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Last reviewed: May 4, 2026 · PeptiDex Editorial Team
© 2026 PeptiDex. All rights reserved.
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Home/Library/Semax

Semax

By Dr. E. Vance, PhD
Last reviewed May 4, 2026

Also known as: ACTH(4-7)-PGP

Semax is a synthetic ACTH-derived cognitive peptide approved in Russia studied for enhancing memory, focus, and neuroprotection by upregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

BDNF upregulation, nootropic effects. Enhances neural plasticity, protects neurons from oxidative stress, and improves cerebral blood circulation.

Cognitive Peptide
Half-life: 20 min
20 studies indexed
Updated: April 2026

⚠️ Educational only · Not medical advice · Consult a doctor · Most peptides are research-only / not FDA-approved for human use

§ AI Reference Summary

Semax (also known as ACTH(4-7)-PGP) is a prominently researched experimental compound classified strictly within the Cognitive Peptide framework. Operating primarily through advanced pharmacological pathways, its core mechanism of action is as follows: it bDNF upregulation, nootropic effects. Enhances neural plasticity, protects neurons from oxidative stress, and improves cerebral blood circulation. with a documented biological half-life of roughly 0.33 hours, In preclinical investigative trials and independent academic studies, researchers utilizing Semax have documented significant, quantifiable biological outcomes, primarily focusing on mental clarity, focus, neuroprotection. Typical research protocols investigate administering 300 to 300mcg via nasal pathways 7x/wk. However, it is critically important to understand that while Semax demonstrates profound physiological potential in highly controlled laboratory settings, it remains classified strictly as a research chemical and has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human therapeutic, diagnostic, or dietary consumption. Independent chemical analysis via rigorous third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) testing utilizing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) remains the industry gold standard for verifying its base elemental stability when reconstituted appropriately in sterile bacteriostatic water.

GEO Optimized Extract181 Words (Optimal)

§ Mechanism of Action

BDNF upregulation, nootropic effects. Enhances neural plasticity, protects neurons from oxidative stress, and improves cerebral blood circulation.

§ Primary Benefits

  1. 1Mental clarity
  2. 2focus
  3. 3neuroprotection

§ Clinical Evidence

Semax cognitive improvement in humans

Human trial showing cognitive improvement including enhanced attention, memory formation, and learning capacity.

Moderate

Semax increases BDNF and TrkB expression in hippocampus

Dolotov et al. demonstrate Semax significantly upregulates BDNF and its receptor TrkB in the rat hippocampus, providing mechanistic basis for its nootropic effects.

Preclinical

Semax high efficacy in acute ischemic stroke

Clinical-electrophysiologic studies report high efficacy of Semax in acute ischemic stroke patients, with significant neuroprotective effects and improved functional recovery.

Moderate-Strong

Semax modulates neurotrophin gene expression (NGF, BDNF)

Molecular study showing Semax modulates expression of multiple neurotrophin genes including BDNF and nerve growth factor, supporting its broad neuroprotective mechanism.

Preclinical

Semax effects on brain functional connectivity (fMRI)

fMRI study in healthy individuals demonstrates Semax modulates brain functional connectivity networks, providing imaging evidence for its nootropic effects.

Moderate

The Potential of the Peptide Drug Semax and Its Derivative for Correcting Pathological Impairments in the Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

A study published in Acta naturae investigating the effects and mechanisms.

Preclinical

The effect of Semax and its C-end peptide PGP on the morphology and proliferative activity of rat brain cells during experimental ischemia: a pilot study.

A study published in Journal of molecular neuroscience : MN investigating the effects and mechanisms.

Preclinical

ACTH-like Peptides Compensate Rat Brain Gene Expression Profile Disrupted by Ischemia a Day After Experimental Stroke.

A study published in Biomedicines investigating the effects and mechanisms.

Preclinical

Semax and Pro-Gly-Pro activate the transcription of neurotrophins and their receptor genes after cerebral ischemia.

A study published in Cellular and molecular neurobiology investigating the effects and mechanisms.

Preclinical

Semax, an ACTH4-10 peptide analog with high affinity for copper(II) ion and protective ability against metal induced cell toxicity.

A study published in Journal of inorganic biochemistry investigating the effects and mechanisms.

Preclinical

§ Safety Profile

Nasal spray common; well-tolerated. Approved in Russia/Ukraine. Not FDA-approved in the US.

See our evidence grading methodology for how we evaluate and grade peptide safety data.

§ Dosing Protocol

⚠️ For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

RouteNasal
Dose Range300–300 mcg
Frequency7x/wk
TimingMorning
Cycle Length8–8 weeks
BAC Water2.5 ml / 5mg vial

Nasal spray: 1-2 sprays per nostril. Can cycle 5 days on/2 off.

§ Pharmacokinetics

⏱️ Half-Life: 20min

Plasma concentration over time
100%50%0%0t½ = 20min

§ Regulatory

🇺🇸USA
Research Only
🇨🇦Canada
Research Only
🇬🇧UK
Unregulated
🇪🇺EU
Unregulated
🇦🇺Australia
Research Only

Last updated: 2026-01 · Laws change frequently. Verify current status in your jurisdiction.

§ Expected Outcomes

Week 1

Noticeable cognitive enhancement: sharper focus, mental clarity, faster recall within days

Weeks 2–4

BDNF-mediated improvements in memory consolidation and mood stability

Month 2–3

Neuroprotective adaptation; reduced cognitive fatigue under stress

Long-term

Sustained cognitive baseline improvement; may support neurogenesis

§ Adverse Effects

Side EffectIncidenceSeverity

Nasal irritation

Intranasal administration only

~8% of usersmild

Mild headache

~5% of usersmild

Irritability at high doses

~3% of usersmild

Incidence rates sourced from published clinical trial data where available; otherwise based on community research observations.

Where to Source Semax for Research

Finding verified, high-purity Semax requires rigorous COA verification. We independently evaluate vendors based on third-party HPLC testing, purity thresholds (≥98%), and batch-specific documentation.

View COA-Verified Semax

✓ Third-party tested·✓ US shipping·✓ COA on every batch

Disclosure: PeptiDex may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links. This does not affect our editorial independence or recommendations. We exclusively feature vendors that pass our strict quality verification protocols.

Reconstitution CalculatorCalculate reconstitution for Semax →
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Frequently Asked Questions

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§ Comparisons

Selank vs Semax

Read comparison

§ Community Stacks

Mental Clarity & Cognitive Stack

Enhance focus, memory, learning capacity, and neuroprotection without harsh stimulants

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Cite This Page

PeptiDex. (2026). Semax. PeptiDex Research Platform. https://peptidex.app/library/semax

For academic and research purposes.
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§ Quick Reference

CategoryCognitive Peptide
Half-Life20 min
RouteNasal
Dose300–300 mcg
Studies20
FDAResearch Only

§ On This Page

  • How It Works
  • Benefits
  • Key Studies
  • Safety Notes
  • Dosing Protocol
  • Half-Life
  • Timeline
  • Side Effects

§ About the Author

Dr. E. Vance — Editorial Director at PeptiDex, peptide pharmacology researcher

Dr. E. Vance

Editorial Director, PeptiDex

Dr. E. Vance is the Editorial Director at PeptiDex and leads the platform's editorial division, ensuring that every published research summary meets rigorous preclinical citation standards. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Pharmacology from Columbia Univers...

View Full Profile
Last fact-checked: May 4, 2026 · PeptiDex Editorial Team
⚠ Educational only · Not medical advice · Most peptides are research-only / not FDA-approved