Semax: The Nootropic Heptapeptide in BDNF and Cognition Research
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide — sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro — modeled on the ACTH(4-7) fragment of the natural hormone ACTH. First developed in Russia in the 1980s, it is studied as a nootropic and neuroprotective research compound, most closely for how it influences brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling and the brain's monoamine systems.
This deep-dive covers what Semax is, how its mechanism is described in the research literature, and how it is handled in the lab — all for laboratory use only.
What Is Semax?
Semax is a short, synthetic peptide built by attaching a Pro-Gly-Pro tail to the ACTH(4-7) fragment. That tail is not decorative: it slows enzymatic breakdown, giving the molecule a longer working window than the native fragment.
- Class: synthetic nootropic heptapeptide, an ACTH(4-7) analog (melanocortin family)
- Sequence: Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro · CAS 80714-61-0
- Format: lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for research
- Research focus: cognition, neuroprotection, and neurotrophic (BDNF/NGF) signaling
How Semax Works in Research
The most-cited feature of Semax in the literature is its effect on neurotrophic signaling. In rodent models, a single application has been reported to raise BDNF protein and TrkB receptor phosphorylation in the hippocampus, alongside increases in BDNF and TrkB gene expression.
- BDNF / TrkB: upregulation of BDNF and its TrkB receptor — a pathway associated in research with neuronal plasticity and survival.
- Melanocortin activity: as an ACTH-fragment analog, Semax is studied for melanocortin-receptor (e.g. MC4R) engagement that links it to the BDNF response.
- Monoamine systems: rodent work reports activation of dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems, including changes in striatal serotonin metabolism.
Where Semax Sits in Nootropic Research
Semax is often studied alongside Selank — the two are companion Russian research peptides. Where Selank is investigated mainly for anxiolytic activity, Semax is investigated mainly for cognition and neuroprotection, which is why they are frequently referenced together in the nootropic-peptide literature.
Handling Semax in the Lab
Like other research peptides, Semax arrives as a lyophilized powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use.
- Store the lyophilized powder cold and protected from light; long-term storage is at -4°F.
- After reconstitution, keep it refrigerated at 36–46°F and treat it as a short-shelf-life item.
- Minimize freeze-thaw cycles and vial punctures to protect integrity.
- Judge quality by the lot-matched Certificate of Analysis (HPLC purity, mass-spec identity), not the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic nootropic heptapeptide (sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro), an analog of the ACTH(4-7) fragment. It is studied in research on cognition, neuroprotection, and BDNF/NGF signaling, and is supplied strictly for laboratory use.
How does Semax work in research?
In rodent models Semax is reported to upregulate BDNF and its TrkB receptor in the hippocampus and to influence dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems. As an ACTH-fragment analog it is also studied for melanocortin-receptor activity. These are research findings, not medical claims.
What is the Semax peptide sequence?
Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro — the ACTH(4-7) fragment extended with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail that slows enzymatic degradation. CAS 80714-61-0.
How is Semax different from Selank?
Both are synthetic Russian research peptides often studied together, but they come from different parents and are studied for different things: Semax (an ACTH analog) for cognition and neuroprotection, Selank (a tuftsin analog) for anxiolytic activity.
How is Semax stored and handled?
It ships as a lyophilized powder stored cold (long-term at -4°F) and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Once mixed, keep it refrigerated at 36–46°F, minimize freeze-thaw cycles, and use it within a short window. This is storage guidance for research supplies, not medical advice.
Is Semax approved for human use?
No. Semax is a research compound supplied for laboratory use only. It is not a medicine, is not approved for human or veterinary use, and nothing here is medical advice.
References
Peer-reviewed research and recognized standards that support the statements above. We cite primary sources so you can verify the science yourself. These references are provided for research context only and are not medical advice.
- Dolotov OV, et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus. Brain Res. 2006;1117(1):54–60. View source →
- Eremin KO, et al. Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with nootropic properties, activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems. Neurochem Res. 2005;30(12):1493–1500. View source →
FOR LABORATORY AND RESEARCH USE ONLY. Golden State Bio supplies research-use-only chemicals for qualified researchers. Not for human or veterinary use; not evaluated by the FDA. Nothing here is medical advice.