Semax
Semax is a synthetic nootropic peptide used to improve cognitive function, memory, and learning.
Quickstart – key points
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4–10) developed in Russia and primarily studied for its effects on cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection. Although intranasal administration is the most common in clinical literature, subcutaneous injection offers a convenient once-daily alternative for research purposes. This educational protocol presents a practical subcutaneous approach using a simple reconstitution for precise measurements with an insulin syringe.
- Reconstitution: Add 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water (maximum vial capacity) → approximate concentration of 3.33 mg/mL.
- Typical daily range: 300–800 mcg once daily (gradual titration recommended).
- Easy measurement: At 3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 33.3 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
- Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C; after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Dosage and Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing.
Standard / gradual approach (3 mL = ~3.33 mg/mL)
- Weeks 1–2: 300 mcg → 9 units (0.09 mL)
- Weeks 3–4: 500 mcg → 15 units (0.15 mL)
- Weeks 5–6: 600 mcg → 18 units (0.18 mL)
- Weeks 7–8: 800 mcg → 24 units (0.24 mL)
For administrations ≤10 units (≤0.10 mL), consider 30 or 50-unit syringes for better visual precision.
- Frequency: Subcutaneous injection once daily. This scheme uses the highest practical dilution (3.0 mL) to ensure manageable and precise injection volumes. Most human nootropic studies use intranasal administration in ranges of 400–900 mcg/day divided into several doses; this subcutaneous protocol provides comparable total amounts in a single injection for convenience.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the side of the vial; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl or roll the vial until dissolved (do not shake hard).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protected from light.
Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Required Supplies
Plan based on a daily 8–16 week protocol with gradual titration.
- Peptide vials (Semax, 10 mg each):
- 8 weeks ≈ 4 vials
- 12 weeks ≈ 6 vials
- 16 weeks ≈ 8 vials
- Insulin syringes (U-100):
- Per week: 7 syringes
- 8 weeks: 56 syringes
- 12 weeks: 84 syringes
- 16 weeks: 112 syringes
- Bacteriostatic water (10 mL bottles): use ~3.0 mL per vial
- 8 weeks: 12 mL → 2 bottles
- 12 weeks: 18 mL → 2 bottles
- 16 weeks: 24 mL → 3 bottles
- Alcohol wipes: one for the vial + one for the injection site each day
- Per week: 14
- 8 weeks: 112 → recommend 2 boxes of 100
- 12 weeks: 168 → recommend 2 boxes of 100
- 16 weeks: 224 → recommend 3 boxes of 100
Protocol Summary
- Objective: Support cognitive function, attention, and neuroprotective pathways studied in clinical literature.
- Duration: Daily subcutaneous injections for 8 weeks (optional to extend to 12–16 weeks with breaks).
- Dose range: 300–800 mcg daily with gradual titration.
- Reconstitution: 3.0 mL per 10 mg vial (~3.33 mg/mL).
- Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; use within 30 days.
Dosing Protocol
- Start: 300 mcg daily; increase ~100–200 mcg every 1–2 weeks according to tolerance.
- Goal: 600–800 mcg daily in weeks 5–8; adjust based on individual response.
- Frequency: Once daily (subcutaneous).
- Cycle duration: 8 continuous weeks; optional to extend to 12–16 weeks with breaks (example: 6 weeks on, 2 off).
- Schedule: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites.
Storage Instructions
- Reconstituted: 2–8 °C; stable up to 30 days; avoid refreezing.
- Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
- Protect from light (wrap in aluminum foil or use opaque container).
Important Notes
- Use new sterile syringes for each injection; dispose of in an appropriate container.
- Rotate sites (abdomen, thighs, arms) separating at least 2–5 cm.
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before removing the needle.
- Record daily dose, time, and site to maintain consistency.
- Most human data are from 4–8 weeks; longer protocols should include breaks.
How it works
Semax is a synthetic analog of the ACTH(4–10) fragment with a Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide extension that improves its metabolic stability. Literature suggests it modulates BDNF expression, improves cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, and exhibits neuroprotective properties. In human studies in Russia, it has been used for cognitive support in conditions such as mild cognitive impairment and recovery from stroke, usually via the intranasal route. The subcutaneous route offers an alternative with more sustained systemic absorption.
Potential Benefits and Side Effects
- May improve attention, memory, and learning in populations with cognitive deficits.
- Studied in stroke, traumatic brain injury, and optic neuropathy with a good safety profile in one-month studies.
- Generally well tolerated; the intranasal route may cause mild irritation; the subcutaneous route may cause local redness or itching.
- No significant increases in cortisol or relevant adverse endocrine effects have been observed.
- Effects are dose-dependent; titration helps find the minimum effective dose.
Lifestyle Factors
- Sleep 7–9 hours of quality.
- Regular aerobic exercise and cognitive training.
- Balanced diet rich in omega-3, antioxidants, and micronutrients.
- Stress management (meditation, mindfulness, etc.).
- Maintain mental and social activity.
Injection Technique
- Clean the vial and area with alcohol and let dry.
- Pinch 2–5 cm of skin; insert the needle at 45–90°.
- Do not aspirate; inject slowly.
- Remove the needle at the same angle; apply gentle pressure without rubbing.
- Rotate sites to avoid irritation or lipohypertrophy.
- Dispose of the syringe in an appropriate container.
