Semax
Contents
In short
- Semax is a synthetic peptide based on part of the stress hormone ACTH. It was developed in Russia.
- In Russian studies of patients after stroke, recovery was somewhat faster with Semax, and daily functions improved.
- In rats, Semax raised the level of BDNF, a substance that matters for nerve cells, and protected nerve tissue when blood supply was reduced.
- In healthy adults, Semax nasal drops changed activity in a resting network in the brain.
Fact box
- Type
- Research compound
- Research
- Early human studies
- Sequence
- Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
- Other names
- Семакс, ACTH(4-7)-PGP
What is Semax?
Semax is a peptide of seven amino acids, made from part of the hormone ACTH. In the studies it is given as nasal drops. It has drawn interest for possible better focus and memory.
Semax is a synthetic version of part of ACTH, a hormone the body releases under stress. In rats, Semax nasal drops raised the level of BDNF, a substance that matters for nerve cells, in parts of the brain.[1]
Russian researchers write that Semax is used in clinical practice in Russia for serious problems with blood flow in the brain.[2]
The amino acid sequence in the fact box comes from PubChem.[3]
What does the research say about Semax?
There are a few Russian studies of patients after stroke, with somewhat faster recovery, and one study of brain activity in healthy adults. In animals, Semax protected nerve tissue.
| Use | Studies | Research |
|---|---|---|
| Stroke | 2 studies · Controlled study · n = 220 | Early human studies |
| Brain activity in healthy adults | 1 study · Controlled study · n = 24 | Early human studies |
| Nerve protection | 2 studies · Animal study · Animals | Lab and animal studies |
RCT means randomised controlled trial. How to read a study
Stroke
In a Russian study from 1997, 30 patients with acute stroke received Semax on top of usual treatment. They were compared with 80 patients who had usual treatment only. The researchers reported somewhat faster recovery of movement and other functions.[4]
A study from 2018 followed 110 patients in rehabilitation after stroke. Those who received Semax had higher levels of BDNF in the blood and better recovery of daily functions.[5]
Brain activity in healthy adults
A study with 24 healthy adults measured brain activity with MRI right after nasal drops with Semax or placebo. The researchers saw changes in a network in the brain that is active at rest.[6]
Nerve protection
In rats, Semax raised the level of BDNF in the brain.[1] In a rat model with reduced blood supply to the brain, Semax gave less damage to nerve tissue.[2]
Questions and answers about Semax
Does Semax improve focus?
In healthy adults, Semax changed activity in a resting network in the brain. Studies of focus and memory are the next step.
What is Semax used for?
In Russia it is used for serious problems with blood flow in the brain, such as after a stroke.
How is Semax taken?
In the studies, Semax was given as nasal drops.