Semax
Also known as: ACTH(4-10), NA-Semax
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). It is a nootropic peptide developed in Russia that improves cognitive function, focus, and provides neuroprotection without stimulation.
Research Status
Approved in Russia for stroke and cognitive disorders
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
May occur during the first few days of use. Usually resolves without intervention. Ensure adequate hydration and consider timing injection earlier in the day.
Semax has mild psychostimulant properties. Avoid injections or intranasal administration after 2 PM. If sleep disruption occurs, move dosing to morning only.
Mild nasal congestion, rhinitis, or throat irritation may occur with intranasal spray. Use saline rinse before administration and ensure proper technique. Typically resolves within days.
Rare in sensitive individuals at higher doses. Reduce dose to 200-300 mcg daily or discontinue if persistent. Not a typical response in most users.
Some users report mild appetite suppression or changes in eating patterns. Monitor intake and ensure adequate nutrition.
Mild redness, itching, or small nodules at injection site. Rotate sites consistently to prevent lipodystrophy. Reactions typically resolve within hours to days.
Rare; may occur if injected too rapidly or in sensitive individuals. Inject slowly over 3-5 seconds and remain seated for 1-2 minutes after injection.
Very rare but possible in individuals with peptide sensitivity. Discontinue immediately and seek medical attention if rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing occurs.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 300-600 mcg |
| Frequency | 1-2x daily |
| Timing | Morning and early afternoon (avoid before bed) |
| Route | Intranasal, Subcutaneous |
Available as intranasal spray or subcutaneous injection. Cycle 2-4 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline — use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2–8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 813 |
| Half-life | 15-30 minutes (intranasal); 4-6 hours (subcutaneous, with depot effect) |
| Sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro |
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that enhances cognitive function through neuroprotection and modulation of neurotrophic factors. It increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) production, promoting neuroplasticity and neuronal survival without producing stimulant effects. Semax also exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the central nervous system, supporting memory consolidation, attention, and stress resilience.
BDNF and NGF Upregulation
Semax stimulates production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor, which support neuronal growth, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. These neurotrophic factors are critical for learning, memory formation, and long-term cognitive health.
Neuroprotection and Antioxidant Activity
Semax reduces oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, protecting neurons from damage and supporting cognitive resilience during stress.
Stress Response Modulation
Derived from ACTH, Semax influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, promoting adaptive stress responses and improving cognitive performance under challenging conditions without causing adrenergic overstimulation.
Cerebral Blood Flow Enhancement
Semax may improve microcirculation and oxygen delivery to brain tissue, supporting cognitive function and mental endurance during sustained mental effort.
- Semax is a non-stimulant nootropic — it does not increase heart rate, blood pressure, or cause jitteriness like traditional stimulants
- The peptide crosses the blood-brain barrier via intranasal administration (olfactory route) or systemic absorption after subcutaneous injection
- Clinical research in Russia and Eastern Europe demonstrates improvements in attention, memory consolidation, and cognitive performance in healthy subjects and those with cognitive decline
- Semax exhibits neuroprotection against ischemic injury, excitotoxicity, and age-related cognitive decline in preclinical and clinical studies
- Effects typically emerge after 3-7 days of consistent use and improve over 2-4 weeks of cycling
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View all peptidesResearch Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. Semax is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.