxide reduction
Feedback intact?
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Origin
Synthetic tetrapeptide derived from amino acid analysis of natural brain cortex peptide preparation CortexinAnisimov 2004
Endogenous tripeptide; predominantly synthesized in liver, exported to extracellular space and tissuesTerrell 2025Hecht 2026
Antibody development
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02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Cortagen
Glutathione
Animal model dose (rat)
Injection protocol (dose not specified in abstracts)
Multiple injections over study period.
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Avian model dose (chicken)
40-day injection courseKuznik 2008
Compared to epithalon in hypophysectomized and aged birds.
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Human peripheral nerve study
Therapeutic course (protocol details not provided)
Posttraumatic recovery context — reference cited but not detailed.
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Evidence basis
Animal mechanistic studies
Animal mechanistic + human mechanistic
Route
Injectable (inferred from animal protocols)
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Endogenous synthesis
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Hepatic synthesis ~10 g/day (basal rate)
Tissue-specific; demand-driven upregulation via Nrf2 signaling.
Exogenous oral
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250–1000 mg/day
Bioavailability limited; gastric hydrolysis reduces systemic uptake.
IV supplementation
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600–1200 mg (research protocols)
Used in clinical oxidative stress and hepatic detoxification studies.
Precursor strategy
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N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 600–1200 mg/day
Provides cysteine for endogenous GSH synthesis; bypasses GI degradation.
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Cortagen
Glutathione
Antioxidant suppression
Suppression of antioxidant activity noted alongside LPO reductionKozina 2007
Mechanism unclear — possible homeostatic adaptation.
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Immune/hemostasis effects
No effect on immunity or hemostasis parameters in avian hypophysectomy model (unlike epithalon)Kuznik 2008
Epithalon reversed deficits; cortagen did not.
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Human safety data
No adverse events reported in peripheral nerve recovery context
Limited detail in available abstracts.
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Oral supplementation
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GI discomfort, bloating (mild, dose-dependent)
IV administration
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Rare hypersensitivity, infusion site reaction
Inhalation
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Bronchospasm risk in asthma (rare)
Tumor metabolism
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Extracellular GSH catabolism supplies cysteine to tumors; theoretical concern in active malignancyHecht 2026
Absolute Contraindications
Cortagen
—Glutathione
—Relative Contraindications
Cortagen
—Glutathione
- ·Active malignancy (theoretical cysteine supply risk)Hecht 2026
- ·Severe asthma (inhaled formulations)
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Cortagen
Glutathione
1. Preparation
Reconstitute lyophilised peptide with bacteriostatic water per supplier protocol. Exact volumes depend on concentration supplied.
Capsule or liquid form, 250–1000 mg once daily. Take on empty stomach for improved absorption, though GI hydrolysis limits bioavailability. NAC precursor strategy often preferred.
2. Injection site
Subcutaneous injection typical for bioregulatory peptides — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.
Clinical protocols: 600–1200 mg slow infusion over 30–60 minutes. Used for acute oxidative stress, hepatic detoxification support. Administered in medical settings.
3. Timing
Animal protocols used repeated dosing over weeks. Human timing not established — evening administration common in Khavinson tradition.
Nebulized GSH (research protocols). Monitor for bronchospasm in reactive airway patients. Used experimentally for pulmonary oxidative stress.
4. Storage
Lyophilised: refrigerate or freeze per supplier. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within guideline window.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 600–1200 mg/day PO. Provides cysteine substrate for endogenous GSH synthesis. Bypasses gastric degradation, preferred for chronic supplementation.