What is Semax?
Semax is a Russian produced peptide that takes a top spot as one of my favorite nootropics out there today. This synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue has found itself on the Russian List of Vital & Essential Drugs. It's recognized as a potential treatment for ADHD and has releaved a high efficiency in acute ischemic stroke.
It's also one of the only nootropics prescribed for its neuroprotective/enhancement properties.
Semax (or Selank) are not yet evaluated by the FDA; but its popularity and use has started to become more widespread.
Semax Dosage & Uses
While Semax can be used more than once per day, it has to be administered as nasal spray (or as drops) due to its poor bioavailability. As the 1.0% version is used medicinally for things like headaches, strokes or boosting the immune system, the nootropic version (0.1%) is what's more commonly used for things like:
- Memory retention & faster recall
- Communication skills
- Mental energy & clarity
- Multitasking
- Concentration
- Improved mood
Semax vs Selank
A common question is how does it compare to the closely related peptide Selank.
The main difference is Selank has been claimed to have more more anxiolytic effects with less stimulation, along with not being a ACTH analogue. One study has shown Selank can improve functional acitivity in the brain in patients with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder).
It isn't considerably strong in my experience, but it holds value for its ability to reduce anxiety without sedation or dependence. I'll be writing more about it in the near future.
Downsides or Side Effects?
Semax is backed up by decades of studies and clinical use as being a safe and reliable peptide, despite its mechanism of action not yet being fully understood. Along with a low toxicity profile, side effects do seem relatively minimal (though a stimulant sensitivity could increase anxiety).
Some people dislike that it has to be taken as a nasal spray. There's also the fact that Semax should ideally be stored in the fridge (after opening) due to its sensitivity to heat.
How Long Does it Take for Semax to Work?
Most people report noticing the effects around the half hour point after use.
Clinically, intranasal administration in humans has shown increases in CSF levels by 10 min, with maximum levels reached by 30 minutes.
Recommended Vendor
CosmicNootropic.com is a reputable vendor that exists in a rather limited market. They obtain their products in Russia directly through pharmaceutical companies, include official documents when shipping, and provide all useful information and links to research on each of their product pages.
The price is good, though it can take a few weeks to receive it.
Fortunately, they've had no known reports of packages being seized into the US, as the law doesn't generally consider nootropics as any form of prescription drugs. (Update November 2022: they now have a US warehouse so long shipping times & risk of it being seized are no longer issues)
Yout can use "ROOSTER_7%_off" for a discount too.
References
Tsai SJ. Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), is a potential agent for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and Rett syndrome. Med Hypotheses. 2007;68(5):1144-6. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2006.07.017. Epub 2006 Sep 25. PMID: 16996699.
Miasoedova NF, Skvortsova VI, Nasonov EL, Zhuravleva EIu, Grivennikov IA, Arsen'eva EL, Sukhanov II. Izuchenie mekhanizmov neĭroprotektivnogo deĭstviia semaksa v ostrom periode ishemicheskogo insul'ta [Investigation of mechanisms of neuro-protective effect of semax in acute period of ischemic stroke]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 1999;99(5):15-9. Russian. PMID: 10358912.
Panikratova, Y.R., Lebedeva, I.S., Sokolov, O.Y. et al. Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects. Dokl Biol Sci 490, 9–11 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1134/S001249662001007X
Kurysheva NI, Shpak AA, Ioĭleva EE, Galanter LI, Nagornova ND, Shubina NIu, Shlyshalova NN. "Semaks" v lechenii glaukomatoznoĭ opticheskoĭ neĭropatii u bol'nykh s normalizovannym oftal'motonusom [Semax in the treatment of glaucomatous optic neuropathy in patients with normalized ophthalmic tone]. Vestn Oftalmol. 2001 Jul-Aug;117(4):5-8. Russian. PMID: 11569188.
Ivanikov, I.O., Brekhova, M.E., Samonina, G.E. et al. Therapy of Peptic Ulcer with Semax Peptide. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine 134, 73–74 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020621124776
