P21 vs MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Cognitive EnhancementAnti-Aging & Longevity
P21Anabolic & IGF
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)- Summary
- P21 is a synthetic peptide derived from CNTF (ciliary neurotrophic factor) that promotes hippocampal neurogenesis, enhances memory and spatial learning, and may reduce amyloid-beta pathology. It is used as a neurogenic and cognitive enhancer with potential anti-Alzheimer's applications.
- MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 that is locally produced in muscle tissue in response to mechanical damage from exercise. It activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) to proliferate and repair damaged fibers, making it specifically targeted at exercise-induced hypertrophy.
- Half-Life
- Not well characterized; likely short, but neurogenic effects persist long after administration
- Native MGF: minutes. PEG-MGF: ~3 days
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Intranasal
- SubQ, IM
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 100–500 mcg
- 200–400 mcg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- 1–2 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Promotes hippocampal neurogenesis
- Enhances spatial memory and learning
- Increases BDNF expression
- Reduces amyloid-beta plaque formation (animal models)
- Anti-tau pathology potential
- Cognitive enhancement without stimulant effects
- Potential therapeutic for Alzheimer's and cognitive aging
- Activates muscle satellite cells for repair and growth
- Accelerates recovery from muscle damage
- Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 (different mechanisms)
- Promotes muscle hypertrophy specifically at exercised muscles
- Faster recovery between training sessions
- Potential for injury repair in connective tissue
- Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated in animal studies
- Limited human clinical data
- Injection site reactions
- Potential mild fatigue at initiation
- Muscle soreness (satellite cell activation)
- Injection site irritation
- Hypoglycemia risk (modest, less than IGF-1 LR3)
- Stacks With
- —
- —