The Russian nootropic peptide used for focus, cognition, and neuroprotection — sister peptide to Selank with a stronger stimulating profile.
Semax is a synthetic 7 amino acid peptide developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1980s as a fragment analog of ACTH (4-10). In Russia it’s approved for stroke recovery, TIA, and cognitive disorders.
It’s considered a sister peptide to Selank — similar Russian origin and intranasal administration — but with a more stimulating, focus-enhancing profile rather than anxiolytic. Many users stack the two: Semax for cognition, Selank for stress buffering.
Not FDA approved. Not WADA prohibited. Available as research chemical or nasal spray formulation.
Strong upregulation of BDNF and nerve growth factor in animal studies — the core mechanism for neuroplasticity, learning, and neuroprotection.
Modulates dopamine and serotonin tone in cortical and limbic regions — contributes to the focus, motivation, and mood-lifting effects.
Like Selank, inhibits enkephalin breakdown — contributes to stress tolerance and mild analgesic properties.
Reduces ischemic damage in stroke models; this is why it’s approved in Russia for acute stroke and TIA protocols.
| Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Focus & attention | Most-reported effect; improvements on sustained attention and working memory |
| Learning / memory | BDNF-mediated enhancement; benefits in cognitive decline and TBI models |
| Stroke recovery | Russian clinical use; reduced neurological deficit in ischemic stroke |
| ADHD-like symptoms | Anecdotal improvements in focus, task-switching, motivation |
| Mood | Mild mood elevation; not an antidepressant but a useful adjunct |
| Eye strain / recovery | Used in Russia for optic nerve protection and post-surgical eye recovery |
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeTypical use is 10–30 day cycles followed by 1–2 week breaks. Some users run longer continuous cycles without tolerance issues.
30 mg vial + 5 mL BAC water = 6 mg/mL. Nasal pump ~100 μL/spray = 600 mcg per spray.
For 600 mcg dose: 1 spray. For 1.2 mg: 2 sprays. For 300 mcg: halve the concentration or accept less precision.
Use our free peptide calculator to figure out your reconstitution volume, draw amount, and syringe units.
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Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeDisclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The compounds discussed are not FDA approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or peptide protocol. StackTrax does not sell peptides or supplements directly — purchase links go to third-party vendors. StackTrax is not responsible for the products, quality, or business practices of any third-party vendor. This page contains affiliate links — StackTrax may earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
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StackTrax guides cover peptides and compounds that are not FDA-approved for the uses discussed. The dosing, reconstitution, and safety information is compiled from published research and community protocols for educational purposes only.
Before using any compound mentioned here, consult a qualified healthcare provider. StackTrax does not sell, prescribe, or recommend these substances for personal use.
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