A brain-boosting peptide developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1980s. It boosts your brain's main growth and repair signal (BDNF) by 1.5-3x, increases nerve growth factor, promotes the creation of new brain cells in the memory center, and improves blood flow to the brain. Used clinically in Russia for decades for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, ADHD, and cognitive decline. You'll typically notice effects within 5-10 days.
What to Expect
Week 1–2
Improved focus, mental clarity, and verbal fluency within hours. Enhanced motivation and productivity. Mild mood elevation. Subtle increase in energy.
Week 3–6
Sustained cognitive enhancement. Better memory consolidation and recall. Improved creative thinking. BDNF-mediated neuroplasticity building over time.
Week 8+
Peak nootropic benefits. Long-term neuroprotective effects accumulating. Benefits may taper slightly — cycling helps maintain efficacy.
Common Side Effects
Scientific Overview
Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro modification for stability. It does not possess corticotropic activity but demonstrates nootropic and neuroprotective properties through modulation of BDNF/trkB signaling, enhancement of hippocampal neurogenesis, and upregulation of neurotrophins NGF and NT-3. Semax increases cerebral blood flow and has been approved in Russia for treatment of stroke, cognitive disorders, and optic nerve atrophy.
Dosing
300-600 mcg subq or nasal spray, 3 times a week on an empty stomach. Take it before noon. Cycle: 8-12 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Can be mixed in the same syringe with SS-31, NAD+, or Selank.
Practical Guide
Reconstitution
Intranasal: use pre-made nasal spray (0.1% or 1% solution). No reconstitution needed for nasal form.
Storage
Refrigerate after opening. Use within 15-20 days. Protect from light.
Timing
Morning or early afternoon dosing for cognitive enhancement. Avoid evening dosing — may interfere with sleep at higher doses.
Food
No food interactions.
Benefit Profile
Medical Considerations
Contraindications
- ✕Pregnancy/nursing
- ✕Seizure disorders (lowers seizure threshold at high doses)
- ✕Acute psychosis
Drug Interactions
Recommended Monitoring
- →No routine labs required
- →Monitor for hair changes
- →Track cognitive and mood effects
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Published Research
[The efficacy of semax in the tretament of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke].
Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions.
[Comparison of anticoagulant effects of regulatory proline-containing oligopeptides. Specificity of glyprolines, semax, and selank and potential of their practical application].
Semax peptide targets the μ opioid receptor gene Oprm1 to promote deubiquitination and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in female mice.
Semax, a Copper Chelator Peptide, Decreases the Cu(II)-Catalyzed ROS Production and Cytotoxicity of aβ by Metal Ion Stripping and Redox Silencing.
The Effect of Peptide Semax, an ACTH(4-10) Analogue, on Intracellular Calcium Dynamics in Rat Brain Neurons.
Antidepressant-like and antistress effects of the ACTH(4-10) synthetic analogs Semax and Melanotan II on male rats in a model of chronic unpredictable stress.
Semax, a Synthetic Regulatory Peptide, Affects Copper-Induced Abeta Aggregation and Amyloid Formation in Artificial Membrane Models.
Semax, synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue, attenuates behavioural and neurochemical alterations following early-life fluvoxamine exposure in white rats.
Brain Protein Expression Profile Confirms the Protective Effect of the ACTH((4-7))PGP Peptide (Semax) in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion.