Meditation and Mind-Body Practices: Effects on Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Brain Health: A Narrative Review
S. Giridharan, Bhuvana Pandiyan
International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga March 31, 2025 DOI: 10.48165/irjay.2025.80312 (opens in new tab) via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMindfulness-based interventions, including meditation and yoga, consistently elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels across diverse populations such as healthy adults and individuals with depression. These increases are linked to reduced stress and inflammation. Mental health benefits like reduced depression and anxiety were widely observed, though cognitive and functional outcomes varied, particularly in older adults where some studies noted BDNF attenuation. The narrative review of eight studies suggests meditation and mind-body practices may enhance BDNF and improve mental health, but inconsistencies in older adults and chronic pain populations highlight the need for further research.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Narrative review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | mindfulness-based interventions yoga meditation |
| Keywords | Medicine Psychology |
| Key finding | Mindfulness-based interventions, including yoga and meditation, consistently elevated BDNF levels across diverse populations, with mental health benefits such as reduced depression and anxiety, though cognitive outcomes varied in older adults. |
Abstract
Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in neuroplasticity and cognition. Meditation and mind-body exercises such as yoga may increase BDNF levels, offering a non-pharmacological strategy to enhance brain health. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes evidence from published studies, primarily randomized controlled trials, sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, between 2020 and 2025, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies have focused on meditation and mind-body interventions and their effects on peripheral BDNF levels. Results: Eight studies demonstrated that mindfulness-based interventions, including yoga and meditation, consistently elevated BDNF levels across diverse populations, including healthy adults and individuals with depression. These increases are linked to reduced stress and inflammation, suggesting the underlying mechanisms. Mental health benefits, such as reduced depression and anxiety, have been widely observed, although cognitive and functional outcomes vary, particularly in older adults, where some studies have noted BDNF attenuation. Conclusion: Meditation and mind-body practices have the potential to enhance BDNF levels and improve mental health, with possible cognitive benefits. However, inconsistencies in older adults and chronic pain populations underscore the need for fur