Peptide Profile
Semax
A brain-boosting peptide that supercharges your cognitive function by ramping up BDNF—the protein your neurons need to grow, connect, and stay sharp—all delivered through a simple nasal spray.
Dose Range
200-900mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Intranasal spray
Cycle Length
4-6 weeks
Onset
Rapid (hours to days)
Evidence
Moderate
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C37H51N9O10S
Molecular Formula
813.9 g/mol
Molecular Weight
Several minutes to hours (intranasal effects persist longer)
Half-Life
High via intranasal route (directly reaches brain)
Bioavailability
80714-61-0
CAS #
9811102
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 1982
Nikolai Myasoedov and Isaak Ashmarin
Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences
Primary Benefits
Powerfully improves focus, memory, and mental clarity through BDNF upregulation—backed by decades of research and clinical use in Russia
Shields brain cells from oxidative damage, toxic metals, and injury through multiple mechanisms including copper chelation and neurotrophic support
Provides sustained mental stamina and alertness without stimulant-like side effects, crashes, or tolerance development
Amino Acid Sequence
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP)Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
200-300 mcg
Start low to assess your tolerance and response. The 0.1% nasal solution delivers about 50-100 mcg per drop—typically 2-3 drops per nostril. Most people notice effects within the first few days.
Standard Dose
300-600 mcg
The most commonly used range for cognitive enhancement. Russian clinical protocols typically use 200-600 mcg per day. Take in the morning to avoid sleep interference. Can split into morning and early afternoon doses.
Advanced Dose
600-900 mcg
Higher doses used in clinical settings for stroke recovery and brain injury. The 1% solution (stronger formulation) is sometimes used here. Always work with a healthcare provider at these levels.
Timing
Best time to take
Morning administration works best for most people—Semax increases alertness and focus, so taking it late in the day might interfere with sleep. If splitting doses, take the second one before 2 PM.
With food?
Semax can be taken regardless of food since it's administered nasally and absorbs directly into the brain tissue. Food timing doesn't affect its absorption or effectiveness.
If stacking
Semax pairs excellently with Selank for balanced cognitive and anxiolytic effects. When combining with other nootropics like Noopept, start with lower doses of each. Space different nasal peptides 15-30 minutes apart.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the starting dose well for at least a week
- +Cognitive benefits are subtle and you want stronger effects
- +Your protocol calls for clinical-level dosing under supervision
Decrease if
- -You experience persistent headaches or nasal irritation
- -You feel overstimulated or have trouble sleeping
- -Blood pressure noticeably increases
- -Any uncomfortable side effects develop
Signs of right dose
- ✓Noticeably improved focus and concentration
- ✓Better memory recall throughout the day
- ✓Clearer thinking without feeling wired or anxious
- ✓Stable mood and motivation
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Amount to Draw
10
units
Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Students and Knowledge Workers
If your day revolves around learning, studying, or processing complex information, Semax can be a game-changer. It enhances memory consolidation and recall while improving your ability to focus for extended periods—perfect for exam prep or demanding projects.
Those Seeking Mental Clarity
Brain fog? Semax works by boosting BDNF—the protein that helps neurons communicate effectively. Users often report feeling like the 'mental static' clears away, leaving sharper, more efficient thinking in its place.
Neuroprotection Seekers
Beyond immediate cognitive benefits, Semax offers protective effects for your brain cells. It acts as an antioxidant (especially against copper toxicity) and supports neuronal health—valuable for anyone concerned about long-term brain wellness.
Recovery Support (Under Medical Supervision)
In Russia, Semax is approved for helping stroke patients and those with traumatic brain injuries recover cognitive function. While not FDA-approved for this use elsewhere, the research shows meaningful neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×You are pregnant or might become pregnant—effects on fetal development are unknown
- ×You are breastfeeding—the peptide could potentially pass into breast milk
- ×You have a history of seizures or epilepsy—neurologically active compounds require caution
- ×You've had allergic reactions to ACTH or related peptides
- ×You have uncontrolled high blood pressure—Semax may cause temporary elevations
Use with caution if
- !You take stimulant medications—effects may be additive
- !You have a history of anxiety disorders—increased alertness may trigger symptoms in some
- !You're on blood pressure medications—monitor readings more frequently
- !You have diabetes—some studies noted minor glucose effects in diabetic patients
- !You take MAO inhibitors or other psychiatric medications—potential interactions
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) or sterile saline for nasal use
- •Empty nasal spray bottle (if making your own spray)
- •Insulin syringes (if using subcutaneous route)
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops
- •Your Semax powder vial
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (alternative to nasal) or intranasal spray (preferred for cognitive effects)
Best sites
- •Intranasal: One spray in each nostril (most common method)
- •Belly fat area (for subcutaneous injection)
- •Front or outer thigh (for subcutaneous injection)
Technique
- 1.For nasal spray: Gently blow your nose first to clear passages
- 2.Tilt head slightly forward (not back) to prevent throat drainage
- 3.Insert spray tip into nostril and aim toward outer wall
- 4.Press pump while inhaling gently through the nose
- 5.Avoid sniffing hard—this can push the peptide past the absorption zone
- 6.For subcutaneous: Clean site, pinch skin, inject at 45-90 degrees
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Semax has been used clinically in Russia for over 25 years with an excellent safety profile. It's approved there for treating stroke, cognitive impairment, and optic nerve diseases. Studies consistently show minimal side effects, mostly limited to mild nasal irritation when using the spray form. Unlike stimulants, Semax doesn't appear to cause tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms even with extended use.
Most human safety data comes from Russian clinical use and research. While well-documented in Russian medical literature, large-scale Western clinical trials are limited. The peptide's mechanism (BDNF enhancement) is well-understood and considered relatively safe. Always work with a healthcare provider when using research compounds.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Nasal irritation
When using the nasal spray, some users experience mild dryness, irritation, or occasional sneezing. This is the most frequently reported side effect.
Management: Use saline spray before Semax to moisturize passages. Alternate nostrils. If persistent, try lower concentration or subcutaneous route.
Mild headache
Some users report mild headaches, particularly during the first few days of use. This typically resolves as your body adjusts.
Management: Stay well-hydrated. Start with lower doses. If headaches persist beyond a week, reduce dose or discontinue.
Increased alertness
Semax promotes wakefulness and focus—which is usually the point! But this can interfere with sleep if taken too late in the day.
Management: Take all doses before 2 PM. If you're sensitive, stick to morning-only dosing.
Less Common
- •Temporary blood pressure increase
- •Dizziness
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Any signs of allergic reaction—stop immediately and seek medical help
- ×Persistent headaches that don't improve after the first week
- ×Significant blood pressure increases that concern you or your doctor
- ×Sleep disruption that doesn't resolve with earlier dosing
- ×Any side effect that feels serious or significantly impacts your quality of life
- ×Your planned cycle or research protocol is complete
Semax is a research compound not FDA-approved in the United States (though it is approved in Russia). Never start, stop, or change your dosing without guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes only—not medical advice.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Excellent pairing—Selank adds anxiolytic effects while Semax provides cognitive boost. Together they offer balanced brain enhancement. Can use both nasally, spaced 15-30 minutes apart.
- ✓Both enhance cognition through different mechanisms. Start with lower doses of each when combining. Monitor for overstimulation.
- ✓Safe to combine. BPC-157 offers healing properties while Semax provides cognitive benefits—complementary without interaction.
- ✓No known interactions. GHK-Cu works on tissue repair while Semax targets cognition—different pathways, safe together.
With medications
- !Stimulant medications (Adderall, Ritalin) - Effects may be additive. Use caution and lower doses. Inform your prescriber.
- !MAO inhibitors - Semax affects monoamine systems (dopamine, serotonin). Combining with MAOIs could cause unpredictable effects. Avoid.
- ✓Blood pressure medications - Semax may temporarily affect blood pressure. Monitor readings and inform your doctor.
- ✓Diabetes medications - Minor glucose effects noted in some diabetic patients. Monitor blood sugar more closely.
With supplements
- ✓Alpha-GPC - Synergistic pairing—Alpha-GPC provides choline for acetylcholine synthesis, complementing Semax's BDNF effects. Great cognitive stack.
- ✓Caffeine - Safe in moderate amounts. High doses may cause overstimulation when combined with Semax. Keep caffeine reasonable.
- ✓L-Theanine - Excellent addition—L-Theanine smooths out any jitteriness while preserving focus benefits.
- ✓Fish oil (Omega-3s) - Complementary for brain health. Omega-3s support neuronal membrane health alongside Semax's BDNF effects.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials
What to Expect
Days 1-3
What you might notice
- •Increased mental alertness and wakefulness
- •Possible mild nasal irritation or headache
- •Some users feel effects within hours; others need a few days
- •Subtle improvement in focus during tasks
What's normal
- •Mild side effects that resolve quickly
- •Variable initial response—everyone's different
- •Effects wearing off by evening (this is good for sleep)
What's next
- →Continue consistent daily dosing at the same time
- →Track effects in a simple journal
- →Adjust timing if sleep is affected
Week 1-2
What you might notice
- •More consistent focus and concentration
- •Improved verbal fluency and word recall
- •Better memory retention during learning
- •Side effects typically diminish or disappear
What's normal
- •Steady improvement in cognitive metrics
- •Feeling like thinking is 'cleaner' or more efficient
- •Stable mood and motivation throughout the day
What's next
- →Consider dose adjustment if effects are too subtle or strong
- →Add complementary nootropics if desired (Alpha-GPC, Selank)
- →Continue tracking to identify optimal dose
Week 3-6
What you might notice
- •Full cognitive benefits realized
- •Sustained improvements in learning and memory
- •Better mental stamina during demanding tasks
- •Some users report improved stress resilience
What's normal
- •Benefits maintaining at stable level
- •No tolerance development (you shouldn't need higher doses)
- •Continued clear thinking without 'crash' periods
What's next
- →Complete your planned cycle length
- →Can continue ongoing or take a break—Semax doesn't require cycling off
- →Consider periodic breaks (1-2 weeks off every 2-3 months) as general practice
Signs It's Working
Cognitive Performance
- ✓Easier time concentrating on complex tasks
- ✓Improved recall of names, facts, and recent information
- ✓Faster mental processing and decision-making
- ✓Better verbal fluency—words come more easily
- ✓Reduced 'brain fog' throughout the day
Learning and Memory
- ✓New information 'sticks' better
- ✓Easier time studying or absorbing complex material
- ✓Improved retention over days and weeks
- ✓Better ability to make connections between concepts
Mental Energy and Motivation
- ✓Sustained focus without feeling depleted
- ✓Natural motivation to complete tasks
- ✓Mental clarity that persists throughout the workday
- ✓Less mental fatigue during demanding activities
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Inconsistent timing—taking Semax at different times each day can make effects harder to notice
- •Dose too low—some people need the standard or advanced range to feel significant effects
- •Expecting stimulant-like feelings—Semax is subtle; it sharpens thinking rather than creating a 'rush'
- •Poor quality peptide—always verify third-party testing certificates (COAs) from your source
- •Improper storage—if the peptide degraded, it won't work well; check for clarity and proper refrigeration
- •Sleep deprivation negating benefits—Semax can't fully compensate for chronic poor sleep
Key Research
"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, et al., 2006
Finding: This study showed that a single dose of Semax increased BDNF protein levels by 40% and boosted the activation of its receptor (trkB) in the hippocampus—the brain's memory center. Treated animals performed significantly better on learning tests. This helped explain how Semax improves memory at the molecular level.
View Study"Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrain"
Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Seredenina TS, et al., 2006
Finding: Researchers discovered that Semax has specific binding sites in the brain and rapidly increases BDNF levels after intranasal administration. The binding was precise (with a dissociation constant of 2.4 nM), confirming Semax isn't just a random peptide—it has a specific target in brain tissue.
View Study"Comparison of the temporary dynamics of NGF and BDNF gene expression in rat hippocampus, frontal cortex, and retina under Semax action"
Shadrina M, Kolomin T, Agapova T, et al., 2010
Finding: This study mapped how Semax affects two key brain growth factors (NGF and BDNF) across different brain regions. It found that Semax produces a coordinated wave of neurotrophin activation, with effects varying by brain region and timing—revealing Semax's sophisticated, targeted action.
View Study"Semax, an ACTH4-10 peptide analog with high affinity for copper(II) ion and protective ability against metal induced cell toxicity"
Tabbi G, Magri A, Giuffrida A, et al., 2015
Finding: Beyond its BDNF effects, this study revealed that Semax strongly binds copper ions—a metal linked to neurotoxicity in conditions like Alzheimer's. Semax protected brain cells from copper-induced damage, adding an antioxidant dimension to its neuroprotective profile.
View Study"The Potential of the Peptide Drug Semax and Its Derivative for Correcting Pathological Impairments in the Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease"
Radchenko AI, Kuzubova EV, Apostol AA, 2025
Finding: In mice modeling Alzheimer's disease, both Semax and its derivatives improved cognitive function on multiple tests (open field, object recognition, maze navigation) and reduced amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. This recent research highlights Semax's potential for neurodegenerative conditions.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions