Semax

What people use it for

• Stroke and brain-injury recovery (Russia)
• Focus, memory and mental performance (popular use)

What Semax does in the body

A modified fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone that does not stimulate the adrenal glands. Research suggests it increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and influences dopamine and serotonin signalling.

Strength of evidence

Limited outside Russia: most studies are Russian-language and small.

Look up the evidence

• Reviews on PubMed: Summaries of the published research
• Clinical trials on PubMed: Published studies in people
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Registered trials, past and ongoing
• Prescribing information (DailyMed, US): Official US label
• Patient leaflets (emc, UK): Official UK product information

Live searches of official databases. New to the terms? See the glossary.

Reported side effects & risks

• Nasal irritation
• Headache
• Limited safety data outside Russian studies

Who should avoid it or take extra care

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Under 18
• Seizure disorders (limited data; take care)

Not a complete list. Check with a doctor or pharmacist about your own health and medicines.

Regulatory status

Approved in Russia and some neighbouring countries (usually as a nasal spray). Not approved in the US or EU.

How it's taken

Route: Nasal drops or spray

How long it lasts (half-life): Minutes in the blood