Name: Semax 10mg
Brand: RetaLABS.is
SKU: semax-10mg

Question 1

What is Semax used for in research?

Accepted Answer

Semax is researched for its nootropic, neuroprotective, and cognitive-enhancing properties as a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the ACTH(4-7) sequence. In CNS research, Semax has been studied for its ability to upregulate BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and its precursor proBDNF in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, with downstream effects on synaptic plasticity, memory consolidation, and neuronal survival. Ischaemia research has examined Semax in models of stroke and cerebral hypoxia, where its administration has been associated with reduced neuronal cell death and improved behavioural outcomes compared to controls (effects attributed to both BDNF upregulation and modulation of VEGF expression. Dopamine and serotonin metabolism studies have documented Semax-induced changes in monoamine levels and turnover rates in limbic structures. As an ACTH-derived peptide, it is also studied for HPA axis modulation) though its primary research value is in CNS neurotrophin and neuroprotection models where BDNF-driven effects are the primary endpoint.

Question 2

How does Semax affect BDNF levels in research?

Accepted Answer

Preclinical studies have consistently shown that Semax upregulates BDNF and its high-affinity receptor TrkB in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum following both acute and chronic administration. The mechanism is not fully established, but is thought to involve cAMP-mediated transcriptional activation of the BDNF gene via CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) signalling, potentially downstream of Semax's interaction with ACTH receptor pathways and its Pro-Gly-Pro-mediated neuropeptide receptor activity. BDNF is a member of the neurotrophin family and plays essential roles in synaptic strengthening (long-term potentiation), dendritic morphology, neuronal survival under oxidative stress, and the regulation of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Semax-induced BDNF elevation in preclinical models has been correlated with improved performance in spatial memory tasks, suggesting that the molecular BDNF upregulation translates into functional cognitive outcomes measurable at the behavioural level, one of the primary reasons Semax is studied as a nootropic research compound.

Question 3

How should Semax be stored?

Accepted Answer

Store lyophilised Semax at −20°C, protected from light and moisture. The Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro heptapeptide sequence includes a methionine residue (Met) at the N-terminus, which carries some oxidative sensitivity, the methionine sulfur can be oxidised to methionine sulfoxide under prolonged exposure to oxidising conditions. Lyophilised storage at −20°C with minimal moisture exposure protects against this oxidation pathway. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within four weeks. The Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension that was added to the native ACTH(4-7) sequence provides improved resistance to aminopeptidase degradation compared to the parent tetrapeptide, contributing to reasonable reconstituted solution stability over the four-week window. For extended research protocols, reconstitute small working aliquots from the frozen lyophilised stock periodically rather than storing a large reconstituted volume for weeks. Label vials with reconstitution date and concentration for protocol accuracy.

Question 4

What is the difference between Semax and Selank?

Accepted Answer

Both Semax and Selank are synthetic heptapeptides with a shared Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Despite their structural similarities (both are seven amino acids, both carry the Pro-Gly-Pro stabilisation motif) they are derived from completely different parent peptides and target different CNS pathways. Semax is derived from ACTH(4-7) (the MEHFPGP sequence) and is primarily studied for its dopaminergic, serotonergic, and BDNF-mediated cognitive and neuroprotective effects. Selank is derived from tuftsin (TKPR) and is primarily studied for its serotonin-modulating anxiolytic effects and immunomodulatory properties. In terms of research applications, Semax tends to be used in neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement models, while Selank tends to be used in anxiety and immune regulation models. Their complementary mechanism profiles make them useful as paired compounds in experiments examining differential outcomes of ACTH-derived versus tuftsin-derived neuropeptide analogues in CNS research.

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