Semax 5mg

Semax 5mg is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Developed in Russia, it has been utilized for its potential neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties.

Mechanism of Action

Semax's exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. However, studies suggest it may:

• Modulate Neurotransmitter Systems: Influence the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, which are crucial for mood regulation, attention, and memory.
• Increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Elevate BDNF levels in the hippocampus, a protein essential for neuronal survival and growth.
• Enhance Gene Expression: Affect the expression of genes related to the immune system and neuroprotection.

Semax Research

Semax Affects Resting Brain Structure

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown that Semax enhances the activity of the brain's default mode network (DMN). The DMN comprises regions more active during rest than during focused task performance and is implicated in social cognition and environmental monitoring. It functions as a general system for awareness when not engaged in specific tasks, playing a key role in transitioning the brain from rest to focused attention, especially for socially relevant stimuli. 

Deficits in the DMN are linked to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting its role in social awareness. By boosting DMN activity, Semax may increase arousal during rest and improve attentiveness to the surrounding environment and social cues.

Enhanced DMN activity also correlates with improved interconnectivity between brain regions, which supports better problem-solving, memory, and creativity. While direct evidence for Semax’s role in increasing brain interconnectivity is lacking, it remains a promising possibility.

Semax in Stroke

In Russia, Semax is approved for treating acute cerebral hypoxia, including stroke and traumatic brain injury. Rat studies reveal that Semax influences the expression of 24 genes related to vascular function in the brain and spinal cord, regulating processes like smooth muscle cell migration, red blood cell production, and angiogenesis. These effects likely underpin its neuroprotective properties post-stroke, enhancing neuronal survival, mitochondrial stability, and cerebral nutrition.

Clinical research indicates that Semax accelerates functional recovery following stroke, improving motor performance and increasing plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a peptide crucial for learning and memory. By stimulating BDNF, Semax may enhance neuroplasticity, enabling undamaged brain regions to compensate for injured areas.

Semax and Gene Expression

Beyond stroke, Semax modulates gene expression in healthy brains. A single intranasal dose affects gene activity in the hippocampus and frontal cortex within 20 minutes. These regions are vital for memory, learning, concentration, planning, and executive function. Notably, Semax elevates nerve growth factor (NGF) and BDNF expression, suggesting potential for improving cognition and facilitating learning.

Semax and Cognitive Performance

Evidence suggests Semax may boost learning and memory, especially in neurological impairments. Derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Semax may offer advantages over the natural peptide. ACTH protects learning and memory in epilepsy models, and Semax likely shares these neuroprotective, nootropic properties. Regular low-dose Semax administration could improve cognitive performance and mitigate learning deficits.

Semax and Depression

Research in mice links increased BDNF levels with improved brain function in depression. Current antidepressants like SSRIs indirectly raise BDNF, which may explain their delayed onset of action. Semax’s ability to stimulate BDNF suggests combining it with SSRIs could enhance antidepressant efficacy, though further research is needed.

Pharmacology and Usage

Semax exhibits minimal side effects with low oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Mouse dosages do not directly scale to humans. Semax is sold for educational and scientific research only and is not for human consumption. Purchase only if licensed as a researcher.

Research Applications

Semax is primarily utilized in scientific studies focusing on:

• Cognitive Enhancement: Investigating its potential to improve memory, attention, and learning capacity.
• Neuroprotection: Exploring its effects on protecting neurons from damage due to ischemia or other stressors.
• Mood Regulation: Assessing its role in modulating mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Stroke Recovery: Studying its potential benefits in post-stroke rehabilitation.

Product Specifications

• Form: Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder for reconstitution.
• Purity: Typically ≥98%, ensuring high-quality material for research purposes.
• Packaging: Each vial contains 5 mg of Semax.
• Storage: Store lyophilized Semax at temperatures below -18°C. After reconstitution, store at 4°C and use within 2-7 days.

Referenced Citations:

1. Lebedeva, S. et al., “Effects of Semax on the Default Mode Network of the Brain,” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, vol. 165, no. 5, pp. 653-656, Sep. 2018. 
2. Mars, R. B., Neubert, F.-X., Noonan, M. P., Salle, J., Toni, I., & Rushworth, M. F. S., “On the relationship between the ‘default mode network’ and the ‘social brain’,” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, vol. 6, 2012. 
3. Medvedeva, E. V. et al., “The peptide Semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia: genome-wide transcriptional analysis,” BMC Genomics, vol. 15, p. 228, Mar. 2014. 
4. Gusev, E. I. et al., “The efficacy of Semax in the treatment of patients at different stages of ischemic stroke,” Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S. S. Korsakova, vol. 118, no. 3, Vyp. 2, pp. 61-68, 2018. 
5. Agapova, T. I. et al., “Effect of Semax on the temporary dynamics of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor gene expression in the rat hippocampus and frontal cortex,” Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, and Virology, no. 3, pp. 26-32, 2008. 
6. Scantlebury, M. H. et al., “Adrenocorticotropic hormone protects learning and memory function in epileptic Kcna1-null mice,” Neuroscience Letters, vol. 645, pp. 14-18, Apr. 2017. 
7. Deltheil, T. et al., “Behavioral and serotonergic consequences of decreasing or increasing hippocampus brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein levels in mice,” Neuropharmacology, vol. 55, no. 6, pp. 1006-1014, Nov. 2008. 
8. Ivanov, A. et al., “Influence of ACTH4-7-PGP (Semax) on morphofunctional state of hepatocytes in chronic emotional and painful stress,” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, vol. 163, 2017. 
9. Bobyntsev, I. et al., “The effect of ACTH-4-7-PGP peptide on lipid peroxidation in liver and activity of serum transaminases in rats under acute and chronic immobilization stress conditions,” ResearchGate, 2015.