Semax
peptideevidence: emerging · v1.0.0Description
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) studied in nootropic and neurotrophic research models. Lyophilized powder. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for in-vitro research. Store at -20°C. Certificate of Analysis attached to this listing.
Mechanism summary
BDNF-related and neuro-signaling pathways.
How it works
Semax appears to nudge brain plasticity programs and stress-response biology, especially when the brain is under load. Researchers most often describe it through three overlapping mechanism layers — neurotrophin signaling, neurotransmitter modulation, and stress/ischemia gene expression. None of these layers fully explains the molecule on its own.
Single intranasal Semax administration increased BDNF protein and TrkB receptor signaling in rat hippocampus (Dolotov 2006). This is the most-cited mechanism behind Semax's nootropic and neuroprotective framing.
Semax has been reported to modulate dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in rodents, including amphetamine-evoked locomotor effects (Eremin 2005). This is described as neuromodulation, not classic stimulant action.
Semax may act as a partial agonist or antagonist at MC4 and MC5 melanocortin receptors in vitro (Bertolini 2012). The full receptor profile is not settled.
Semax inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes from human serum at IC50 ~10 µM (Kost 2001), though the clinical significance of this property is uncertain.
Genome-wide transcriptional analysis in rat focal ischemia found Semax altered hundreds of genes, with notable clusters in immune response and vascular pathways (Medvedeva 2014).
A useful interpretation of the data: Semax appears most measurable when the brain is under a perturbation (stress, ischemia, fatigue, learning load) rather than as a constant baseline amplifier. This pattern fits the clinical literature too — the strongest reported effects are in stroke recovery and stress-research contexts, not in well-rested healthy volunteers. [Source: Peptide Dosing Protocols]
In plain language
Semax helps the brain adapt and respond to stress, particularly during challenging situations, by influencing various biological pathways.
Reference details
Route(s)
intranasal
Tags
neuroinflammation
Active
yes
Product details · XA10
Price
$39.99
Stock
low stock
Mol. weight
813.9 g/mol
Formula
C37H51N9O10S
Purity
≥ 99%
CAS #
80714-61-0
Amino sequence: Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP)
COA: View certificate (batch TET-4905-A) →
Teton Labs product catalog · research-use compound data.
💉 Dosing — 3 references (verbatim from source · not a recommendation)
Dose
300-600 mcg intranasally daily (or 1-3 drops/nostril of 0.1% solution)
Route
intranasal
Frequency
once or twice daily
Duration
10-14 day cycles
Cycle
Repeat cycles per provider direction
Reconstitution
Compounded intranasal solution - no reconstitution required
Vial
Compounded intranasal solution/spray
Source: Practitioner Peptide Dosing Reference (commonly published ranges) — Compiled practitioner reference (internal_protocol)Source-backedProvider-reviewed
Dose
200-600 mcg per dose (0.1% solution) for nootropic use; 3-6 mg per dose (1% solution) for stroke
Route
intranasal
Frequency
2-3 times daily
Cycle
Repeatable
Source: Peptide Protocol Wiki (peptideprotocolwiki.com) (publication)Source-backedProvider-reviewed
Dose
Standard: 0.6 to 1.5 mg/day · Low: sub-milligram per administration · High: up to ~1 mg/kg
Route
Intranasal solution, Subcutaneous injection
Frequency
Daily administration, often divided into morning and afternoon doses
Duration
10-14 days for standard short course, 4-6 weeks for extended cognitive course
Cycle
4-6 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
Reconstitution
Requires reconstitution with bacteriostatic water before subcutaneous research use
Source: Peptide Dosing Protocols (peptidedosingprotocols.com) (publication)Source-backedProvider-reviewed
Safety, contraindications & monitoring
Contraindications — who should avoid
- Consult a qualified clinician for any health decision.
Safety & side effects
- Removed from FDA's 503A Category 2 list due to compounding safety risks.
- Not FDA-approved in the United States.
Monitoring & bloodwork
- CBC at baseline and week 4
Clinical evidence
- Intranasal Semax is the most-studied format.
- Reported daily amounts in cognitive research range from about 0.6 to 1.5 mg/day. · Voronina 2023; Kaplan 1996
- Higher daily amounts reported under hospital supervision during acute ischemic stroke. · Gusev 1997 acute-stroke clinical study
- Single intranasal administration of about 1.2 mg reported in healthy-volunteer cognitive-attention study. · ADDF Cognitive Vitality summary
Source-backedProvider-reviewedApproved findings drawn from your sources — decision support, not medical advice.
Provider-only reference. This page does not constitute medical advice, a recommendation, or dosing guidance.