Background <p>Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin which is primarily involved in the growth, maintenance, proliferation and survival of sensory and sympathetic neurons. A lack of optimal level of NGF production in humans contributes to the development of various neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), depression and hypoxic ischemic perinatal brain injury. NGF plays a significant role in the restoration of those neurodegenerative conditions and also modulates the synthesis of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides of sympathetic and sensory nerve cells.</p> Objective <p>To review the current developments in the structure-functional relation of snake venom nerve growth factors and compare with human NGF.</p> Methods <p>Comparison of sequence, structures and interactions of NGF with its receptors. The information on the sequence and structure were retrieved from the databases. Both research and review articles on these proteins were taken from literature.</p> Results <p>Snake venom NGF (sNGF) and human NGF (hNGF) have similar structures, and functions, and induce the same signalling pathways involving trkA and p75 receptors. Research indicates that sNGF exhibits better bioavailability, efficacy and stability compared to other sources. sNGF is shown to have greater therapeutic potential in chondrogenesis, osteogenesis and bone formation and as an anti-tumour agent. Distinctly, sNGF also has been shown to inhibit metalloproteinases.</p> Conclusion <p>Many snake venom proteins are being explored for suitable drug development for the treatment of various human ailments. In this context, the current analyses concludes the research thus far supports the therapeutic applications of the multifunctional sNGF, especially in management of human neurodegenerative disorders.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>