Evidence supporting the use of: Nerve growth factor
For the health condition: Parkinson's Disease

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin that plays a critical role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of certain neurons, including those in the basal forebrain. Its potential use in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) stems from its neuroprotective properties and its ability to support the survival of dopaminergic neurons, which are progressively lost in PD. Preclinical studies in animal models have shown that NGF can protect or restore function in damaged neurons relevant to PD pathology. However, translating these findings into clinical benefit has proven challenging. NGF does not easily cross the blood-brain barrier, necessitating invasive delivery methods such as direct brain infusion or gene therapy approaches. Early-phase clinical trials and small pilot studies have explored NGF or related neurotrophic factors (like GDNF), with mixed and often modest results, frequently hampered by delivery issues and side effects such as pain or weight loss. There is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence supporting NGF’s potential, but as of 2024, robust clinical validation is lacking and it is not an established or widely used treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. Thus, the evidence rating is moderate to low (2/5), reflecting promising mechanistic and preclinical data but insufficient clinical proof of efficacy.

More about Nerve growth factor
More about Parkinson's Disease

Products containing Nerve growth factor

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.