Semax

Research summary

Semax is a synthetic peptide derived from a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, modified for metabolic stability. Research has focused on its effect on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor signaling, with studies proposing it activates a transcription pathway that drives neurotrophin gene expression.

In rodent studies, intranasal Semax administration increased BDNF gene expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex within 30-90 minutes of dosing. In rat models of induced cerebral ischemia, Semax-treated animals showed earlier upregulation of neurotrophin-related genes compared with untreated animals, an effect researchers have linked to the neuroprotection seen in these stroke models. Published literature on Semax comes almost entirely out of Russian research groups; independent Western replication is limited.

Sources: Neuroprotection/BDNF mechanism studies (Dolotov, Myasoedov research group). Findings from published research —not a claim about this product, and not evidence of safety or effectiveness for human use.