BDNF vs IGF-2
Head-to-head comparison of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mature BDNF)) and IGF-2 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor II) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
| Property | BDNF | IGF-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Cognitive Enhancement | Cognitive Enhancement |
| Full Name | Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mature BDNF) | Insulin-Like Growth Factor II |
| Molecular Weight | 13,700 Da | 7467 Da |
| Half-Life | minutes to hours | 6-10 minutes |
| Amino Acids | 119 aa | 67 aa |
| Typical Dose | research-only microgram range | 1-10 µg preclinical range |
| Route | Intranasal | Intranasal |
| Purity | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 8000 | 1200 |
| Research Status | Pre-clinical | Pre-clinical |
BDNF Benefits
- ✓neurogenesis
- ✓synaptogenesis
- ✓LTP support
- ✓neuronal survival
IGF-2 Benefits
- ✓memory consolidation
- ✓hippocampal plasticity
- ✓synaptic repair
- ✓neuroprotection
BDNF Dosing
0.1-1 µg local or intranasal research delivery|viral or protein infusion models|acute or repeated plasticity protocols
IGF-2 Dosing
0.1-1 µg ICV in rodents|1-10 µg intrahippocampal in preclinical work|acute post-training protocols
BDNF Side Effects
- ⚠off-target neuroexcitation
- ⚠headache-like effects
- ⚠unknown systemic protein effects
IGF-2 Side Effects
- ⚠hypoglycemia risk
- ⚠edema
- ⚠insulin-like systemic effects
Research Overview
BDNF
BDNF is repeatedly associated with learning, long-term potentiation, and recovery from neurologic injury in preclinical literature. Direct protein delivery is difficult, so most studies focus on pathways that raise endogenous BDNF or on localized experimental administration.
IGF-2
IGF-2 has strong preclinical evidence for improving memory formation and supporting synaptic changes tied to learning. It also shows neuroprotective and repair-related effects in models of injury and neurodegeneration.
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