of Semax
I'm picking up new things faster and remembering details I'd normally forget. It's like my brain just works more smoothly.
Semax
The brain-boosting peptide studied for focus and learning.
- Raises BDNF, the protein that helps brain cells grow and connect
- One dose increased BDNF 1.4 times in early studies
- Also studied for stroke recovery and memory
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How to use Semax
Our own 17-step illustrated guide, from mixing to storage.
I'm picking up new things faster and remembering details I'd normally forget. It's like my brain just works more smoothly.
Description
What Is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the adrenocorticotropic hormone fragment ACTH(4-10), developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It has been prescribed in Russia as an approved nootropic and neuroprotective medication since 1994, with a clinical track record spanning over 30 years.
What sets Semax apart from typical nootropics is its mechanism: rather than providing temporary stimulation (like caffeine) or blunt neurotransmitter manipulation (like racetams), Semax works by upregulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) – the protein most directly responsible for the growth, maintenance, and plasticity of neurons. Higher BDNF levels mean your brain literally forms connections more efficiently, learns faster, and retains information more reliably.
How Semax Enhances Cognitive Function
- BDNF upregulation: Semax significantly increases BDNF expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex – the brain regions most critical for memory formation, learning, and executive function. BDNF is often called “Miracle-Gro for the brain” because of its role in neuroplasticity.
- Neurotransmitter modulation: Semax modulates dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine systems, producing a balanced enhancement of focus, mood, and processing speed without the jittery overstimulation of stimulant-based nootropics.
- Neuroprotection: Semax protects neurons from oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and inflammatory damage. In Russia, it is clinically used to support recovery from stroke and traumatic brain injury.
- Enhanced attention and working memory: Clinical studies in healthy volunteers showed improvements in attention span, working memory capacity, and information processing speed – the cognitive functions most relevant to productivity and learning.
- Rapid onset: Administered intranasally, Semax crosses the blood-brain barrier rapidly. Most users report noticeable cognitive enhancement within 15–30 minutes of administration.
Clinical Track Record
Semax has been studied extensively in Russia, with clinical applications including cognitive enhancement in healthy individuals, recovery support after ischaemic stroke, treatment of ADHD-like attention deficits, optic nerve disease (as a neuroprotective agent), and management of chronic stress and cognitive fatigue. Its safety profile over 30+ years of clinical use is excellent, with minimal reported side effects.
Who Uses Semax?
Semax is used by professionals needing sustained focus and mental clarity (programmers, researchers, traders), students during intensive study periods, individuals seeking to counter age-related cognitive decline, those recovering from concussion or neurological events, and anyone wanting a clean, non-stimulant cognitive enhancement without the crash associated with caffeine or amphetamines.
Brain Res, 2006. PubMed →
Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr, 1997. PubMed →
Dokl Biol Sci, 2005. PubMed →
Clinical References
- Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus. Brain Res. 2006;1117(1):54-60. PubMed 16996037
- Asmarin IP, Nezavibat'ko VN, Miasoedov NF, et al. A nootropic adrenocorticotropin analog 4-10-semax (15 years experience in its design and study). Zh Vyssh Nerv Deiat Im I P Pavlova. 1997;47(2):420-430. PubMed 9173745
- Shadrina M, Kolomin T, Agapova T, et al. Comparison of the temporary dynamics of NGF and BDNF gene expression in rat hippocampus, frontal cortex, and retina under Semax action. J Mol Neurosci. 2010;41(1):30-35. PubMed 19662538
- Eremin KO, Kudrin VS, Saransaari P, et al. Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with nootropic properties, activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems in rodents. Neurochem Res. 2005;30(12):1493-1500. PubMed 16362768
- Grivennikov IA, Dolotov OV, Zolotarev YA, et al. Effects of behaviorally active ACTH (4-10) analogue - Semax on rat basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2008;26(1):35-43. PubMed 18431004
- Safarova ER, Shram SI, Zolotarev YA, et al. Effect of Semax peptide on survival of cultured rat pheochromocytoma cells during oxidative stress. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003;135(3):268-271. PubMed 12802399
- Storozhevykh TP, Tukhbatova GR, Senilova YE, et al. Effects of semax and its Pro-Gly-Pro fragment on calcium homeostasis of neurons and their survival under conditions of glutamate toxicity. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2007;143(5):601-604. PubMed 18239779
- Dergunova LV, Dmitrieva VG, Filippenkov IB, et al. The peptide drug ACTH(4-7)PGP (Semax) suppresses mRNA transcripts encoding proinflammatory mediators induced by reversible ischemia of the rat brain. Mol Biol (Mosk). 2021;55(3):402-411. PubMed 34097675
- Gusev EI, Martynov MY, Kostenko EV, et al. The efficacy of semax in the tretament of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2018;118(3 Vyp 2):61-68. PubMed 29798983
- Shevchenko KV, Nagaev IIu, Alfeeva LIu, et al. Kinetics of Semax penetration into the brain and blood of rats after its intranasal administration. Bioorg Khim. 2006;32(1):64-70. PubMed 16523722
- Polunin GS, Nurieva SM, Baiandin DL, et al. Evaluation of therapeutic effect of new Russian drug semax in optic nerve disease. Vestn Oftalmol. 2000;116(1):15-18. PubMed 10741256
- Gusev EI, Skvortsova VI, Chukanova EI. Semax in prevention of disease progress and development of exacerbations in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2005;105(2):35-40. PubMed 15792140
Product specifications
- Dosage
- 200mcg – 600mcg daily (intranasal)
- Cycle
- 2–4 weeks
- Form
- 10mg lyophilised powder
- Purity
- ≥98%
- Molecular formula
- C₃₇H₅₁N₉O₁₀S
- Storage
- 2–8°C refrigerated
- Certificate of Analysis
- View COA
Dosing guide
Category-Specific Dosing Guides
Semax is most commonly administered intranasally, though subcutaneous injection is also used.
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1
Reconstitute for Nasal Use
Add 2ml of BAC water to the 10mg vial, producing a concentration of 5mg/ml (5,000mcg/ml). Transfer the solution to a nasal spray bottle. A standard nasal sprayer typically delivers 0.1ml per actuation. At this concentration, each spray provides approximately 500mcg.
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2
Dosing Protocol
When discussing Semax dosage, a common range is 200–600 mcg daily, administered intranasally in the morning or early afternoon.
Dosage usually starts at 200 mcg and is titrated according to personal experience. Administration can be split into morning and early afternoon. Use in the evening is not advised due to the fact that increased alertness has been reported by some individuals. -
3
Cycle
The regular cycle takes 2–4 weeks, followed by a two-week break. Studies have been carried out on the effects of Semax on BDNF production after the end of administration. Cycling is a standard method for those using this peptide in the long term.
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Focus + anxiolytic + sleep - full nootropic triad. · 3 Weeks
One dose of Semax raised brain BDNF 1.4 times
In rats, a single dose of Semax lifted BDNF protein in the hippocampus 1.4-fold. BDNF is a protein that shapes how brain connections adapt. Treated rats also learned an avoidance task better.
of Semax
Higher BDNF in mice that learned slowest
Mice with weaker learning got a course of Semax. BDNF in the hippocampus, the brain's memory centre, rose from 0.091 to 0.123 pg/µg. In mice that already learned well, levels did not change.
Firstova et al., Eksperimental'naia i Klinicheskaia Farmakologiia, 2009Brain network change seen within 20 minutes
24 healthy adults had brain scans before, and 5 and 20 minutes after, a nasal dose of Semax or placebo. The Semax group showed a larger active area in the front part of the brain's resting network.
Lebedeva et al., Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2018Higher BDNF and faster recovery after stroke
110 patients in stroke rehab took two 10-day courses of Semax, or rehab alone. Semax raised blood BDNF, which stayed high for the whole study. It also sped up recovery of daily function.
Gusev et al., Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova, 2018Reaches the brain 2 minutes after a nasal dose
Rats got Semax as a nasal drop. 2 minutes later it was already in the brain, and 80% of what arrived was intact Semax. It then breaks down quickly.
Shevchenko et al., Bioorganicheskaia Khimiia, 2006Sources: Dolotov OV et al., Brain Research 2006;1117(1):54-60; Firstova IuIu et al., Eksperimental'naia i Klinicheskaia Farmakologiia 2009;72(6):3-6; Lebedeva IS et al., Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine 2018;165(5):653-656; Gusev EI et al., Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova 2018;118(3 Vyp 2):61-68; Shevchenko KV et al., Bioorganicheskaia Khimiia 2006;32(1):64-70
Rated 4.7 by verified buyers
I'm picking up new things faster and remembering details I'd normally forget. It's like my brain just works more smoothly.
Nasal administration is convenient. Effects are noticeable within 15 minutes. Using for demanding study sessions.
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How to use Semax
Ready in 4 steps, BAC water included. A complete visual guide to preparing, reconstituting, injecting, and storing your peptides safely. Follow each step in order.
This peptide is administered intranasally, not via injection. Follow the steps below.
Pre-filled for this product. Adjust values to match your protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
