Cognitive
Semax
Longevity
7
Amino acids
Molecular weight
Peptide
Type
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment 4-10, originally developed in Russia for stroke recovery. It achieves enhanced CNS penetration through direct transport via olfactory epithelium and trigeminal nerves, bypassing the blood-brain barrier.
Top researched benefits
Overview of Semax
Rapidly increases BDNF levels, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, and achieves direct brain delivery through olfactory transport with 0.093% blood-brain barrier penetration (vs 0.01% IV).
cognitive
- Improved short-term and working memory performance in fatigued individuals (71% vs 41% accuracy).
- Enhanced sustained attention during demanding cognitive tasks.
- Faster acquisition of new information and improved retention.
neuroprotection
- Accelerated rehabilitation with increased BDNF levels in stroke patients.
- Supports recovery from traumatic brain injury.
- Shows anti-amyloid properties in Alzheimer's models.
neuroplasticity
- Supports neurogenesis through increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
- Enhanced neural connections and brain network activity.
- Improved ability to cope with cognitive stress.
Typical Dose
300-600mcg per dose (up to 1000mcg for intensive use)
Frequency
1-2x daily (morning recommended for cognitive boost)
Cycle Duration
2-4 weeks on
Storage
Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within recommended timeframe
Chemical Makeup
Key benefits
Rapid brain delivery via intranasal route
Rapidly increases BDNF levels
Extensive clinical research in Russia
Easy self-administration
Modulates dopamine and serotonin systems
Neuroprotective effects
Community interest
This peptide is still gaining traction in the community.
Synthetic ACTH Analog | Nootropic & Neuroprotective Peptide
This overview is informational and based on aggregated descriptions from studies and user reports.
Was it helpful?YesNoSemax Molecular Information
View the scientifc details of Semax.
7
Amino Acids
Semax
Met
Met
Position 1
Glu
Glu
Position 2
His
His
Position 3
Phe
Phe
Position 4
Pro
Pro
Position 5
Gly
Gly
Position 6
Pro
Pro
Position 7
Molecular Weight
813.9DaChain Length
7Amino AcidsType
PeptideSemax Protocols
Intranasal is the primary and most effective route, providing direct brain delivery through olfactory transport. Onset 15-30 minutes, peak 1-2 hours, duration 4-6 hours.
| Goal | Dosage | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive enhancement | 300 | 1 week range | Intranasal spray/drops |
| Intensive cognitive support | 600 | 2 week range | Intranasal |
| Brain injury recovery | 900 | 2 week range | Intranasal |
Reconstitution Instructions
Materials needed:
Steps to reconstitute
- Pre-mixed solutions available as 0.1% or 1%
- For research: reconstitute powder with sterile saline
- Use preservative-free saline for nasal administration
- Calculate concentration per spray/drop desired
- Refrigerate and use within recommended timeframe
- Alternate nostrils when administering
Semax Cycle
The Semax Cycle section explains how long a typical cycle lasts and what to expect during each phase. Over time, your body can become less responsive with continuous use.
Taking breaks between cycles may help maintain effectiveness and support better overall results.
- Day 1-3
- Initial cognitive clarity and focus enhancement, possible mild nasal sensation
- Week 0-0
- Improved attention span during demanding tasks
- Week 2-3
- Enhanced memory consolidation, stable mood
- Week 0-0
- Peak cognitive benefits with improved stress resilience and mental flexibility
- Week 0-0
- Gradual baseline return over 3-7 days; some benefits persist
Dosing tools
Semax Peptide Dosage Calculator
Calculate peptide doses with our visual syringe guide.
mg
Enter the total amount of peptide in the vial in milligrams (as stated on the label).
The dose you want to inject per administration, in mcg or mg.
1,000 mcg = 1 mg
1 mL
2 mL
3 mL
5 mL
Custom
Volume of bacteriostatic water you add to reconstitute the powder. Use BAC water for preservation.
Injection Results
Based on your vial and dilution inputs.
Semax
SINGLE COMPOUNDVolume per injection
0.05
mL
Concentration
10.00
mg/mL
Doses per vial
20
doses
Total injections per vial
20 injections
How it works
Based on a 10 mg Semax vial diluted with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water, each 500 mcg injection equals 0.05 mL.
1mL / 100 units
5 units
0.050 mL
Reference Guide
Dosing Cycle
- Peptide
- Semax
- Dosing
- 300-600mcg per dose (up to 1000mcg for intensive use)
- Dosing Frequency
- 1-2x daily (morning recommended for cognitive boost)
- Cycle Duration
- 2-4 weeks on
- Storage
- Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within recommended timeframe
Note: Triple agonist; microdose for fewer side effects
Reconstitution Tips
- Use bacteriostatic water (BAC) — contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol for preservation
- Inject water slowly — aim down the vial wall, not directly onto powder
- Never shake — gently swirl or roll the vial until dissolved
- Store properly — refrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution
- Use within 28 days — most reconstituted peptides remain stable for about 4 weeks
- Keep sterile — always clean vial tops with alcohol before drawing
Peptide Interactions
Research suggestions of Semax interactions with other common peptides and substances.
Healing
bpc
Longevity
BPC-157
COMPATIBLE
Both support neuroplasticity through different mechanisms.
Cognitive
sel
Longevity
Selank
SYNERGISTIC
Complementary anxiolytic effects; popular combination.
Side effects
Contraindications
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Known peptide allergies
Do not exceed 4-week continuous use without medical supervision
Stop signs
Severe nasal irritation, bleeding, or persistent congestion
Unusual anxiety, agitation, or sleep disturbances
Headaches worsening with use
Signs of allergic reaction (rash, breathing difficulty)
Significant blood pressure changes or heart palpitations
Bad signs
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Frequently asked questions
What is a peptide dosage calculator?
A peptide dosage calculator is a free tool that converts your vial size, bacteriostatic water volume, and target dose into an exact syringe draw volume. Instead of doing the reconstitution math by hand, you enter three inputs and instantly get the concentration of your solution and how many milliliters or syringeunits to draw. This calculator works for single peptide compounds and multi-peptide blends.
How do I calculate peptide dosage from a vial?
To calculate your peptide dose, divide the total peptide content of your vial in micrograms by the volume of bacteriostatic water you added in milliliters. This gives you your solution concentration in mcg/mL. Then divide your target dose by that concentration to get your draw volume. For example, a 5mg (5,000 mcg) vial reconstituted with 2mL of BAC water gives a concentration of 2,500 mcg/mL. A 250 mcg dose would require drawing 0.1mL. This calculator automates all of those steps instantly.
How much Bacteriostatic water should I add to a peptide vial?
Most people add 2mL to 3mL of bacteriostatic water per vial, but the right amount depends on the dose you want to draw and the syringe size you are using. Adding 1mL to a 5mg vial gives you a concentration of 5,000 mcg/mL, making each dose very small in volume. Adding 2mL gives you 2,500 mcg/mL, which is easier to measure on a standard insulin syringe. A general guideline is to choose a volume that puts your typical dose somewhere between 10 and 30 units on a U-100 syringe. Use the calculator above to test different water volumes and find what works for your dose.
How are peptides different from proteins?
Both are made of amino acids, but peptides are much smaller than proteins. Because of their tiny size, peptides can act like tiny messengers in the body, sending specific signals to your cells to tell them exactly what to do.
SemaxResearch References
Semax is a well studied compound
Semax
Semax is a well studied compound
Cognitive Enhancement in Fatigued Workers
Human study with 250-1000mcg intranasal single dose showed 71% accuracy on memory tests vs 41% in controls.
1996
Stroke Recovery Clinical Trial
110 patients with ischemic stroke showed increased BDNF levels correlated with early rehabilitation when using Semax with conventional therapy.
2018
fMRI Default Mode Network Study
24 healthy middle-aged participants showed increased fMRI default mode network activity relative to placebo.
2018
Neuroprotective Effects in Brain Ischemia
Rat focal ischemia model showed Semax affected expression of 96 genes related to immune and vascular systems.
2014