By Cristina Trapani-Scott
Cristina has been with MHP Vitamins for four years and holds a bachelor of science degree in sports medicine and exercise science with expertise in supplements. She also holds a master of fine arts degree in writing.
In this article, you will read about nerve growth factor, its discovery, and the implications that discovery has had on neurological wellness. You’ll also learn about how AvinoCort Plus, a new oligopeptide/creatine combination, can help support Nerve Growth Factor.
As the years go by, and as environmental and physical stressors accumulate, maintaining healthy neurological function becomes increasingly important. Supporting the health of the nervous system is a key part of promoting long-term cognitive and physical wellness.
Among the key factors involved in neurological health is Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a naturally occurring protein, or neurotrophic factor, that plays a significant role in the growth, maintenance, survival, and communication of specific nerve cells.
Discovered in 1951 by Nobel Prize-winning scientists Rita Levi-Montalacini and Stanley Cohen, NGF proved a pivotal finding in the understanding of how the brain and nervous system change with age and how healthy nerve cells continue to communicate and respond to new experiences.
Decades of research has expanded our understanding of the benefits associated with NGF.
- Its primary role is to support the growth and survival of nerve cells, especially during development as it helps build a healthy neural network.
- It continues to be an important factor in adulthood as it helps prevent cell death and maintain healthy nerve function.
Other functions include,
- its crucial role in the health and function of cholinergic neurons, most notably basal forebrain neurons responsible for learning and memory functions.
- Helping to stimulate axonal regeneration and nerve recovery after injury.
- Helping to maintain normal sensory nerve function.
- Playing an important role in cognitive resilience and healthy brain aging.
Inspired by the growing body of research surrounding NGF, AvinoCort Plus was developed combining a bioactive oligopeptide (neuro-modulating peptide) with pharmaceutical-grade creatine.
This product is rich in several growth factors (IGF-1, FGF, NGF, EGF), to support healthy neurological function and the body’s natural repair and maintenance process.
As our understanding of NGF continues to evolve, so too does our appreciation of the importance of supporting the nervous system throughout every stage of life. Nutritional strategies that support the nervous system’s structure and function may help promote long-term cognitive health, resilience, and overall neurological wellness.
References
Aloe, L., Rocco, M. L., Balzamino, B. O., & Micera, A. (2015). Nerve Growth Factor: A Focus on Neuroscience and Therapy. Current neuropharmacology, 13(3), 294-303. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26411962/
Aloe, L., Rocco, M.L., Bianchi, P. et al. Nerve growth factor: from the early discoveries to the potential clinical use. J Transl Med 10, 239 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5876-10-239
Barker, P. A., Mantyh, P., Arendt-Nielsen, L., Viktrup, L., & Tive, L. (2020). Nerve Growth Factor Signaling and Its Contribution to Pain. Journal of pain research, 13, 1223–1241. https://www.dovepress.com/nerve-growth-factor-signaling-and-its-contribution-to-pain-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JPR
Rose, G.M. Behavioral effects of neurotrophic factor supplementation in aging. AGE 22, 1–7 (1999). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/instance/3455409/pdf/11357_1999_Article_1.pdf
Sofroniew M.V., Howe C.L., Mobley W.C. (2001). Nerve growth factor signaling, neuroprotection, and neural repair. Annu Rev Neurosci. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11520933/