Description

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the 4–7 fragment of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It has been approved in Russia for the treatment of ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and cognitive disorders, and is widely used as a nootropic. Semax's most notable property is its ability to dramatically upregulate BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) — by up to 400% in animal models — making it one of the most potent BDNF-enhancing agents known. BDNF is critical for neuroplasticity, memory consolidation, and neuroprotection. Semax also has neuroprotective effects in ischemia models, reduces oxidative stress in neural tissue, and has demonstrated anti-depressant and anxiolytic properties in addition to its cognitive-enhancing effects.

Key Characteristics

Investigated Benefits

* Benefits based on preclinical/animal research unless otherwise noted.