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Semax — cognitive

Semax

Semax

By The Health Stacks Research TeamUpdated July 28, 2026

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide and ACTH analog primarily used for nootropic and cognitive research.

Research-stageEarly-stage — studied in cell or animal models, not yet tested in humans. Verified confidence80–100 — backed by strong, well-corroborated sources (peer-reviewed research, clinical guidelines). Our highest confidence tier.
Where to Source Semax
Tested purity COA available Fast shipping

Regulatory status

On July 24, 2026, PCAC voted 8–5 to recommend adding Semax to the Section 503A Bulks List. The recommendation is advisory only — FDA rulemaking (typically 12–24 months) must conclude before any change in legal status. Semax is not on the 503A Bulks List, remains an unapproved new drug, and may not be lawfully compounded by traditional 503A pharmacies in the interim.

Status as of July 27, 2026↗ source

What Semax Helps With

The benefits people report — backed by research.

Neuroprotection & cognitive (68)

Neuroprotection 85/100· 5 srcSupports brain health 85/100· 2 srcSpeeds recovery 85/100· 2 srcNeuroprotective effects 60/100· 2 srcModulation of striatal serotonergic system 90/100Enhancement of striatal dopamine release elicited by d-amphetamine 90/100Stimulation of BDNF expression 85/100Neuroprotection in Stroke 85/100Neurotrophic Factor Modulation 85/100Inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes 85/100BDNF supports survival of existing neurons and encourages growth, regeneration, and creation of new neurons and synapses 85/100BDNF plays a role in neuroplasticity, allowing nerve cells to compensate for injury and adapt to new situations 85/100Neuroprotection in Ischemic Stroke 85/100Improves learning and memory processes 85/100Reduces amnesia caused by various influences 85/100Normalizes cerebral circulation 85/100Has antihypoxic and anxiolytic effects 85/100Has nootropic and antihypoxic properties 85/100Nootropic activity 80/100Anxiolytic and Stress Adaptation 80/100Neuroprotection in Stroke Models 80/100Improvement in neurological outcomes after ischemic stroke 80/100BDNF facilitates glutamate release at the presynapse and increases postsynaptic glutamate receptor synthesis 80/100Activates dopaminergic and serotonergic systems 80/100Synaptogenesis / Synaptic Plasticity 80/100Neuroprotection via BDNF/TrkB signaling 80/100Treatment of Optic Nerve Pathology 75/100Mood Regulation 75/100Attention and Executive Function Enhancement 75/100Modulates neurotrophic factors BDNF and NGF expression 75/100Neuroprotective effects against amyloid-beta and ROS in Alzheimer's models 75/100Inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes to preserve natural anxiolytic reserve 75/100Modulates behavioral and neurochemical responses to chronic stress via dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways 75/100Nicotine improves attention, learning, and short-term memory 75/100Lithium elevates BDNF by inhibition of GSK-3 75/100Sun exposure increases blood BDNF in correlation with hours of sunshine exposure 75/100Rapid modulation of the default mode network after intranasal administration 75/100Increased BDNF and TrkB expression 75/100Activation of dopaminergic and serotonergic systems 75/100Neuroprotective gene modulation 75/100Antidepressant-like effects 75/100Modulation of calcium signalling 75/100Opioid receptor interaction 75/100Treatment of Optic Nerve Disease 75/100Modulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic systems 75/100Modulation of dopamine turnover 70/100Anti-stress effects via enkephalinase inhibition 70/100Modulation of dopamine and serotonin pathways 70/100Modafinil improves episodic, working, and visual memory in patients with specific conditions 70/100Dopaminergic and serotonergic activation 70/100Bacopa increased BDNF in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress 70/100Injected lactate raises BDNF levels in humans 70/100Nootropic effect without cortisol stimulation 70/100Modulation of Dopamine and Serotonin Systems 70/100Anxiety reduction without sedation 70/100Combined administration of Semax and hopantenic acid provides the most pronounced nootropic effect 65/100Semax demonstrates independent anti-ischemic and neuroprotective efficacy 65/100Enhanced memory and learning 65/100Improvements in attention and memory retrieval 65/100Influences learning, memory, and spatial orientation in animal models 65/100Selegiline improves memory impairments associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's 65/100Neurotransmitter modulation and neuroprotection 65/100Increases BDNF levels 65/100Ginseng GRb1 significantly inhibited the stress-mediated decline of BDNF levels 65/100Anxiety Reduction 65/100Semax protects against hypoxia and enhances attention and memory 60/100Mood Stabilization / Anxiety Reduction 60/100Protection against amyloid-beta toxicity 60/100

Cardiovascular & vascular (5)

Neuroprotection and Reduction of Nitric Oxide in Ischemia 85/100Neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia 80/100Speeds recovery 80/100Boosts blood flow to injuries 65/100Supports brain health 65/100

Anti-inflammatory (4)

Reduces inflammation 85/100Strengthens immunity 80/100Reduction of Inflammatory Cytokines 75/100Modulates inflammatory cytokine expression in neural tissue 65/100

Antioxidant / oxidative stress (2)

Reduces glutamate excitotoxicity and oxidative stress 85/100Neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress 70/100

Performance & recovery (2)

Exercise is one of the best ways to boost BDNF levels 80/100Extended circulating half-life from minutes to days via lipidation 72/100

Gastrointestinal & gut (2)

Gastroprotection 75/100Heals gut issues 60/100

Skin, hair & cosmetic (2)

Modulation of monoamine and melanocortin systems 75/100Dermal penetration facilitated by small size and positive charge for topical application 70/100

Glycemic & metabolic (2)

Extended half-life up to ~8 days via albumin binding 72/100Helps regulate blood sugar 70/100

Energy & mitochondrial (2)

Mitochondrial protection 70/100Mitochondrial Function / Bioenergetics 65/100

Other Benefits (8)

Speeds recovery 85/100Modulation of regulatory peptides via enzyme inhibition 80/100Superior in activity to piracetam 80/100Theanine increases BDNF and attenuates cortisol-to-DHEA ratio 70/100Boosts blood flow to injuries 85/100Protects your cells 85/100Supports weight loss 70/100Improves sleep 70/100

How People Use It

Under the skin

  • Unspecified timing (effect realized starting from the 7th day of the study)

For research purposes only. Not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before use.

Get Semax for Your Research

Compare research-grade suppliers with third-party COAs and published purity data. For in-vitro and laboratory research use only — not for human consumption, diagnosis, or treatment.

Find Semax Research Suppliers
Tested purity COA available Fast shipping
Technical Details & Research (click to expand)

Known Side Effects

All Dosing Protocols

Standard Semax — SubQ 95/100

Research Citations (109)

  • The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia: genome-wide transcriptional analysis

    2014 90/100
    Source

  • Effect of semax on the temporary dynamics of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor gene expression in the rat hippocampus and frontal cortex

    95/100
    Source

  • A nootropic adrenocorticotropin analog 4-10-semax (l5 years experience in its design and study)

    95/100
    Source

  • Semax and selank inhibit the enkephalin-degrading enzymes from human serum]

    95/100
    Source

  • Semax, An ACTH(4-10) Analogue with Nootropic Properties, Activates Dopaminergic and Serotoninergic Brain Systems in Rodents

    90/100
    Source

  • Neuroprotective and antiamnesic effects of Semax during experimental ischemic infarction of the cerebral cortex.

    95/100
    Source

  • Cognitive function restoration in rats with chronic brain ischemia using Semax and hopantenic acid comprehensive administration

    65/100
    Source

  • PubChem - Compound - Dtxsid601001439

    95/100
    Source

  • I5FAL2585H

    95/100
    Source

  • DTXSID601001439

    95/100
    Source

  • Cognitive Impairment and Nootropic Drugs: Mechanism of Action and Spectrum of Effects

    95/100
    Source

  • 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.01.004

    95/100
    Source

  • Drug-induced activation of the nervous control of inflammation: a novel possibility for the treatment of hypoxic damage.

    95/100
    Source

  • 10.1023/A:1011373002885

    95/100
    Source

  • Semax and selank inhibit the enkephalin-degrading enzymes from human serum]

    95/100
    Source

History & Milestones

Key moments in Semax’s research and regulatory timeline — sourced and dated.

  1. The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia: genome-wide transcriptional analysisPublicationJan 1, 2014
    90/100↗ source

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