Molecular target
BDNF / Neuroplasticity Pathway
Also: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor · id BDNF
Growth factor central to synaptic plasticity and a downstream effector of chronic SSRI treatment. Several botanicals have been investigated for BDNF modulation.
Educational use only. This page summarizes published research and traditional-use records for educational purposes. It does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Do not start, stop, or change medications based on this information. Discuss any decisions about therapies — pharmaceutical or botanical — with a qualified clinician who knows your medical history.
No PHI / HIPAA notice: Do not share Protected Health Information (PHI) of any patient on this site — including names, dates of birth, addresses, MRNs, or any identifying information. Use abstract case framing only. Sharing PHI with non-covered entities risks HIPAA violation regardless of platform capability.
Pharmaceutical agents
Drugs that act on BDNF / Neuroplasticity Pathway
These medications have BDNF / Neuroplasticity Pathway among their molecular targets. Sharing a target is a mechanistic relationship — it does not make any plant below an alternative to, or substitute for, these drugs.
Botanical connections
Plants whose compounds act on BDNF / Neuroplasticity Pathway
Each plant below contains a named compound documented to act on BDNF / Neuroplasticity Pathway. The compound and the reason for the connection are shown on every edge — a shared mechanism, not a therapeutic equivalence.
- Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides (MOO)Oligosaccharide / prebiotic
Preclinical and clinical studies report that MOO is minimally absorbed systemically; proposed mechanism involves gut microbiota modulation of the tryptophan → 5-HTP → serotonin pathway, with downstream increases in central 5-HT and reported BDNF upregulation. MOO is an orally approved drug in China for depressive disorder.
- Fructooligosaccharides (OMO subset of MOO)Fructooligosaccharide / prebiotic
Rodent model studies investigated OMO effects on the microbiota-gut-brain axis in Alzheimer's disease-like models, with reported increases in BDNF and improvements in cognitive markers; human evidence is not yet established.
- CrocinCarotenoid glycoside
Primary mood-active carotenoid; modulates serotonergic signaling and BDNF expression in animal and human models.
- CrocetinCarotenoid
Crocin's carotenoid metabolite; antioxidant and BDNF-modulating activity.
- AsiaticosideTriterpene saponin
Primary 'wound-healing' compound — stimulates collagen synthesis and angiogenesis at wound site. Basis for venous-insufficiency clinical evidence.
- Asiatic acidTriterpene acid
Aglycone form active in CNS; preclinical neurogenic / anti-inflammatory signal.
- Bacosides A & BTriterpene saponin
Primary nootropic constituents; BDNF modulation and serotonergic activity contribute to cognitive and mood effects.