Semax
Russian Rx heptapeptide (ACTH 4-10 analog). Stroke rehab + cognitive enhancement, intranasal spray.
Pharmacology
Contents
Related comparisons
Semax vs SelankWHAT IS SEMAX?
Detailed overview
Semax is a Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro heptapeptide, a synthetic analog of the 4-10 fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), with BDNF-mimicking action. It is Rx in Russia as an intranasal spray for acute ischemic stroke, post-stroke rehabilitation, and transient ischemic attack (TIA). It exhibits a dopaminergic + serotonergic + neurotrophic + nootropic profile. Intranasal administration allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier and act centrally. Note: this entry also appears in the peptide library with different framing (peptide-focus vs nootropic-focus).
Mechanism
ACTH(4-10) heptapeptide, BDNF-mimicking
Half-life
20-30 min (intranasal)
Onset
10-15 min
Legal status
Russia Rx, EU/USA research
Receptor profile
- BDNF / TrkBStrong
- MC4R (melanocortin)Moderate
- Prolyl endopeptidaseModerate
- Dopamine / serotoninModerate
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 6
- Nasal mucosa irritation, stinging or dryness at the intranasal application site
- Headache, especially at higher doses
- Overstimulation, irritability or restlessness (raised dopaminergic/serotonergic tone)
- Disrupted sleep if taken in the late afternoon or evening
- Transient blood-pressure rise in sensitive individuals (ACTH-fragment analog nature)
- Anecdotal hair thinning/shedding reports (presumed BDNF hair-follicle-cycle effect, not clinically confirmed)
Contraindications · 6
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (peptide-specific human safety data lacking)
- Avoid combining with MAO inhibitors (risk of serotonergic potentiation)
- Active schizophrenia, mania or bipolar spectrum (dopaminergic overstimulation, mania-trigger risk)
- Caution and clinical monitoring with SSRIs/SNRIs or stimulants (additive serotonergic/stimulant effect)
- Known hypersensitivity to Semax or ACTH-fragment analogs
- Melanocortin-receptor-sensitive tumors, e.g. active melanoma (theoretical, due to ACTH-analog nature)
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
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.
[Semax in prevention of disease progress and development of exacerbations in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency].
Gusev EI, Skvortsova VI, Chukanova EI
Effectiveness of Semax in acute period of hemispheric ischemic stroke (12-18 mg dose)
Gusev EI, Skvortsova VI et al.
Efficacy of semax in different stages of ischemic stroke
Skvortsova VI et al.
[A nootropic adrenocorticotropin analog 4-10-semax (15 years experience in its design and study)].
Asmarin IP, Nezavibatko VN, Miasoedov NF, Kamenskii AA, Grivennikov IA
FAQ
FAQ
Semax is a nasal spray approved as a prescription medicine in Russia, used mainly to protect the brain and aid rehabilitation after a stroke, as well as for a short-term boost to attention and memory. It is also credited with mild stress- and anxiety-reducing effects. It is an established medical treatment in Russia, but it is not an approved drug in Western countries.
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Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.