Semax

From Retapedia, the free peptide encyclopedia
Medical disclaimer. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any compound discussed below. See Retapedia : Medical disclaimer.

Semax is a performance-enhancing peptide studied for its effects on cognition, neuroprotection, mood. Semax is a synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue used in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotective medicine; it holds no FDA or EMA approval.

Semax, an abbreviation of "seven amino acids", is a medication which is used in Eastern Europe for the treatment of a broad range of conditions like brain trauma but predominantly for its claimed nootropic, neuroprotective, and neurorestorative effects. It is a synthetic analogue of the ACTH(4-10) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, extended with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tail that slows enzymatic degradation, and it is reported to raise brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) without the corticosteroid-releasing activity of full-length ACTH. It is registered as a medicine in Russia but holds no FDA or EMA approval.

Natty status
Semax is classified as not natty. It is prohibited by WADA and most natural bodybuilding federations. Use places the athlete in the enhanced category. See § Natty status.
Contents [hide]
  1. 1 Overview
  2. 2 Mechanism of action
  3. 3 Reported effects
  4. 4 Dosage and administration
  5. 5 Natty status
  6. 6 Research
  7. 7 Related compounds
  8. 8 References
  9. 9 External links

Overview

Semax is not named individually on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, but is treated here as prohibited under section S2.2.2, which covers corticotrophins and their releasing factors together with substances of similar chemical structure; Semax shares the ACTH sequence even though it lacks the corticotropic activity of the full hormone.

Mechanism of action

Synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue used in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotectant. Reported to raise BDNF without corticosteroid effects. Evidence is mostly preclinical; no FDA or EMA approval.

Reported effects

Effects reported in the literature and from preclinical models include:

  • Semax is described as a neuroactive peptide that enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling in pathways central to neuroplasticity. [2] Preclinical
  • Semax is grouped among peptide interventions aimed at neuroprotection in age-related decline. [1] Preclinical
  • Evidence for Semax remains preclinical and clinically limited, with no long-term safety data and no established optimal dosing regimen. [1][2] Preclinical

Evidence grades: FDA approvedApproved (non-US)Phase IIIPhase IIPhase IPreclinicalAnecdotal

Dosage and administration

⚠
Dosage information is included for encyclopedic purposes only. Retapedia does not provide medical advice. See Retapedia : Medical disclaimer.

No FDA

  • or EMA-approved dose; Russian clinical protocols are the only formal dosing reference

General

  • Nootropic use commonly cited at 200-600mcg daily intranasally, using a 0.1% solution
  • Typically split across both nostrils and cycled rather than taken continuously

Higher

  • strength 1% solution is used in Russian stroke and brain-injury protocols under medical supervision

Doses outside the Russian indications are self

  • reported and not established by controlled trials

Natty status

See also: Peptide § Natty status

Semax is classified as not natty. It appears on the WADA prohibited list and is banned by major natural bodybuilding federations.[3] Use of this compound places the athlete in the enhanced category rather than the natural category in competitive contexts.

Research

The peptide has been the subject of 3 studies and reference works collected on this site. Additional bibliography is in § External links below.

Other peptides in this catalogue with overlapping mechanisms or status:

Selank Not natty
Synthetic tuftsin analogue used as an anxiolytic nootropic. Reported to act on GABA and monoamine signalling without sedation or dependence. Registered in Russia; no FDA or EMA approval.
Delta-sleep-inducing peptide Not natty
A neuropeptide named for inducing delta EEG sleep activity in animals, though its own link to human sleep is weak and poorly characterized. Shows preclinical antiepileptic activity.
Epithalon Not natty
Marketed as an anti-aging peptide. In preclinical studies it boosts telomerase activity, supports the body's own melatonin production, and shows antioxidant effects. Human evidence is minimal.
IGF-1 LR3 Not natty
Long-acting IGF-1 analog studied preclinically for muscle growth and tissue repair. No peer-reviewed human evidence of benefit. Risks include hypoglycemia, joint pain, unproven cancer concerns.

References

  1. a b Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy aging. Recent review
  2. a b Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. Recent review
  3. a b World Anti-Doping Agency. (2026). Prohibited List 2026.

External links

Categories: Peptides | Performance-enhancing substances | Cognition | Neuroprotection | Mood | Injectable

This page was last updated on August 4, 2026, at 00:42 (UTC).

Research last reviewed on August 4, 2026.

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