A complex is provided for the treatment of neurogenic conditions having the formula: ##STR00001## where R.sup.1 is ##STR00002## M is a metal ion Ca(II), Mg(II), Cu(II) or Ni(II); n is an integer 1 or 2; R is BBB peptide, transferrin, membrane transporter peptide, TAT peptide, bradykinin, beta-endorphin, bombesin, calcitonin, cholecystokinin, an enkephalin, dynorphin, insulin, gastrin, substance P, neurotensin, glucagon, secretin, somatostatin, motilin, vasopressin, oxytocin, prolactin, thyrotropin, an angiotensin, galanin, neuropeptide Y, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, gonadotropnin-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, vasoactive intestinal peptidegluconate, L-lactate, L-leucine, L-tryptophan, and L-glutamate; and R is coupled to M through a carboxylate moiety. Magnesium(II) represents the preferred metal ion as magnesium is known to have neuroprotective effects. The metal ion is in part chelated by a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that does not inhibit platelet activity and includes salicylate and ibuprofenate. The complex also includes a ligand operative in transport across the blood brain barrier. A process for making an inventive complex includes the stoichiometric addition of ligands containing carboxylate groups to a solution of the metal ion. In instances where the metal ion is magnesium(II), a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1:1 is found between the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ligand:magnesium(II):transporter ligand.