Peptide
Semax
Semax is used or studied for neuroprotective and related cognitive, mood and neurological support goals. Potential benefits and safety depend on indication, formulation, dose, and medical supervision.
In depth
How it works
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from a fragment of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) with an added stabilizing tripeptide. Research indicates it activates transcription of neurotrophins like BDNF and their receptor genes, which is the proposed mechanism behind its studied neuroprotective and cognitive effects, particularly after ischemic brain injury.
What the research shows
Semax has been a registered prescription drug in Russia since 1994 for ischemic stroke and cognitive impairment. A clinical study of post-stroke patients using an intranasal regimen found increases in plasma BDNF alongside faster functional recovery and improved motor performance.
Outside Russia, most available evidence is preclinical (animal) research; large-scale Western randomized controlled trials have not replicated these findings, so claims about cognitive enhancement in healthy people go well beyond what the clinical evidence directly supports.
Safety and who should avoid it
Reported side effects in the Russian clinical literature are minimal, but safety monitoring outside those trials is not standardized. It has not been reviewed by the FDA or EMA.
Detail
Overview
Semax is used or studied for neuroprotective and related cognitive, mood and neurological support goals. Potential benefits and safety depend on indication, formulation, dose, and medical supervision.
Benefits, side effects, and protocols
Benefits list
- Neuroprotective
Side effects
- Minimal reported
Vendor protocol
- None listed
Clinical protocol
- None listed
Evidence
- Low
- Russia-approved only
Regulatory
- Not Fda Approved
Research
Mechanisms
Evidence notes
- Low
- Russia-approved only
Administration
Research links
Contraindications
- None listed
Components
- None listed
Regulatory data
- Not Fda Approved
Aliases
- None listed
Related compounds
Half-life
How long does Semax stay in your system?
No human pharmacokinetic study of this compound has been published, so no half-life can honestly be stated. Here is why.
Terminology on this page
Concepts from the glossary that come up around Semax.
Frequently asked questions
What is Semax used for?
In Russia, it is a registered prescription drug for ischemic stroke and cognitive impairment. Elsewhere, it is studied but not approved for any medical use.
Is Semax legal or FDA approved in the US?
It is not FDA approved. It has prescription drug status in Russia but no regulatory approval in the US, EU, or most other countries.
Does Semax actually improve cognition?
Clinical studies in Russian stroke patients show improved recovery and BDNF levels, and animal studies show broad neuroprotective effects, but robust Western clinical trials on cognitive enhancement in healthy people are lacking.
Educational reference only. Pepperz does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescribing guidance, or dosing recommendations. Sourcing Semax? Check your source before you use anything.