Supplement Scholar
Peptide

Semax

Prescription drug or research compound. Use only under the care of a licensed prescriber. Information here is educational and not a recommendation to obtain or use it.

Semax. Russian nootropic ACTH analog for cognitive enhancement.

How it works. Increases BDNF expression and modulates neurotrophins.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improves cognition post-stroke (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 250–600 mcg intranasal.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Alpha-GPC or CDP-choline.

Common forms. Available as Subcutaneous injection, Oral or sublingual lozenge, Nasal spray, Compounded topical.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Semax. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Semax. Russian nootropic ACTH analog for cognitive enhancement.

7-residue chainC37H51N9O10S · 813.9 g/mol

What it is

Russian nootropic ACTH analog for cognitive enhancement.

Food sources

Synthetic peptide manufactured to pharmaceutical or research-grade puritySubcutaneous injection, sublingual, or oral preparation depending on bioavailabilityCompounded by a licensed pharmacy for clinical use

Goals

Brain & Cognitive

How it works

Increases BDNF expression and modulates neurotrophins.

Pathways

  • Increases BDNF expression
  • modulates neurotrophins

Effects

  • +cognition post-stroke supports

What the research supports

Improves cognition post-strokemoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
250–600 mcg intranasal
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the subcutaneous injection form.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Mild nasal irritation

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Semax use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
  • Alpha-GPC or CDP-cholineProvides choline substrate for acetylcholine synthesis.

Common forms

  • Subcutaneous injection
  • Oral or sublingual lozenge
  • Nasal spray
  • Compounded topical

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Semax — Improves cognition post-stroke ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Semax and "Improves cognition post-stroke". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Semax — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Semax and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Semax — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Semax and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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