BDNF
BDNF brain-derived neurotrophic factor — the molecular target that 3 compounds in the wiki act on.
In one line: Fertiliser for your brain — it helps brain cells grow, connect, and survive.
BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is like fertiliser for your brain. It helps neurons grow new connections, survive stress, and form memories. Low BDNF is linked to depression and poor learning; raising it supports mood, memory, and mental resilience.
The best way to raise it is free: exercise, good sleep, and learning. Several compounds (like the peptide semax, and lion's mane mushroom) claim to raise it too. Antidepressants also slowly increase BDNF over weeks, which may be part of why they lift mood.
Think of it as the difference between a garden that's fertilised and one that's neglected — more BDNF, and your brain grows and repairs better.