Nootropic

Semax

Semax (ACTH 4-7 Pro-Gly-Pro)

An ACTH-derived nootropic peptide with neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. Approved in Russia for neurological indications.

Semax is not approved by the FDA for human use. It is sold strictly for research purposes only and is not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease or condition. Purchase and use is entirely at your own risk.

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What it is

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide based on the ACTH(4-7) sequence with added Pro-Gly-Pro. Developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, it has regulatory approval in Russia for ischemic stroke and cognitive impairment.

Notable for its ability to rapidly upregulate BDNF and NGF (nerve growth factor), with effects appearing within hours of administration.

What research shows

Rapid BDNF and NGF upregulation in animal and some human studies
Neuroprotective effects following stroke in clinical research
Improved cognitive performance, attention, and memory in some studies
Potential benefit in ADHD-like symptoms in small-scale research

What remains unknown

Long-term effects with extended use
Dose-response characterization in healthy humans
Comparative effectiveness versus pharmaceutical interventions for cognition

Administration basics

Common use cases

Cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, focus, ADHD symptom support.

Half-life

Very short in plasma (~7 minutes), but CNS effects persist significantly longer.

Administration

Intranasal drops primarily. Subcutaneous injection also used.

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Research Protocols & Common Usage

Doses used in research

Russian clinical research has used 300–600mcg intranasally per day
Community protocols commonly report 300mcg–1mg/day intranasally

Administration routes studied

Intranasal (most common and most studied route)Subcutaneous injection

Typical protocol duration

Russian research protocols commonly used 10–14 day courses. Community use ranges from acute use to 2–4 week cycles.

Common stacking protocols

Semax + Selank — widely reported combination for cognitive enhancement paired with anxiolytic effects
Semax + BPC-157 — combined in some neuroprotective protocols
Semax + Pinealon — combined in some Russian-derived neuroprotective stacks

Contraindications & combinations to avoid

Blood pressure elevation — Semax may raise blood pressure at higher doses; caution with hypertension
Seizure history — exercise caution given neurological activity
Psychiatric medications — theoretical interaction with BDNF-modulating antidepressants; consult a physician

Dosing information reflects doses used in published research and commonly reported community protocols only. This is not a personal recommendation. These compounds are not FDA-approved for human use in the contexts described. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any protocol.

Considering stacking?

See the stacking guide for common combinations with Semax and what to avoid.

Stacking guide

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Community Reviews

Reviews reflect individual user experiences with research compounds and are not medical advice. Results vary. These compounds are not FDA approved for human use. Peptelligent does not verify reported experiences.