Semax

Semax: Molecular Mechanisms and Neurocognitive Modulation

Molecular Overview

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH4–10) with neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties.

It functions primarily within the central nervous system (CNS), modulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, monoaminergic neurotransmission, and neuroplasticity pathways.

Semax is notable for its nootropic effects, enhancing cognitive performance, stress resilience, and neurological recovery without the sympathomimetic or stimulant side effects associated with traditional pharmacological agents.

Mechanism of Action

1. Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects

• Upregulates BDNF and NGF (nerve growth factor) expression, promoting neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and dendritic growth.
• Protects against oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and ischemic damage, supporting long-term cognitive resilience.

2. Cognitive Enhancement

• Modulates dopaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic signaling, improving attention, working memory, and executive function.
• Enhances long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal neurons, facilitating learning and memory consolidation.

3. Stress and Mood Regulation

• Regulates HPA axis activity, reducing cortisol-mediated stress responses and stabilizing mood.
• Supports emotional resilience and adaptive cognitive function under acute or chronic stress.

4. Neurovascular Support

• Improves cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery, enhancing metabolic support for active neurons and reducing fatigue-associated cognitive decline.

Physiological and Clinical Benefits

• Enhanced Cognitive Function: Improves focus, attention, mental clarity, and motivation.
• Memory and Learning: Facilitates information retention, working memory, and neuroplasticity.
• Mood Stabilization: Reduces anxiety, supports motivation, and promotes emotional balance.
• Neuroprotection: Shields neurons from oxidative stress, ischemia, and excitotoxic damage.
• Stress Resilience: Enhances recovery from neurological strain and mental fatigue.

Therapeutic and Research Applications

Semax is commonly explored and applied for:

• Cognitive enhancement in healthy individuals and high-performance settings
• Neuroprotection and recovery following brain injury, stroke, or ischemic events
• Mood and anxiety modulation
• Support for neuroplasticity and learning
• Management of mental fatigue, burnout, and stress-related cognitive decline

Semax represents a neurotrophic peptide therapy that integrates cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and stress resilience, making it a versatile candidate for both clinical and research applications in brain health and performance optimization.

Legal Policy: 

This product is strictly for research purposes only and is intended solely for in vitro testing and laboratory experimentation. The information provided on this website is for educational use and does not permit the introduction of this product into humans or animals. Handling of this product is restricted to licensed and qualified professionals. It is not classified as a drug, food, or cosmetic, and should not be misrepresented or used as such.

All products sold on this site are for research and development use only. They are not intended for human or animal use.

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Our products and content are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Tides Peptides is a chemical supplier, not a compounding pharmacy or a chemical compounding facility as defined under section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Molecular Formula

1. What is Semax, and why does it matter?

Semax is used for neurological recovery and cognitive enhancement. It’s known for its nootropic (brain-boosting) effects, helping to improve focus, memory, mental clarity, and resilience to stress—without the stimulant side effects of caffeine or traditional medications.

2. What are the benefits of Semax?

Semax is widely used for its cognitive and neuroprotective benefits, including:

• Improved focus, concentration, and mental clarity

• Enhanced memory and learning ability

• Reduced brain fog and fatigue

• Mood and anxiety support

• Faster recovery from stress or neurological strain

It’s a favorite among students, professionals, and anyone seeking sharper mental performance.

3. What is Semax used for?

Semax is commonly used to:

• Boost cognitive function and productivity

• Support brain health and neuroplasticity

• Manage mental fatigue and burnout

• Help with mood regulation and emotional resilience

• Aid recovery from brain injuries, strokes, or neurological stress (in clinical settings)

Whether you're optimizing brainpower or managing mental stress, Semax is a go-to peptide for sharper thinking and calm focus.

Administration and Side Effects

Semax is typically administered via nasal spray, allowing for direct delivery to the brain. It is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects reported. However, as with any substance affecting the central nervous system, it should be used under medical supervision, especially considering its status outside of formal regulatory approval in many countries.

Additional Info

Semax, synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue, attenuates behavioural and neurochemical alterations following early-life fluvoxamine exposure in white rats.

Glazova NY, Manchenko DM, Volodina MA, Merchieva SA, Andreeva LA, Kudrin VS, Myasoedov NF, Levitskaya NG.

Neuropeptides. 2021 Apr;86:102114. doi: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102114. Epub 2020 Dec 28.

PMID: 33418449

Semax, a Synthetic Regulatory Peptide, Affects Copper-Induced Abeta Aggregation and Amyloid Formation in Artificial Membrane Models.

Sciacca MFM, Naletova I, Giuffrida ML, Attanasio F.

ACS Chem Neurosci. 2022 Feb 16;13(4):486-496. doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00707. Epub 2022 Jan 26.

PMID: 35080861

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

Dmitrieva VG, Povarova OV, Skvortsova VI, Limborska SA, Myasoedov NF, Dergunova LV.

Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2010 Jan;30(1):71-9. doi: 10.1007/s10571-009-9432-0. Epub 2009 Jul 25.

PMID: 19633950

Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-7), regulates expression of immune response genes during ischemic brain injury in rats.

Medvedeva EV, Dmitrieva VG, Limborska SA, Myasoedov NF, Dergunova LV.

Mol Genet Genomics. 2017 Jun;292(3):635-653. doi: 10.1007/s00438-017-1297-1. Epub 2017 Mar 2.

PMID: 28255762

Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects.

Panikratova YR, Lebedeva IS, Sokolov OY, Rumshiskaya AD, Kupriyanov DA, Kost NV, Myasoedov NF.

Dokl Biol Sci. 2020 Jan;490(1):9-11. doi: 10.1134/S001249662001007X. Epub 2020 Apr 27.

PMID: 32342318

Semax prevents learning and memory inhibition by heavy metals.

Inozemtsev AN, Bokieva SB, Karpukhina OV, Gumargalieva KZ, Kamensky AA, Myasoedov NF.

Dokl Biol Sci. 2016 May;468(1):112-4. doi: 10.1134/S0012496616030066. Epub 2016 Jul 14.

PMID: 27411820

Effects of Semax on the Default Mode Network of the Brain.

Lebedeva IS, Panikratova YR, Sokolov OY, Kupriyanov DA, Rumshiskaya AD, Kost NV, Myasoedov NF.

Bull Exp Biol Med. 2018 Sep;165(5):653-656. doi: 10.1007/s10517-018-4234-3. Epub 2018 Sep 17.

PMID: 30225715

Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with nootropic properties, activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems in rodents.

Eremin KO, Kudrin VS, Saransaari P, Oja SS, Grivennikov IA, Myasoedov NF, Rayevsky KS.

Neurochem Res. 2005 Dec;30(12):1493-500. doi: 10.1007/s11064-005-8826-8.

PMID: 16362768

Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus.

Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, Seredenina TS, Levitskaya NG, Rozyczka J, Dubynina EV, Novosadova EV, Andreeva LA, Alfeeva LY, Kamensky AA, Grivennikov IA, Myasoedov NF, Engele J.

Brain Res. 2006 Oct 30;1117(1):54-60. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.07.108. Epub 2006 Sep 22.

PMID: 16996037

[Comparison of anticoagulant effects of regulatory proline-containing oligopeptides. Specificity of glyprolines, semax, and selank and potential of their practical application].

Liapina LA, Pastorova VE, Obergan TIu, Samonina GE, Ashmarin IP, Miasoedov NF.

Izv Akad Nauk Ser Biol. 2006 Mar-Apr;(2):193-203.

PMID: 16634437