Embodiments of this invention include synthetic compounds (NRP analogs) of peptides termed neural regeneration peptides (NRPs). NRP analogs are made by substituting amino acids in the native peptide sequence, modifying amino acids chemically, by replacing amino acids with synthetic moieties, by stabilizing β-turns, acetylation of terminal glycine residues or by cyclization. NRP analogs can be used to treat a variety of conditions involving degeneration of neural cells, and includes treating disorders of the nervous system, including peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, neurotoxin-induced neurodegeneration, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.