BDNF vs NGF
Head-to-head comparison of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mature BDNF)) and NGF (Beta-Nerve Growth Factor (human NGF beta)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
| Property | BDNF | NGF |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Cognitive Enhancement | Cognitive Enhancement |
| Full Name | Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mature BDNF) | Beta-Nerve Growth Factor (human NGF beta) |
| Molecular Weight | 13,700 Da | 13,600 Da |
| Half-Life | minutes to hours | hours |
| Amino Acids | 119 aa | 118 aa |
| Typical Dose | research-only microgram range | research-only microgram range |
| Route | Intranasal | Intranasal |
| Purity | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 8000 | 3500 |
| Research Status | Pre-clinical | Pre-clinical |
BDNF Benefits
- ✓neurogenesis
- ✓synaptogenesis
- ✓LTP support
- ✓neuronal survival
NGF Benefits
- ✓neurite outgrowth
- ✓cholinergic support
- ✓nerve repair
- ✓neuroprotection
BDNF Dosing
0.1-1 µg local or intranasal research delivery|viral or protein infusion models|acute or repeated plasticity protocols
NGF Dosing
0.01-1 µg/kg in experimental delivery studies|local CNS or intranasal research delivery|single or repeated low-dose protocols
BDNF Side Effects
- ⚠off-target neuroexcitation
- ⚠headache-like effects
- ⚠unknown systemic protein effects
NGF Side Effects
- ⚠pain at injection site
- ⚠hyperalgesia
- ⚠autonomic 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.
NGF
NGF is one of the most established growth factors in neurobiology and has been investigated for both central and peripheral neuronal repair. Its strongest cognitive relevance comes from supporting basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and downstream memory circuitry.
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