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