Semax is a heptapeptide ACTH(4-10) analog that boosts BDNF and NGF to promote neuroprotection, cognitive enhancement, and resilience. Used for stroke recovery, cognitive decline, and optic nerve disorders.
Semax
Also known as: N-acetyl Semax; ACTH(4-10)
Overview
Benefits
- Neuroprotection
- Cognitive enhancement
- Mood regulation
- Eye and gut protection
- Anti-aging
Consider This Peptide If You Want To
- Improve memory, focus, and mood
- Reduce stress and support brain recovery
Dosage & Administration
Dosage Guidelines
Recommended Dosage
• Amount:100 mcg
• Frequency:daily
• Duration:6 weeks
• Rest Period:6 weeks
• Time of Day:morning
• Ingestion:subcutaneous
Administration Routes:IntranasalSubcutaneous
Research Findings on Dosage:
Intranasal Application:
• Low Concentration (0.1%):
◦ Use: Cognitive improvement, general neuroprotection, mild anxiety.
◦ Dosage: 1--2 drops (200--400 mcg) in each nostril, 2 times daily (morning and afternoon).
• High Concentration (1%):
◦ Use: Post-stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury (TBI), migraines.
◦ Dosage: 2--4 drops (400--800 mcg) in each nostril, 3--4 times daily (morning and afternoon).
• Duration: 6 weeks on, 6 weeks off
• Notes: best taken in the morning in a fasted state
Subcutaneous Injection:
• Dosage: 100-300 mcg daily
• Duration: 6 weeks on, 6 weeks off
• Notes: best taken in the morning in a fasted state
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism of Action
How this peptide works in the body
Neurotrophic Factor Stimulation:
Semax upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), enhancing neuroplasticity and neuronal survival. This action involves activating tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and associated signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK, which promote cell survival and synaptic plasticity.
Neurotransmitter Regulation:
Semax modulates the release and metabolism of dopamine and serotonin by inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes. This increases synaptic availability of these neurotransmitters, enhancing mood, cognition, and stress resilience.
Oxidative Stress Reduction:
By enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing free radical production, Semax mitigates oxidative stress and protects mitochondrial function in neurons, ensuring cellular energy stability.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Semax balances pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-alpha) and anti-inflammatory mediators, reducing neuroinflammation associated with ischemia and chronic brain disorders.
Melanocortin Receptor Interaction:
Semax influences melanocortin 4 and 5 receptors (MC4R and MC5R), contributing to its cognitive-enhancing and stress-adaptive effects by modulating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity.
Consider Stacking With
- Any GHRP
- Any GHRH
- Cerebrolysin
- Dihexa
- FGL(L)
- BPC-157
- TB-4
- Oxytocin
- PE-22-88
Side Effects & Cautions
Common Side Effects
- Mild injection site pain
Research & References
Research Highlights
Neuroprotection in Stroke:
Semax increased plasma BDNF levels and improved functional outcomes in stroke patients (Gusev et al., 2018).
Cognitive Enhancement:
Intranasal Semax improved memory accuracy in fatigued participants, with effects lasting up to 24 hours (Lebedeva et al., 2018).
Mood Regulation:
Demonstrated anxiolytic effects in stress models via modulation of neurotransmitter systems (Sokolov et al., 2020).
Optic Nerve Protection:
Reduced pressure-induced nerve damage in glaucoma patients (Ivanikov et al., 2002).
Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Balanced pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, aiding recovery in neuroinflammatory conditions (Martynov et al., 2021).
References
Gusev EI, Martynov MY, Kostenko EV, et al. "Efficacy of Semax in ischemic stroke." PubMed, 2018
Lebedeva IS, Panikratova YR, Sokolov OY, et al. "Semax effects on brain networks." Resting State MRI Study, 2018
Ivanikov AA, et al. "Gastroprotective effects of Semax in peptic ulcers." ResearchGate, 2002
Sokolov OY, et al. "Semax and neurotransmitter modulation." Semantics Scholar, 2020
Martynov MY, et al. "Cytokine modulation by Semax in neuroinflammatory disorders." Journal of Neuroimmunology, 2021