BDNF vs NPY
Head-to-head comparison of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mature BDNF)) and NPY (Neuropeptide Y) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
| Property | BDNF | NPY |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Cognitive Enhancement | Cognitive Enhancement |
| Full Name | Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mature BDNF) | Neuropeptide Y |
| Molecular Weight | 13,700 Da | 4272 Da |
| Half-Life | minutes to hours | minutes |
| Amino Acids | 119 aa | 36 aa |
| Typical Dose | research-only microgram range | 1-10 µg preclinical range |
| Route | Intranasal | Intranasal |
| Purity | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 8000 | 900 |
| Research Status | Pre-clinical | Pre-clinical |
BDNF Benefits
- ✓neurogenesis
- ✓synaptogenesis
- ✓LTP support
- ✓neuronal survival
NPY Benefits
- ✓stress resilience
- ✓hippocampal protection
- ✓memory modulation
- ✓anti-excitotoxic signaling
BDNF Dosing
0.1-1 µg local or intranasal research delivery|viral or protein infusion models|acute or repeated plasticity protocols
NPY Dosing
0.1-1 nmol ICV in rodents|1-10 µg intranasal in experimental work|acute or repeated stress-model protocols
BDNF Side Effects
- ⚠off-target neuroexcitation
- ⚠headache-like effects
- ⚠unknown systemic protein effects
NPY Side Effects
- ⚠sedation
- ⚠appetite increase
- ⚠blood pressure changes
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.
NPY
NPY has been shown in animal studies to protect neurons from excitotoxic injury and to dampen stress-linked cognitive impairment. It is often discussed as a counterbalance to overactive glutamatergic and stress pathways in the brain.
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