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Semax
Neuroprotective & Cognitive EnhancersSemax is a synthetic ACTH-derived neuropeptide used for its cognitive-enhancing, neuroprotective, and antidepressant effects. Developed in Russia, it modulates neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors like BDNF. It is used in cognitive decline, stress recovery, stroke rehabilitation, and neuropsychiatric disorders in both animal models and limited human trials.
Reconstitute
2 mL BAC + 5mg vial
25 mcg/unit
Daily Range
0.05–0.2 mg Intranasal
2-3 times daily
Standard Dose
0.1 mg
Cycle
4–8 weeks
then reassess
Semaxnootropic peptideACTH-derivedcognitive enhancerBDNF modulator
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
In Russian clinical use, doses of 300–600 μg intranasally are reported. These regimens are not approved or validated in the U.S. or other regions without regulatory approval.
Standard / Gradual Approach
5mg VialstandardPhaseDoseVolume
Weeks 1–40.5 mg once daily~30 units
Weeks 5–81 mg once daily~60 units
Standard / Gradual Approach
10mg VialstandardPhaseDoseVolume
Weeks 1–2300 mcg9 units (0.09 mL)
Weeks 3–4500 mcg15 units (0.15 mL)
Weeks 5–6600 mcg18 units (0.18 mL)
Weeks 7–8800 mcg24 units (0.24 mL)
Protocol Summary
Intranasal: 2-3 times daily · Dose range 0.05–0.2 mg with gradual titration
Cycle Length: 4–8 weeks typical; reassess before extending
Frequency & Cycling
Intranasal
Used 2–3 times daily for 10–14 days. Repeat cycles every 1–3 months based on cognitive or stress recovery goals.
🧪 Quick Start
Vial Size
5 mg
BAC Water
2 mL
Concentration
1.67 mcg/unit
Starting Dose
0.5 mg once daily (~30 units)
Maintenance Dose
1 mg once daily (~60 units)
Potential Benefits & Use Cases
Semax is not approved by the FDA. The information provided reflects preclinical research and international studies only.
Enhances memory retention, learning, and short-term memory (Russian clinical use)
Demonstrates neuroprotective effects aiding stroke recovery — used clinically in Russia (Russian clinical use)
Increases BDNF protein by 1.4-fold and trkB phosphorylation by 1.6-fold (preclinical)
Reduces anxiety-like behavior in animal models without sedation (preclinical)
Improves cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease models (preclinical)
Clinical data Strong preclinical Limited data
Mechanism of Action
→Modulates neurotransmitter levels by increasing dopamine and serotonin availability
→Upregulates BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), enhancing synaptic plasticity
→Exerts antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation
→Influences melanocortin receptors involved in cognition, emotion, and immune modulation
Lifestyle & Optimization
timing
Morning intranasal dosing for focus throughout the day.
diet
Balanced diet rich in antioxidants.
exercise
Regular mental stimulation and exercise.
sleep
Quality sleep. Stress management.
Peptide Research & Preclinical Studies
Evidence-Based Research Findings
Study TitleType
PubMed — Study on Semax in strokeReference
PMC — Semax related dataReference
PubMed — Stroke rehabilitation studyReference
Tocris — Reconstitution calculatorReference
Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects
• Headache, restlessness, slight BP fluctuations
🧮 Dose Calculator
Concentration
25.0
mcg/unit
Draw Volume
20
units (0.200 mL)
For a 500 mcg dose, draw 20 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
🧬
Bioavailability & Absorption
SubQ Injection
Not commonly used; intranasal route preferred for CNS targeting
Oral Administration
Very poor due to enzymatic degradation in the GI tract
Intranasal
High CNS bioavailability via olfactory and trigeminal nerve transport
Half-Life
Likely short (minutes in plasma); CNS effects persist longer due to gene regulation
Degradation
Metabolized by tissue peptidases
Tissue Specificity
Primarily acts in the brain: hippocampus, cortex, hypothalamus
⚗️
Peptide Details
Molecular Weight
813.93
Formula
C37H51N9O10S
Sequence
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
⚖️
Legal Status & Regulatory
RegionStatus
FDANot Approved
EUNot Approved
AustraliaNot Approved
CanadaNot Approved
Storage Instructions
Lyophilized (Powder)
Freeze until mixing (−20°C)
Reconstituted (Mixed)
Refrigerate at 2–8°C