Catalog3 refs
Semax
Nootropic & NeuroCognition, Mood & NeuroprotectionnootropicNootropic & Neuroprotective PeptideNootropic peptideCognitiveResearch use only
Educational use only. Not medical advice. Verify all information with primary sources and a licensed clinician before use.
Body Map
Overview
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) developed in Russia in the 1980s as an analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment, with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail added to resist breakdown. It is researched and used as a neuroprotective and nootropic agent, typically intranasally, and keeps the cognitive and neurotrophic effects of the ACTH fragment without the parent hormone's cortisol-raising activity. Its main documented action is upregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB, especially in the hippocampus. It also modulates dopamine and serotonin signaling and influences genes tied to the immune and vascular response after brain ischemia.
Primary Uses
Stroke recovery
Cognitive function enhancement
Brain growth factor support
Neuroprotection
Memory enhancement
Neuroplasticity support
Alzheimer's research (proposed)
Cognitive enhancement
Stroke and neuroprotection
Optic nerve disease treatment
ADHD and focus support
Attention and executive-function research
BDNF/NGF signaling
Stroke recovery models
Attention and Focus
Learning Acceleration
Brain Trauma Support
Neurodegenerative Prevention
BDNF Upregulation
Neural Connectivity
Stress Resilience
Ischemic stroke recovery
Learning and memory enhancement
Focus improvement
Protocol Reference
Dose
0.5–1 mg
Frequency
Daily or 3-5x weekly; avoid evening to prevent sleep disruption
Half-life
Short; often cited in minutes with longer pharmacodynamic effects
Route
Intranasal · Subcutaneous
Evidence
Human Clinical Data Available / Preclinical / Approved in Russia for cognitive disorders, ischemic stroke recovery, and optic nerve atrophy / Well Studied / Limited international data (disputed)
Research References· 9
Research Models
HumanMouseRatanimal
Also in Nootropic & Neuro