Cognitive & neuro
Cortistatin
A somatostatin-like brain peptide studied for slow-wave sleep and memory, with rodent data only.
What it is
Cortistatin is a neuropeptide of the somatostatin family, expressed in the cortex, hippocampus and immune tissue. In animals it promotes slow-wave sleep and dampens inflammation, which is why it appears in sleep and memory research. No human therapeutic form exists.
How it works
- 1
Binds somatostatin receptors, sharing some actions with somatostatin.
- 2
Also engages the ghrelin receptor in some tissues, unlike somatostatin.
- 3
Increases slow-wave sleep in rodents when given centrally.
- 4
Reduces inflammatory cytokine release from macrophages.
- 5
Modulates hippocampal synaptic transmission in slice studies.
What it's studied for
Reported and studied effects
- Increased slow-wave sleep in rodent studies
- Anti-inflammatory effects in animal models
- No established human cognitive or sleep effect
Research protocol notes
Research context onlyResearch context only - no human protocol exists. Published work is in rodents, typically using central or intraperitoneal microgram doses over hours to days, and the human peptide differs slightly in length from the rodent form.
These figures are described so you can understand what researchers did. They are not a dose, a schedule, or a suggestion — and they are not a substitute for a doctor.
Possible side effects and contraindications
Safety profile
Possible side effects
- Unknown in humans
- Theoretical effects on glucose and hormone regulation through somatostatin and ghrelin receptors
Contraindications and cautions
- No established human use
- Pregnancy, childhood and any medical condition - no safety data
A side-effect list is never complete, and these are not the only situations that warrant caution. Anything unexpected, or anything you are unsure about, should be discussed with a doctor before use.
Evidence assessment
Rodent and cell data only, with no human dosing, safety information or trials.
References
References link to published literature, regulator pages or literature indexes. Where a link points to a search, it collects the peer-reviewed work on that molecule rather than a single study.
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