Educational, research-use-only content. This article summarizes published scientific literature for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The compounds discussed are supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and are not approved for human or veterinary use.
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) modeled on a fragment (4-10) of adrenocorticotropic hormone. It was developed by Russian researchers and is studied in neuroscience as a tool for investigating learning, memory, and neuroprotection in animal models (Dolotov et al., 2006).
BDNF and neuroprotection research
In a rat study, intranasally applied Semax produced a rapid increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein in the basal forebrain, and cell-membrane experiments identified specific, reversible binding sites for the peptide (Dolotov et al., 2006). BDNF is a modulator of synaptic plasticity, which is why this finding is of interest in neuroscience research.
The limits of the current evidence
- The findings are from rodent models and binding studies; effects in humans are not established here.
- Much of the literature originates from a small number of research groups, and Semax is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
References
According to PubMed:
- Dolotov OV, et al. Semax, an analogue of ACTH(4-10), binds specifically and increases BDNF protein in rat basal forebrain. J Neurochem. 2006. doi:10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.03658.x
