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Semax

Cognitive
·855 Da·7 amino acids·C₃₉H₅₄N₁₀O₁₀S
Peptide Database
4Mechanisms
4Benefits
19Studies
1Dosages

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment, originally developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It extends the native ACTH(4-7) sequence (Met-Glu-His-Phe) with a stabilizing Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide at the C-terminus.

SequenceMEHFPGP
Research Dosage Notes

Typically administered intranasally. Standard research dosing is 300-600 mcg/day divided into 2-3 doses, with advanced protocols up to 900 mcg/day. Russian clinical formulations include 0.1% and 1% intranasal solutions. Cycles commonly range from 10-30 days. Also available as subcutaneous injection. Crosses the blood-brain barrier effectively via nasal route.

Mechanisms of Action

4

BDNF upregulation

Moderate

Rapidly elevates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and TrkB receptor expression in the hippocampus, promoting neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity.

BDNF / TrkB signaling

Dopaminergic and serotonergic activation

Moderate

Activates dopaminergic and serotonergic brain systems in rodent models, influencing mood, attention, and motivation.

Dopamine / serotonin neurotransmitter systems

Enkephalinase inhibition

Moderate

Inhibits enzymes involved in the degradation of enkephalins and other endogenous regulatory peptides, potentially modulating pain and stress responses.

Enkephalin degradation pathway

Neuroprotection against ischemia

Moderate

Modulates gene expression following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, reducing neuronal damage and promoting recovery.

Transcriptional regulation / anti-apoptotic pathways

Benefits

4
70

Cognitive enhancement

Cognitive

Improves attention, memory formation, and learning capacity in both animal models and limited human studies, primarily conducted in Russia.

Moderate
65

Neuroprotection after stroke

Cognitive

Used clinically in Russia for stroke recovery; shown to reduce neuronal damage in ischemic models.

Moderate
55

Anxiolytic effects

Cognitive

May reduce anxiety without the sedation associated with benzodiazepines, possibly through modulation of serotonergic pathways.

Emerging
45

ADHD symptom improvement

Cognitive

Preliminary evidence suggests potential benefit for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms.

Emerging

Dosage Data

1
0.15
Animal

Study: Corticotrophin (ACTH) and its analogues, particularly Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro... Year: 2005

Research Studies

19
2026

Therapeutic peptides are emerging as promising adjuncts in the management of orthopaedic injuries, g...

Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews · Omar F Rahman, Steven J Lee, William A Seeds

2025

Lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) is exacerbated following spinal cord injury (SCI), leading...

British journal of pharmacology · Rongjie Liu, Yituo Chen, Haosheng Huang, Xiang Li, Junlei Lv

2025

Alzheimer's disease, first described over a century ago, is currently among the most common neurodeg...

Acta naturae · A I Radchenko, E V Kuzubova, A A Apostol, V A Mitkevich, L A...

2024

Current antidepressant therapy shows substantial limitations, and there is an urgent need for the de...

European journal of pharmacology · Ludmila S Inozemtseva, Ksenia A Yatsenko, Natalya Yu Glazova...

2022

Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, is characterized by the aggregation of amyloi...

ACS chemical neuroscience · Michele F M Sciacca, Irina Naletova, Maria Laura Giuffrida, ...

This database is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.

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