10mg lyophilized vial
Cognition · Research Peptide
ACTH-derived heptapeptide with nootropic and neuroprotective activity.
01 · Overview
Semax is a synthetic analog of a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4-10) developed in Russia in the 1980s. Stripped of ACTH's hormonal effects, what's left is a peptide that upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) within an hour of dosing — the same two growth factors most implicated in learning, memory, and neuroprotection.
It's been on the Russian Register of Medicines since 2011 for stroke recovery, cognitive disorders, and optic nerve conditions. Outside Russia it's used off-label as a nootropic. Most users take it intranasally because the nasal route bypasses first-pass metabolism and reaches the CNS quickly.
02 · Fit
Knowledge workers, students, and anyone dealing with brain fog or mental fatigue on heavy cognitive load days.
03 · Mechanism
Semax modulates BDNF and NGF expression, upregulates dopaminergic and serotonergic tone, and is investigated for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection.
04 · Use cases
05 · Protocols
Reference protocols paraphrased from published research and common clinical practice. Individual response varies. Work with a qualified provider before running anything below.
Daily cognitive support
Protocol
300mcg intranasal in the morning (roughly 2 drops per nostril at 5mg/ml)
Duration
2–4 weeks on, 1–2 weeks off
Notes
Cycling prevents receptor desensitization and keeps the effect crisp.
Heavy cognitive load / project sprint
Protocol
600–900mcg/day split morning and early afternoon
Duration
10–14 days maximum at this dose
Notes
Higher doses feel more stimulating but tolerance builds faster.
Recovery / neuroprotective use
Protocol
300mcg once daily
Duration
4–6 weeks continuous
Notes
Used in Russian clinical practice after concussion or ischemic events.
Baseline reconstitution
Reconstitute with 2ml BAC water for 5mg/ml intranasal dropper preparation.
06 · Combinations
Commonly stacked with NAD+ for baseline cellular energy, and with creatine for cognitive endurance. Users chasing mood also pair it with Selank (its 'calmer' cousin). Avoid stacking with heavy stimulants on the same day — the dopaminergic tone adds up fast.
07 · Safety
08 · Trivia
09 · FAQ
It's the most-studied route and the reason it works quickly — the nasal mucosa delivers peptide directly toward the CNS. Injections work but are unnecessary for most users.
Most users feel a clean lift in focus within 15–30 minutes and it lasts 4–6 hours.
No — there's no adrenergic 'push.' It feels more like the fog lifting than a stimulant kicking in.
Educational disclaimer
Everything on this page is for research and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a prescription, or a substitute for a conversation with a qualified clinician who knows your full history. Peptides interact with medications, hormones, and existing conditions in ways that require real oversight.