Semax
Also known as: ACTH(4-10) analog, L-Methionyl-L-glutamyl-L-histidyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-prolylglycyl-L-proline, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, SEMAX, Semx
Source Semax at Peptiology
Save 10% with code PEPTI-BOSSRABBIT-10
Tapping Shop Now & Save 10% copies your 10% off code PEPTI-BOSSRABBIT-10 to your clipboard. Paste it at the Peptiology checkout to claim the discount.
Summary
Synthetic peptide analog of ACTH(4-10) with nootropic, neuroprotective, and cerebrovascular effects; used in Russia and some CIS countries for cognitive impairment, stroke recovery, and optic nerve atrophy
Mechanism of Action
Nootropic and neuroprotective effects via modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression; inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes; modulates monoaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmission; enhances cerebral blood flow
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- NeuroprotectionNeurologyModerate
- stroke recoveryNeurorehabilitationModerate
- optic nerve atrophyOphthalmologyModerate
- Anxiety reductionNeuropsychiatricLow
- ADHD symptom managementAttentionLow
- Cognitive enhancementNootropicModerate
Contraindications
- children under 2 yearsAgeModerate
- PregnancyPopulationModeratePotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- severe allergic reaction to peptide componentsHypersensitivityHigh
- LactationReproductiveModerate
- acute psychosisPsychiatricHigh
- Uncontrolled hypertensionCardiovascularLow
Adverse Effects
- Allergic reactionImmunologicRareImmune-mediated hypersensitivity response
- irritation at application siteLocalUncommon
- HeadacheNeurologicUncommonPain in the head or upper neck
- InsomniaPsychiatricUncommonDifficulty sleeping
- Increased blood pressureCardiovascularRare
- AnxietyPsychiatricRareExcessive worry or nervousness
Drug Interactions
- cholinesterase inhibitorsLow
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Moderate
- stimulants (amphetamine, methylphenidate)Low
- AntihypertensivesLowMay potentiate hypotensive effects in some contexts
Population Constraints
- Hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNot EMA approved
- United StatesUnapprovedNot FDA approved; not available as prescription drug
- United KingdomUnapprovedNot MHRA approved; unlicensed medicine
Approved in Russia and Ukraine; not approved by FDA or EMA; widely used off-label for cognitive enhancement
Evidence & Sources
- Journal ArticleModerateRahman OF, Lee SJ, Seeds WA2026-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateSudakov KV2008-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateGiri S, Chandra P2025-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateGusev EI, et al.2018-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateMavrych V, Shypilova I, Bolgova O2026-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateTarasov VV, et al.2018-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Semax?
Synthetic peptide analog of ACTH(4-10) with nootropic, neuroprotective, and cerebrovascular effects; used in Russia and some CIS countries for cognitive impairment, stroke recovery, and optic nerve atrophy
What is Semax used for?
Semax is educationally associated with: Neuroprotection, stroke recovery, optic nerve atrophy, Anxiety reduction, ADHD symptom management, Cognitive enhancement. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Semax administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intranasal, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Semax?
Reported adverse effects include: Allergic reaction, irritation at application site, Headache, Insomnia, Increased blood pressure, Anxiety. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Semax?
Recorded contraindications: children under 2 years, Pregnancy, severe allergic reaction to peptide components, Lactation, acute psychosis, Uncontrolled hypertension. Consult a qualified clinician before use.