🧠Semax
ACTH-derived nootropic peptide. Upregulates BDNF and NGF. Approved in Russia for ischemic stroke, TBI, optic nerve atrophy, and ADHD. Enhances memory, focus and neuroprotection.
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-ProWhat Is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the ACTH(4-10) sequence. Developed in Russia and approved for ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, optic nerve atrophy, and cognitive enhancement. It dramatically upregulates BDNF and NGF expression — making it one of the most potent nootropic peptides in preclinical research.
Key Mechanisms
- BDNF and NGF upregulation — promotes neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation
- Dopamine and serotonin modulation — enhances monoaminergic neurotransmission
- Neuroprotection — reduces ischemic brain damage; promotes axonal regrowth post-injury
- Cognitive enhancement — improves working memory, attention, and information processing speed
Key References
- Dolotov OV et al. "Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus." Brain Res, 2006;1120(1):81–91.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — it's a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the ACTH(4-10) fragment, but modified to remove the hormonal (adrenal-stimulating) activity of full ACTH while retaining and amplifying the neurotrophic/cognitive effects.
Ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, optic nerve atrophy, and certain paediatric cognitive/attention indications — approvals that don't extend to the US or EU, where it remains a research compound.
Semax is studied primarily for BDNF/NGF-driven neuroprotective and nootropic effects, while Selank's research focus is anxiolytic; both are Russian-developed short peptides but target different primary endpoints.