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Home/Cognitive, Neuro & Sleep/Semax

Semax

A synthetic ACTH(4-10) heptapeptide analog registered in Russia as a nootropic, studied for cognitive and neuroprotective effects.

Overview

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the adrenocorticotropic hormone fragment ACTH(4-10), developed in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent. It is registered as a medication in Russia, where it is used mainly by the intranasal route, and is otherwise distributed as a research peptide. Studies center on cognitive enhancement and recovery of nervous-system function.

Mechanism

Semax is proposed to modulate brain neurotrophin systems, including BDNF and NGF, and to influence dopaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic transmission. Despite being an ACTH fragment, it lacks classic steroidogenic hormonal activity; its pro-cognitive actions are attributed to the melanocortin-derived core and its metabolites rather than adrenal stimulation.

Dosing

Reported human use is predominantly intranasal at low milligram-range daily doses over short courses. Research protocols in animal models use systemic injection, and doses should be treated as protocol-specific rather than universally applicable.

  • Intranasal administration is standard in registered Russian use
  • Animal neuroprotection studies typically use systemic dosing
  • Courses in reported clinical use are short, often days to weeks

Expected Effects

  • Improved attention and memory measures reported in Russian clinical studies
  • Neuroprotective effects in animal models of stroke and ischemia
  • Reduced anxiety-like behavior reported in some studies

Side Effects & Tolerability

Semax is generally described as well tolerated in Russian clinical use, with occasional mild agitation or insomnia reported. Independent, large-scale safety data outside Russia are limited, and most evidence derives from Russian-language publications.

Storage

Lyophilized peptide should be stored cold and desiccated, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted solutions are typically aliquoted and refrigerated or frozen, avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

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