Semax¶

Identification¶

Property	Value
CAS Number	80714-61-0
Molecular Formula	C37H51N9O10S
Molecular Weight	~813.9 Da
Sequence	Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro-OH
Amino Acid Count	7 (ACTH(4-7) + Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal)
Appearance	White to off-white lyophilized powder
Purity Standard	≥99% by HPLC
Solubility	Soluble in sterile water or PBS
Storage	2-8°C, desiccated, protect from light

Category: Nootropic & Anti-Aging

Catalog SKU: PSH-SEMAX-10MG

Research Background¶

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It consists of the ACTH(4-7) fragment (Met-Glu-His-Phe) - the active core of adrenocorticotropic hormone that mediates neurotrophic effects without steroidogenic activity - extended with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide. Semax is the most extensively characterized nootropic peptide in the literature, with documented effects on BDNF and NGF expression, cognitive function, and neuroprotection across multiple paradigms.

Key Mechanisms¶

Mechanism	Details
BDNF/NGF Upregulation	Enhanced transcription of neurotrophins → synaptic plasticity
Melanocortin Receptor	MC4/MC5 receptor agonism → cAMP → CREB-mediated neurotrophin gene expression
C-terminal PGP Motif	Pro-Gly-Pro extension enhances metabolic stability and BBB penetration
Anti-Inflammatory	Reduced microglial activation; decreased IL-1β and TNF-α in CNS

Research Focus Areas¶

Neuroprotection¶

Ischemia/hypoxia models - neuronal survival enhancement

Cognitive Enhancement¶

Learning & memory consolidation in rodent models

BDNF/NGF Upregulation¶

Neurotrophin expression - synaptic plasticity support

Stroke Recovery¶

Post-ischemic neurological function improvement

Optic Nerve Protection¶

Retinal ganglion cell survival in glaucoma models

Available Configurations¶

Configuration	Content	Best For
Standard Kit	10 mg × 10 vials	Neuroprotection studies; evaluation
Bulk Kit	30 mg × 10 vials	Chronic cognitive models; repeat orders
Custom	Custom mg × custom vials	OEM; private-label

Tiered Wholesale Pricing¶

Volume	Discount	For
1 kit	List price	Evaluation; competitive analysis
5+ kits	10% off	Initial portfolio expansion
20+ kits	20% off	Mid-size distributors
50+ kits	30% off	Regional distributors

Quality Specifications¶

Parameter	Method	Criterion
Purity	HPLC at 214 nm, C18 column	≥99.0% peak area
Identity (MW)	ESI-MS	~813.9 ± 1.0 Da
Appearance	Visual inspection	White to off-white powder
Peptide Content	Amino acid analysis	≥80% net peptide
Met Oxidation	HPLC-MS	Met(O) ≤ 1%

Frequently Asked Questions¶

Q1: What is Semax and how does it relate to ACTH?¶

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide based on ACTH(4-7), the N-terminal fragment of ACTH that mediates neurotrophic effects without adrenal steroidogenesis. The C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension confers metabolic stability and CNS penetration.

Q2: What is the mechanism of Semax's cognitive effects?¶

Semax primarily upregulates BDNF and NGF via melanocortin receptor activation. Elevated neurotrophins support synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival, and cognitive function. Additional effects include anti-inflammatory microglial modulation and improved cerebral blood flow.

Q3: How does the Pro-Gly-Pro extension work?¶

The C-terminal PGP tripeptide protects from carboxypeptidase degradation and enhances blood-brain barrier penetration. The Pro-Gly-Pro sequence itself has reported glyproline activity that may contribute to neuroprotection.

Q4: How does Semax differ from Selank?¶

Both are Russian-developed nootropics with distinct mechanisms. Semax (ACTH-derived) → melanocortin receptors → BDNF/NGF → cognition. Selank (tuftsin-derived) → GABAergic/dopaminergic → anxiolysis. Complementary: Semax for cognition, Selank for anxiety.

Q5: What purity and QC is provided for Semax?¶

≥99% HPLC with ESI-MS identity. Special QC: Met(O) content ≤ 1% (N-terminal methionine is oxidation-sensitive). Batch-specific COA included.

Key Research References¶

Reference	PMID	Key Finding
Dolotov OV et al. "Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus." Brain Res. 2006;1117(1):54–60.	16996037	Semax upregulated BDNF and trkB in hippocampus via melanocortin receptor activation; mechanism for cognitive-enhancing effects
Glazova NY et al. "Semax, synthetic ACTH(4-10) analogue, attenuates behavioural and neurochemical alterations following early-life fluvoxamine exposure in rats." Eur J Pharmacol. 2021;892:173771.	33418449	Semax attenuates behavioral and neurochemical alterations, supporting neuroprotective and cognitive-preserving effects

Stability & Storage¶

Condition	Degradation Profile
Lyophilized Storage	Standard peptide stability; 24 months at 2-8°C in desiccated environment, protect from light
Met1 Oxidation Sensitivity	N-terminal methionine is oxidation-sensitive; Met(O) content monitored at ≤1% in every batch. Protect from oxidants and direct light
Pro-Gly-Pro Stability	The C-terminal PGP tripeptide confers enhanced metabolic stability and BBB penetration
Neutral pH (6.0-7.5)	Stable; recommended for reconstitution in sterile water or PBS
Reconstituted Solution	24 h at 2-8°C; aliquot and freeze at -20°C for extended use. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw

Source & Purchase¶

For research-grade SEMAX and related compounds in this category, visit the PeptideSourceHub category page for bulk pricing and available specifications.

Browse SEMAX & Related Products →

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