NGF vs PACAP-38
Head-to-head comparison of NGF (Beta-Nerve Growth Factor (human NGF beta)) and PACAP-38 (Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide-38 (human PACAP-38)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
| Property | NGF | PACAP-38 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Cognitive Enhancement | Cognitive Enhancement |
| Full Name | Beta-Nerve Growth Factor (human NGF beta) | Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide-38 (human PACAP-38) |
| Molecular Weight | 13,600 Da | 4534 Da |
| Half-Life | hours | minutes |
| Amino Acids | 118 aa | 38 aa |
| Typical Dose | research-only microgram range | 10-100 µg preclinical range |
| Route | Intranasal | Intranasal |
| Purity | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 3500 | 650 |
| Research Status | Pre-clinical | Pre-clinical |
NGF Benefits
- ✓neurite outgrowth
- ✓cholinergic support
- ✓nerve repair
- ✓neuroprotection
PACAP-38 Benefits
- ✓synaptic plasticity
- ✓BDNF upregulation
- ✓neuroprotection
- ✓memory consolidation
NGF Dosing
0.01-1 µg/kg in experimental delivery studies|local CNS or intranasal research delivery|single or repeated low-dose protocols
PACAP-38 Dosing
0.1-1 nmol ICV in rodents|10-100 µg intranasal in preclinical studies|single-dose or short repeated protocols
NGF Side Effects
- ⚠pain at injection site
- ⚠hyperalgesia
- ⚠autonomic effects
PACAP-38 Side Effects
- ⚠headache-like effects
- ⚠flushing
- ⚠hypotension
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.
PACAP-38
PACAP-38 is one of the most studied endogenous neuropeptides for protecting neurons from ischemic and excitotoxic damage. Preclinical literature also links it to hippocampal plasticity and learning-related signaling, including increased BDNF expression.
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