CognitiveResearch profile

Semax

ACTH(4-10) Pro-Gly-Pro · Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro

Think of it as a brain tune-up tool.

Semax is like a pep talk for your brain cells. It ramps up the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), which are like your brain's personal trainers, keeping your neurons healthy and active. This can lead to sharper focus and better memory retention.

Imagine you're about to tackle a puzzle or a big work project. Semax might help you stay in the zone by tweaking the balance of dopamine and serotonin, the chemicals that keep you alert and motivated. It's a bit like having a mental espresso shot without the caffeine jitters.

Originally developed in Russia, Semax is not FDA-approved but has been explored for its potential to protect brain cells in stressful situations like low oxygen levels, which could be useful in recovery scenarios.

Who it's for

Students looking to boost study sessions
Professionals needing to stay sharp during long work hours
Biohackers interested in cognitive enhancement
Anyone exploring non-caffeinated focus aids

Probably not for you if…

Those uncomfortable with non-FDA-approved substances
People sensitive to nasal irritation
Individuals seeking a quick fix without lifestyle changes

Editorial summary for research context · Not medical advice

Mechanism of Action

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the 4-10 fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), modified with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro to resist enzymatic degradation. Research suggests it upregulates BDNF and NGF expression in the hippocampus and cortex, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, and influences melanocortin and opioid pathways without producing ACTH-like hormonal effects. It is registered in Russia for stroke and cognitive indications but is not FDA-approved.

Researched Benefits

BDNF / NGF upregulation

Rodent studies have shown rapid increases in hippocampal BDNF mRNA and protein following intranasal administration.

[Dolotov et al. 2006]
[Shadrina et al. 2010]

Attention & working memory endpoints

Russian clinical literature has explored Semax in attention and executive-function tasks in adult and pediatric populations.

[Kaplan et al. 1996]

Neuroprotection research

Ischemia and hypoxia models show reduced neuronal loss and improved behavioral recovery versus controls.

[Gusev et al. 2005]

Research Protocols

The following dosing ranges have appeared in published research protocols. Presented for informational purposes only — not a recommendation for human use.

Intranasal cognitive research

Dosage: 600 mcg
Frequency: once to twice daily
Timing: morning, and optionally midday
Cycle: 2 weeks

Russian 0.1% nasal solutions commonly deliver ~50 mcg per drop; research protocols have used 2-4 drops per nostril. Cycled 10-14 days.

Reported Side Effects

Nasal irritation or mild rhinitis with intranasal use
Headache, particularly at higher doses
Irritability or overstimulation if dosed late in the day
Transient blood pressure changes reported anecdotally

Contraindications

Pregnancy and lactation
Acute psychiatric illness or uncontrolled bipolar disorder
Concurrent use with psychostimulants or MAO inhibitors without medical supervision

Stacking Partners

Peptides commonly paired with Semax in published research and protocol write-ups.

cognitive

Selank

Anxiolytic research

cognitive

Cerebrolysin

Neurotrophic signaling

Vendor Pricing

72
Limitless Biotech
Best $/mg
Size30mg
Total$59.99
/ mg$2.00/mg
In stock
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75
Swiss Chems
Size30mg
Total$73.95
/ mg$2.47/mg
In stock
View
74
Modern Research Peptides
Size10mg
Total$34.99
/ mg$3.50/mg
In stock
View
74
NextGen Peptides
Size10mg
Total$35.00
/ mg$3.50/mg
In stock
View
77
Nova Peptide Supply
Size10mg
Total$35.00
/ mg$3.50/mg
In stock
View
75
LA Peptides
Size10mg
Total$39.99
/ mg$4.00/mg
In stock
View
67
Ignite Peptides
Size10mg
Total$40.00
/ mg$4.00/mg
In stock
View
73
Royal Peptides
Size100mg
Total$430.00
/ mg$4.30/mg
In stock
View

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Gear + Companions

Reconstitution supplies and research-backed supplement companions for Semax. Editorial picks only — we earn a commission through Amazon on the click, no sponsorship.

Gear you'll need

· Reconstitution + storage essentials

Bacteriostatic Water 30mL (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol)
Empower Pharmacy / generic medical supply
Reconstitutes every lyophilized peptide. 28-day viability refrigerated.
View at Pantheon →
Insulin Syringes 31G × 5/16" × 0.5mL (100 count)
EasyTouch
31G × 0.5mL insulin syringes — the default size for sub-0.25mL peptide doses.
Buy on Amazon →
Alcohol Prep Pads (Sterile, 200 count)
Dynarex
Sterile 70% IPA prep pads — one per vial stopper + one per injection site.
Buy on Amazon →
1-Quart Sharps Disposal Container
BD / Becton Dickinson
FDA-cleared sharps container — pharmacies won't accept improvised disposal.
Buy on Amazon →

Stacks well with

· Supplement companions — independent evidence, not sponsored

Alpha-GPC 600mg (60 capsules)
Double Wood
Choline donor — upregulates acetylcholine synthesis. Cognitive peptides that boost neurotransmitter signaling still need the substrate.
Buy on Amazon →
Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract (120 capsules, 2g/serving)
Host Defense / Paul Stamets
Hericium erinaceus has direct NGF + BDNF evidence. Thematic stack-mate for any neuroprotective or neurogenesis peptide protocol.
Buy on Amazon →
Omega-3 Fish Oil (Molecularly Distilled, 240 softgels)
Nordic Naturals
DHA is the structural fat of neural membranes — cognitive peptide protocols benefit from optimized membrane lipids.
Buy on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases · Disclosed per FTC guidelines

Research Papers

Semax, an analogue of ACTH(4-10), regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus
Dolotov OV, et al. · Journal of Neurochemistry · 2006
PubMed 16805849 →
Neuroprotective properties of Semax in acute ischemic stroke
Gusev EI, et al. · Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii · 2005

Semax

Mechanism of Action