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Routine Peptides

Research monograph · synthetic heptapeptide analog of acth(4-10)

SemaxResearch monograph

Cognitive Function Studies

This monograph collects what the published literature reports about Semax — its mechanisms, the areas it is studied in, its molecular record and the sources behind them. Part of its sequence derives from ACTH; the remainder is a short stabilising tail that resists enzymatic breakdown. Published work examines BDNF expression and cognitive endpoints, largely in animal models.

For laboratory research use only — not for human or animal use

Semax research vial

Mechanisms

How Semax works

BDNF Modulation

Neurotrophic

Animal models report BDNF rising up to 1.4-fold in specific brain regions following administration. BDNF is the growth factor most consistently linked to neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity, which is why it serves as the primary readout.

  • BDNF expression reported up to 1.4x
  • Neuronal survival and growth supported
  • Synaptic plasticity endpoints measured

Serotonin & Dopamine Modulation

Neurotransmitter

Preclinical work describes changes in serotonergic and dopaminergic signalling alongside attention and mood endpoints. The literature treats these as observed correlates rather than an established mechanism.

  • Serotonin metabolism modulated
  • Dopaminergic signalling affected
  • Noradrenergic pathways implicated

Ischemic Protection

Neuroprotective

Stroke models measure infarct volume, inflammatory gene expression and neuronal survival following exposure. This is the endpoint with the largest body of published work behind it.

  • Infarct volume reduced in stroke models
  • Inflammatory gene expression modulated
  • Neurons protected from oxidative stress

Studied applications

What Semax is researched for

Cognitive

Memory & Learning

Rodent learning and memory tasks are the primary endpoints, with BDNF measured alongside as the proposed mechanism.

Ashmarin et al. 2006

Neuroprotection

Stroke Recovery

Ischaemic models measure infarct volume and neuronal survival. This is the best-evidenced area for the compound.

Gusev et al. 2010

Neurotrophic

BDNF & Nerve Growth

BDNF expression is measured directly in specific brain regions rather than inferred from behavioral change.

Agapova et al. 2010

Anti-Inflammatory

Immune Modulation

Inflammatory gene expression is measured alongside the neurological endpoints, usually within the same protocols.

Agapova et al. 2011

What the published work measures

The endpoints reported across the literature for this compound. The figures belong to the individual papers, not to us.

  • BDNF Expression Increase
  • Cognitive Performance (animal)
  • Neuroprotection (ischemia)
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effect

Reference values

Semax molecular data

Scroll for full molecular data →

SequenceMet-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Molecular weight813.93 g/mol
Molecular formulaC37H51N9O10S
Physical formLyophilized Powder
Documented purityQuantified by HPLC, reported per lot
Storage-20°C for up to 24 months
SolubilityWater-soluble
Available sizes10mg

FAQ

Common questions about Semax

What is Semax?

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Semax is a seven-residue peptide developed at a Russian research institute. Part of its sequence derives from ACTH; the remainder is a short stabilising tail that resists enzymatic breakdown. Published work examines BDNF expression and cognitive endpoints, largely in animal models.

What is Semax researched for?

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Published research on Semax concentrates on Memory & Learning, Stroke Recovery, BDNF & Nerve Growth and Immune Modulation. Each of those areas is summarised further up this page with the citation it comes from, and the full reference list — 4 indexed publications — sits at the bottom. Study designs and concentrations vary considerably between publications, so the primary sources are worth reading directly.

How does Semax work?

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The literature describes Semax acting across BDNF Modulation, Serotonin & Dopamine Modulation and Ischemic Protection, reported respectively as Neurotrophic, Neurotransmitter and Neuroprotective. Those pathways are drawn from preclinical models rather than clinical work, and they describe what has been observed rather than a settled mechanism — the individual pathway cards above cite what each one is based on.

What are the molecular specifications for Semax?

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Semax has a molecular formula of C37H51N9O10S, an average mass of 813.93 g/mol and the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. It ships as lyophilized powder. Those are nominal reference values for the parent compound. The identity of the specific material you receive is confirmed by mass spectrometry and reported on that lot's certificate.

How should Semax be stored and reconstituted?

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Store the sealed vial at -20°C, protected from light and moisture, and let it reach room temperature before opening so condensation does not form on cold powder. Semax is water-soluble; reconstitute by directing the diluent down the vial wall rather than onto the powder, then swirl to dissolve rather than shaking. Keep reconstituted solution refrigerated and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles — solutions are far less stable than lyophilized powder.

Is Semax approved for human use?

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No. Semax is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and development. It is not a drug, food, supplement or cosmetic, it has not been evaluated by the FDA, and it is not intended for human or animal consumption, ingestion, injection or any in-vivo use. Ordering confirms you are a qualified researcher or institution purchasing on that basis.

Cited sources

Peer-reviewed literature

Independent published research indexed from PubMed — not Routine Peptides claims.

  1. [1]PubMedSemax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with cognitive-enhancing properties (opens in a new tab)2006 · Ashmarin IP et al.View source →
  2. [2]PubMedNeuroprotective effects of Semax in conditions of cerebral ischemia (opens in a new tab)2010 · Gusev EI et al.View source →
  3. [3]PubMedSemax modulates the expression of neurotrophins and their receptors (opens in a new tab)2010 · Agapova TYu et al.View source →
  4. [4]PubMedMolecular mechanisms underlying effects of Semax on hippocampal gene expression (opens in a new tab)2011 · Agapova TYu et al.View source →

Available in the catalog

Semax from $72

View product & pricing

Before you order

Quality Becomes RoutineMeasured. Verified. Documented.

Every production run is analyzed by an independent laboratory, and the certificate for your lot travels with the order — not a catalog-wide document, and not a summary written by us.