Semax

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evidence score

nootropic

Gray Market

MEHFPGPPro-Gly-ProSemax nasal spray

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the ACTH 4-10 sequence, developed by the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics. It is used clinically in Russia and Ukraine for stroke recovery, ADHD, optic nerve damage, and cognitive enhancement. It dramatically increases BDNF in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex within minutes, produces strong anti-anxiety effects, and improves attention and working memory. Administered intranasally for rapid CNS delivery bypassing the BBB. One of the most well-regarded cognitive peptides in advanced nootropic circles. No FDA approval; gray market in most Western countries.

Evidence

No score yet

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Research Sync

Not synced yet

Dosing

Typical

600 mcg

200 mcgRange1800 mcg

Frequency1-3x/day

Set height & weight in Settings to see your dose.

Pharmacology

Half-life~15-30 minutes (plasma); CNS effects 12-24 hours

OnsetAcute focus and mood effects within 15-30 minutes of intranasal application

DurationCognitive effects 6-12 hours; neuroplastic effects accumulate with chronic use

Routes

intranasal

subcutaneous_injection

Evidence Score

—

0 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)—

Quality(30%)—

Sample Size(10%)—

Consistency(10%)—

Replication(5%)—

Recency(5%)—

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Semax is currently categorized as a nootropic compound.

Evidence scoring has not been fully computed yet, so interpret this profile as preliminary.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

BDNF/CNTF upregulation in hippocampus; D-Asp-HFP sequence binds melanocortin MC4R; modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic systems; anti-inflammatory via IL-6 reduction

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

No indexed study summaries yet.