NGF vs IGF-2

Head-to-head comparison of NGF (Beta-Nerve Growth Factor (human NGF beta)) and IGF-2 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor II) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.

Research Score

NGF
4.8
PropertyNGFIGF-2
CategoryCognitive EnhancementCognitive Enhancement
Full NameBeta-Nerve Growth Factor (human NGF beta)Insulin-Like Growth Factor II
Molecular Weight13,600 Da7467 Da
Half-Lifehours6-10 minutes
Amino Acids118 aa67 aa
Typical Doseresearch-only microgram range1-10 µg preclinical range
RouteIntranasalIntranasal
Purity≥98%≥98%
Studies Count35001200
Research StatusPre-clinicalPre-clinical

NGF Benefits

  • neurite outgrowth
  • cholinergic support
  • nerve repair
  • neuroprotection

IGF-2 Benefits

  • memory consolidation
  • hippocampal plasticity
  • synaptic repair
  • neuroprotection

NGF Dosing

0.01-1 µg/kg in experimental delivery studies|local CNS or intranasal research delivery|single or repeated low-dose protocols

IGF-2 Dosing

0.1-1 µg ICV in rodents|1-10 µg intrahippocampal in preclinical work|acute post-training protocols

NGF Side Effects

  • pain at injection site
  • hyperalgesia
  • autonomic effects

IGF-2 Side Effects

  • hypoglycemia risk
  • edema
  • insulin-like systemic 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.

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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Common Stacking Partners

NGF stacks with:

BDNFciticolineomega-3

IGF-2 stacks with:

BDNFciticolinealpha-gpc
ngfnerve-repaircholinergicneurotrophinmemoryhippocampusgrowth-factorplasticity