IGF-2 vs BDNF
Head-to-head comparison of IGF-2 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor II) and BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mature BDNF)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
| Property | IGF-2 | BDNF |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Cognitive Enhancement | Cognitive Enhancement |
| Full Name | Insulin-Like Growth Factor II | Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mature BDNF) |
| Molecular Weight | 7467 Da | 13,700 Da |
| Half-Life | 6-10 minutes | minutes to hours |
| Amino Acids | 67 aa | 119 aa |
| Typical Dose | 1-10 µg preclinical range | research-only microgram range |
| Route | Intranasal | Intranasal |
| Purity | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 1200 | 8000 |
| Research Status | Pre-clinical | Pre-clinical |
IGF-2 Benefits
- ✓memory consolidation
- ✓hippocampal plasticity
- ✓synaptic repair
- ✓neuroprotection
BDNF Benefits
- ✓neurogenesis
- ✓synaptogenesis
- ✓LTP support
- ✓neuronal survival
IGF-2 Dosing
0.1-1 µg ICV in rodents|1-10 µg intrahippocampal in preclinical work|acute post-training protocols
BDNF Dosing
0.1-1 µg local or intranasal research delivery|viral or protein infusion models|acute or repeated plasticity protocols
IGF-2 Side Effects
- ⚠hypoglycemia risk
- ⚠edema
- ⚠insulin-like systemic effects
BDNF Side Effects
- ⚠off-target neuroexcitation
- ⚠headache-like effects
- ⚠unknown systemic protein effects
Research Overview
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.
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.
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