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