Cognitive / Sleep
Semax
C₃₇H₅₁N₉O₁₀S
Key Research Findings
- Derived from ACTH but modified to remove steroidogenic activity entirely.
- Consistently shown to upregulate BDNF expression in rodent brain models.
- Demonstrates neuroprotection in ischaemia models, reducing infarct volume significantly.
- Licensed as a medical drug in Russia for stroke treatment and cognitive disorders.
- Both intranasal and injectable delivery shown to be effective in research contexts.
Overview
Semax is a heptapeptide analogue of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4–10) developed in Russia. Unlike its parent hormone, Semax has been engineered to retain cognitive and neuroprotective effects while completely eliminating steroidogenic activity, making it a focused nootropic research compound.
Mechanism of Action
Semax primarily acts by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in the hippocampus. It also enhances dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission, modulates HPA axis activity, and exhibits antioxidant properties by reducing ROS-mediated neuronal damage.
Research Effects
Cognitive Enhancement
Extensive ResearchMultiple studies demonstrate improvements in learning, memory consolidation, and attention in rodent models; supported by Russian clinical research in human populations.
Neuroprotection
Extensive ResearchShown to reduce neuronal damage following ischaemia and excitotoxicity, attributed to BDNF upregulation and antioxidant effects.
BDNF Modulation
Moderate ResearchReliably increases BDNF and NGF levels in hippocampal tissue, supporting its role in synaptic plasticity research.
Anxiolytic Effects
Moderate ResearchResearch shows reduced anxiety-like behaviour in rodent models, potentially via serotonergic modulation.
Neurorestorative Properties
Preliminary ResearchEarly evidence suggests Semax may support recovery of cognitive function following traumatic brain injury.
Research Purposes Only — All information on this page is provided for scientific research purposes only. This product is not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease.
Quick Facts
Research Status Key
Related Peptides
Cognitive / Sleep
Selank
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin, developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia. It is studied primarily for its anxiolytic and nootropic properties, and is notable for lacking the sedative and dependence-forming effects of conventional anxiolytics.
Learn More →
Cognitive / Sleep
DSIP
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is an endogenous neuropeptide first isolated from rabbit thalamic venous blood during electrically induced slow-wave sleep. It is studied for its role in sleep regulation, stress modulation, and as a potential research tool for circadian rhythm investigations.
Learn More →
Repair / Recovery
BPC-157
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. It consists of 15 amino acids and has been studied extensively in animal models for its remarkable tissue-healing properties across multiple organ systems.
Learn More →