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Nootropic & Neuro

Semax Protocol

Dosing & Research

Last Updated: September 4, 2026

Chemical Identity
Amino Acid Sequence
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Molecular Formula
C37H51N9O10S
Molecular Weight
813.93 g/mol
CAS Number
80714-61-0

Attention and executive-function research, Neuroprotection, BDNF/NGF signaling, Stroke recovery models

Evidence Level
Human Clinical Data Available
Species Studied
Human • Rat • Mouse
Half-Life
Short; often cited in minutes with longer pharmacodynamic effects
Administration
• Intranasal • Subcutaneous
Frequency
Daily or 3-5x weekly; avoid evening to prevent sleep disruption

How It Works

  • Attention and executive-function research
  • Neuroprotection
  • BDNF/NGF signaling
  • Stroke recovery models

Dosing Structure

Dose
0.5–1 mg
Frequency
Daily or 3-5x weekly; avoid evening to prevent sleep disruption
Notes
Daily SubQ: 100-300mcg. 3x-5x per week SubQ: 200-500mcg (some protocols call for a max of 1mg per day). Intranasal: 750mcg-1mg. Should avoid taking Semax at night to prevent sleep disruptions. Cycle Durations: Daily: 1 month on, 1 month off. 3-5x per week: 2 months on, 2 months off. Break: 1-2 weeks between cycles to maintain effectiveness.

Example Protocols

Dose: 0.5–1 mg
Frequency: Daily or 3-5x weekly; avoid evening to prevent sleep disruption
Duration: 8 Weeks
Off Period: Not listed
Calculate dosing →

Find Research Grade Semax

Recommended vendors for sourcing research-grade material. PeptaBase does not sell peptides directly.

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COA Verified

Third-party COA-verified research peptides with published batch testing.

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Purity Tested

US-based research compound supplier with independent purity testing.

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Bulk research peptide sourcing with batch-level documentation.

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View all recommended vendors →

Protocol Notes

•
Daily SubQ: 100-300mcg.
•
3x-5x per week SubQ: 200-500mcg (some protocols call for a max of 1mg per day).
•
Intranasal: 750mcg-1mg.
•
Should avoid taking Semax at night to prevent sleep disruptions.
•
Cycle Durations: Daily: 1 month on, 1 month off.
•
3-5x per week: 2 months on, 2 months off.
•
Break: 1-2 weeks between cycles to maintain effectiveness.

What Is Semax?

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the ACTH(4-10) sequence - the active core of adrenocorticotropic hormone - developed in Russia for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement. It is registered as a pharmaceutical drug in Russia for stroke recovery, brain injury, and cognitive impairment. Unlike ACTH itself, Semax does not stimulate cortisol production. It increases BDNF, NGF, and serotonin, making it one of the most research-backed nootropic peptides.

Research Observations - Not Medical Claims
  • ▸Stroke recovery: Semax (intranasal, 12–18 mcg/kg/day) reduced neurological deficit scores and improved functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients in Russian Phase 3 trials (n>200) (PMID: 17217149).
  • ▸BDNF and NGF upregulation: Semax rapidly increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and NGF (nerve growth factor) in the hippocampus - key neurotrophins for neuroplasticity and memory formation (PMID: 20559768).
  • ▸Attention and cognition: Russian trials in healthy subjects showed improved attention, processing speed, and working memory after intranasal Semax - without stimulant side effects.
  • ▸Optic nerve protection: Semax demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects in optic nerve atrophy models and is used clinically in Russia for visual disorders.
  • ▸Serotonergic modulation: Semax increases serotonin turnover in the frontal cortex - contributing to mood stabilization and reduced anxiety alongside cognitive effects.

Evidence Summary

Human Clinical Data AvailableRegistered drug in Russia and Ukraine - Research Chemical in US, EU, and most Western countries
Evidence StrengthModerate
PreliminaryModerateStrong
Curated Citations3
Largest Study (n)200
Most Recent Study2023
Species Studied
HumanRatMouse

Commonly Researched With

Selank
The Russian nootropic stack - Semax for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection + Selank for anxiolytic support. Studied and used together in Russia.
NAD+
NAD+ restoration and Semax's BDNF upregulation are studied together in cognitive decline and neurodegeneration research.
Epithalon
Both target aging-related decline - Semax for neural plasticity and neuroprotection, Epithalon for cellular longevity and sleep regulation.

Research & Studies

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