Semax
Also known as: ACTH(4-10) analog · Russian nootropic peptide
A short heptapeptide developed in Russia from a fragment of ACTH, used there clinically for cognition and stroke recovery and popular as a nootropic.
Semax at a glance
| Name | Semax |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ACTH(4-10) analog, Russian nootropic peptide |
| Category | Cognitive & neuroprotective |
| Type | Peptide |
| Sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Typical dose | ~200–600 mcg per day (0.1% solutions) |
| Frequency | Split through the day |
| Route | Intranasal (drops/spray) most commonly |
| Half-life | Very short in blood, but central effects outlast plasma levels. |
Overview
Semax is a synthetic peptide built from a seven-amino-acid piece of the hormone ACTH, modified so it no longer affects stress hormones but keeps effects on the brain. It has been used in Russia for decades — appearing on their essential-medicines list — for cognitive complaints, circulatory brain conditions and stroke rehabilitation. Outside Russia it is unapproved and studied mostly as a nootropic. It is typically delivered as nasal drops rather than injected.
How it’s thought to work
- Raises BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), supporting neuron growth and plasticity.
- Modulates dopamine and serotonin signaling linked to focus and mood.
- Shows neuroprotective and antioxidant effects in ischemia models.
Researched uses
- Attention, memory and mental clarity
- Stroke and cerebrovascular recovery (clinical use in Russia)
- Neuroprotection under stress or hypoxia
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | ~200–600 mcg per day (0.1% solutions) |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Split through the day |
| Route | Intranasal (drops/spray) most commonly |
| Notes | Higher-strength (1%) formulations exist for clinical indications. |
Reconstitution
Usually dissolved as a nasal solution rather than drawn into a syringe, so insulin-unit math generally does not apply.
Cautions
- Not FDA approved; Western clinical evidence is limited.
- Intranasal irritation is possible.
- Nootropic marketing often outpaces the strength of the evidence.
Semax FAQ
What is Semax?
A short heptapeptide developed in Russia from a fragment of ACTH, used there clinically for cognition and stroke recovery and popular as a nootropic.
How does Semax work?
Raises BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), supporting neuron growth and plasticity. Modulates dopamine and serotonin signaling linked to focus and mood. Shows neuroprotective and antioxidant effects in ischemia models.
What is Semax used for?
Attention, memory and mental clarity; Stroke and cerebrovascular recovery (clinical use in Russia); Neuroprotection under stress or hypoxia.
What is a typical Semax dose?
~200–600 mcg per day (0.1% solutions), Split through the day, Intranasal (drops/spray) most commonly. This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute Semax?
Usually dissolved as a nasal solution rather than drawn into a syringe, so insulin-unit math generally does not apply.
What is the half-life of Semax?
Very short in blood, but central effects outlast plasma levels.