Semax
Peptide ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
Semax is a synthetic ACTH(4-7) analog with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension, used in Russia for neurologic indications and marketed elsewhere as a nootropic. It is not FDA-approved in the United States. Human data are mostly Russian stroke studies and mechanistic work; use for focus, mood, or recovery is investigational.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.
This safety record covers a controlled, investigational, or otherwise out-of-scope substance. It remains available for reference, but it is not part of NutriStack's public supplement publication set.
What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Semax is a peptide most often used for russian neurologic clinical use, bdnf and neuroprotection research, stroke recovery research interest. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as insufficient. A typical adult dose is No FDA-approved US dose; Russian intranasal protocols are not supplement dosing, commonly taken as not recommended outside regulated clinical context. This profile indexes 3 sources.
- Nasal irritation
- Headache
- Agitation or insomnia
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Bipolar disorder, psychosis, or severe anxiety without specialist care
The bottom line
Evidence rating insufficient. Most-documented uses: russian neurologic clinical use, bdnf and neuroprotection research, stroke recovery research interest. 3 sources indexed (1997–2018), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Semax is reported to influence BDNF, melanocortin-related signaling, monoamines, and neuroimmune gene expression without the corticosteroid activity of full ACTH. Preclinical ischemia studies and small clinical stroke reports suggest neuroprotective potential, but evidence quality and geographic concentration limit confidence. Intranasal products can cause irritation and dosing variability.1,2
Dosing & protocol.
Peptides are generally not reliably orally bioavailable unless a specific studied oral formulation is used. Human use of research-grade products is not appropriate.
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Laboratory Research Reagent.
Research-market pricing is not a dosing recommendation; human use is not FDA-approved unless specifically stated. Updated 2026-06-04.
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Nasal irritation
- Headache
- Agitation or insomnia
- Blood pressure changes
- Anxiety in susceptible users
- Unknown long-term neurologic effects
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Observational studies
2- 1The efficacy of semax in the treatment of patients at different stages of ischemic strokeGusev EI et al. · Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova · 2018
BDNF and functional outcomes were assessed
- 2Effectiveness of semax in acute period of hemispheric ischemic stroke (a clinical and electrophysiological study)Gusev EI et al. · Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova · 1997
Clinical stroke recovery signals reported
Mechanistic & preclinical
1- 3Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), binds specifically and increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in rat basal forebrainDolotov OV et al. · Journal of Neurochemistry · 2006
BDNF protein increased in rats
Common questions.
Quick answers about Semax, drawn from the data on this page.
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic ACTH(4-7) analog with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension, used in Russia for neurologic indications and marketed elsewhere as a nootropic. It is not FDA-approved in the United States. Human data are mostly Russian stroke studies and mechanistic work; use for focus, mood, or recovery is investigational.
What is Semax used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Semax include: Russian neurologic clinical use; BDNF and neuroprotection research; Stroke recovery research interest; No FDA-approved US nootropic use. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as insufficient.
What is a typical dose of Semax?
A typical adult dose of Semax is No FDA-approved US dose; Russian intranasal protocols are not supplement dosing. The commonly recommended form is Not recommended outside regulated clinical context. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Semax?
Reported side effects include nasal irritation, headache, agitation or insomnia, blood pressure changes, anxiety in susceptible users, unknown long-term neurologic effects. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Semax?
NutriStack rates this as Insufficient, meaning the body of evidence reviewed in NutriStack's tiering framework. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
Use this with your stack
Semax in NutriStack.
Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.