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Semax

Well Studied

Synthetic ACTH Analog | Nootropic & Neuroprotective Peptide

Dose 300-600mcg per dose (up to 1000mcg for intensive use)
Frequency 1-2x daily (morning recommended for cognitive boost)
Cycle 2-4 weeks on
Storage Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within recommended timeframe
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Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment 4-10, originally developed in Russia for stroke recovery. It achieves enhanced CNS penetration through direct transport via olfactory epithelium and trigeminal nerves, bypassing the blood-brain barrier.

Mechanism of Action

Rapidly increases BDNF levels, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, and achieves direct brain delivery through olfactory transport with 0.093% blood-brain barrier penetration (vs 0.01% IV).

Key Benefits

  • Rapid brain delivery via intranasal route
  • Rapidly increases BDNF levels
  • Extensive clinical research in Russia
  • Easy self-administration
  • Modulates dopamine and serotonin systems
  • Neuroprotective effects
Molecular Weight
813.93 Da
Chain Length
7 amino acids
Type
ACTH(4-10) synthetic analog
Amino Acid Sequence
One-letter: MEHFPGP
H₂N
M 1
O ‖ C
N
E 2
O ‖ C
N
H 3
O ‖ C
N
F 4
O ‖ C
N
P 5
O ‖ C
N
H
G 6
O ‖ C
N
P 7
COOH
Met
1

Methionine

Position 1

Glu
2

Glutamic Acid

Position 2

His
3

Histidine

Position 3

Phe
4

Phenylalanine

Position 4

Pro
5

Proline

Position 5

Gly
6

Glycine

Position 6

Pro
7

Proline

Position 7

N-terminus C-terminus
Hydrophobic
Polar
Positive (+)
Negative (-)
Modified

Cognitive

  • Memory Enhancement

    Improved short-term and working memory performance in fatigued individuals (71% vs 41% accuracy).

  • Attention and Focus

    Enhanced sustained attention during demanding cognitive tasks.

  • Learning Acceleration

    Faster acquisition of new information and improved retention.

Neuroprotection

  • Stroke Recovery

    Accelerated rehabilitation with increased BDNF levels in stroke patients.

  • Brain Trauma Support

    Supports recovery from traumatic brain injury.

  • Neurodegenerative Prevention

    Shows anti-amyloid properties in Alzheimer's models.

Neuroplasticity

  • BDNF Upregulation

    Supports neurogenesis through increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

  • Neural Connectivity

    Enhanced neural connections and brain network activity.

  • Stress Resilience

    Improved ability to cope with cognitive stress.

Intranasal is the primary and most effective route, providing direct brain delivery through olfactory transport. Onset 15-30 minutes, peak 1-2 hours, duration 4-6 hours.

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
Cognitive enhancement300-600mcg1-2x dailyIntranasal spray/drops
Intensive cognitive support600-900mcg2-3x dailyIntranasal
Brain injury recovery900-1500mcg2-3x dailyIntranasal

Reconstitution Instructions

Materials Needed:
  • Semax solution (0.1% or 1%)
  • Nasal spray bottle
  • Preservative-free saline (if reconstituting)
  1. 1 Pre-mixed solutions available as 0.1% or 1%
  2. 2 For research: reconstitute powder with sterile saline
  3. 3 Use preservative-free saline for nasal administration
  4. 4 Calculate concentration per spray/drop desired
  5. 5 Refrigerate and use within recommended timeframe
  6. 6 Alternate nostrils when administering
NA-Semax-Amidate

Do NOT use simultaneously. Choose one or the other - they are variants of the same peptide.

avoid
Selank

Complementary anxiolytic effects; popular combination.

synergistic
BPC-157

Both support neuroplasticity through different mechanisms.

compatible
TB-500

Comprehensive neuroprotection when combined.

compatible
Stimulants

May enhance stimulant effects - monitor carefully and reduce stimulant doses.

monitor
MAO Inhibitors

Theoretical monoamine system risk; use caution.

monitor
Days 1-3

Initial cognitive clarity and focus enhancement, possible mild nasal sensation

Week 1

Improved attention span during demanding tasks

Week 2-3

Enhanced memory consolidation, stable mood

Week 4

Peak cognitive benefits with improved stress resilience and mental flexibility

Post-cycle

Gradual baseline return over 3-7 days; some benefits persist

Common Side Effects

  • Mild nasal discomfort (nasal route)
  • Possible nasal sensation upon administration

Stop Signs - Discontinue if:

  • Severe nasal irritation, bleeding, or persistent congestion
  • Unusual anxiety, agitation, or sleep disturbances
  • Headaches worsening with use
  • Signs of allergic reaction (rash, breathing difficulty)
  • Significant blood pressure changes or heart palpitations

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Known peptide allergies
  • Do not exceed 4-week continuous use without medical supervision

Good Signs

  • Clear, colorless solution (nasal)
  • Proper concentration labeling as 0.1% or 1% Semax
  • Cold chain shipping with cold packs
  • Sterile packaging (sealed bottles/ampoules)
  • White lyophilized powder (injectable)
  • Complete dissolution in solution
  • Third-party testing (≥98% purity)

Warning Signs

  • Nasal irritation potential
  • Injection site reactions (redness, swelling)

Bad Signs

  • Crystallization or precipitation indicates degradation
  • Cloudy or colored solutions
  • Any visible particles
  • Cognitive Enhancement in Fatigued Workers
    (1996)

    Human study with 250-1000mcg intranasal single dose showed 71% accuracy on memory tests vs 41% in controls.

  • Stroke Recovery Clinical Trial
    (2018)

    110 patients with ischemic stroke showed increased BDNF levels correlated with early rehabilitation when using Semax with conventional therapy.

  • fMRI Default Mode Network Study
    (2018)

    24 healthy middle-aged participants showed increased fMRI default mode network activity relative to placebo.

  • Neuroprotective Effects in Brain Ischemia
    (2014)

    Rat focal ischemia model showed Semax affected expression of 96 genes related to immune and vascular systems.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.