Semax

Semax is a synthetic peptide derived from the ACTH (4-10) fragment with Pro-Gly-Pro extension. It has been extensively studied for its nootropic and neuroprotective properties in both animal models and clinical settings.

How Does Semax Work?

Semax activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems, modulating neurotransmitter levels that influence mood, focus, and cognition (Eremin et al., 2005). Critically, Semax has been shown to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, with effects observable within 20 minutes of administration and persisting for hours (Shadrina et al., 2009; Agapova et al., 2008). Clinical research in stroke rehabilitation demonstrated that Semax administration increased plasma BDNF levels and accelerated functional recovery (Gusev et al., 2018).

What is N-Acetyl Semax Amidate?

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate (NASA) is a modified version of Semax with two key structural changes: an acetyl group added to the N-terminus and an amide group at the C-terminus. These modifications protect the peptide from enzymatic degradation by aminopeptidases and carboxypeptidases, potentially enhancing metabolic stability and bioavailability compared to standard Semax. The same core mechanism—BDNF upregulation and monoaminergic modulation—applies to this enhanced formulation.

Research Applications

• Nootropic research (Manchenko et al., 2010)
• Dopamine/serotonin modulation (Eremin et al., 2005)
• BDNF expression studies (Shadrina et al., 2009)
• Neurotrophic effects (Safarova et al., 2002)
• Stroke rehabilitation research (Gusev et al., 2018)
• Cognitive enhancement studies

References

1. Gusev EI, et al. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2018. DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20181183261-68 | PMID: 29798983
2. Shadrina M, et al. J Mol Neurosci. 2009. DOI: 10.1007/s12031-009-9270-z | PMID: 19662538
3. Agapova TIu, et al. Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol. 2008. PMID: 18756821
4. Eremin KO, et al. Neurochem Res. 2005. DOI: 10.1007/s11064-005-8826-8 | PMID: 16362768
5. Manchenko DM, et al. Ross Fiziol Zh Im I M Sechenova. 2010. PMID: 21268834
6. Safarova ER, et al. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2002. DOI: 10.1023/a:1016270626439 | PMID: 12124658