Semax – A Revolutionary Russian Brain-Boosting Nootropic
The nootropic community has become increasingly interested in peptide molecules over recent years. Most of this enthusiasm seems to center around peptides like cerebrolysin and noopept, which cause conspicuous nootropic effects through a variety of mechanisms.
In the public eye, peptides are often the most well known and accessible aspect of nootropics. Other varieties of nootropic drugs do not seem to be getting as much attention, probably because they need to be administered via injection. This does not engender them to novices and is a frightening option for most people in general.
Semax has recently come in to fill this gap. It is a highly effective peptide that is delivered into the body in spray form. This review will explain what exactly Semax is, its properties, as well as its benefits and side effects.
What is Semax?
Semax is a synthesized form of the adrenocorticotropic hormone. It works in the same way as the similarly named human hormone, which the pituitary gland releases to counter environmental stress.
Semax was developed and extensively studied in Russia, receiving its approval for pharmaceutical use in 2011. It is used to treat a phalanx of conditions, including attention deficiency hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), memory and other cognitive deficiencies, depression and anxiety disorders, and optic nerve diseases.
Semax has also been used to treat peptic ulcers, boost the immune system, and as part of the post-stroke treatment regimen. Because of its unique properties, many people have been able to use it as an off-label nootropic on a regular basis.
Structure of Semax
As mentioned above, Semax is a synthetic nootropic, neuroprotective and neurorestorative peptide. It is a heptapeptide, which means it is constituted from a string of seven amino acids that form a single molecule.
Derived from the corticotrophin hormone, it has the following chemical structure: C37H51N9O10S. The official IUPAC condensation for this molecular formula is H-Met-Glu-DL-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro-OH. In literature, Semax’s chemical formula is most commonly denoted as Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 ACTH (4-10).
How Does Semax Work?
Semax works by chemically stimulating various parts of the brain, including the hippocampus, limbic reticular complex, and various other receptors and systems. The drug primes one’s mental state for action, allowing people to stop procrastination and avoidance. Primarily, Semax induces a controlled state of mental stress, which helps optimize cerebral function in a number of ways.
It increases the production of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) by the hippocampus, which is the center of memory and emotion. BDNF is a chemical that is critical to the generation of new nerve pathways, also known as neurogenesis. A rapid rate of neurogenesis enhances one’s memory, recall and ability to learn new things. Studies show that Semax can increase the production of BDNF growth factors by 800 percent.
Semax also stimulates other receptors in the limbic system responsible for the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, histamine, and adenosine among others. This explains the drug’s ability to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, depression, and anxiety, as well as boosting motivation.
Although the precise action mechanism is unclear, Semax has also been proven to act through the melanocortin receptors and inhibit the production of enzymes related to the degradation of endogenous regulatory peptides. In this way, Semax enhances the synthesis of proteins, neurotrophins, and biosubstrates that protect, repair and reduce the inflammation of neurons. It has been proven to increase nerve growth factor by more than 500 percent.
N-Acetyl Semax vs. Semax
N- Acetyl Semax Amidate is a derivative of the drug Semax. It is developed from the addition of acetyl to the drug’s N-terminus, as well as the amidation of its C-terminus. These additions work to improve the drug’s metabolic stability, therefore making it more potent and with a longer half-life.
On the other hand, Semax is more of a fragile peptide. Some users have also reported that its effects are not as strong or as long lasting as their experience with N-Acetyl Semax.
Further, Semax seems to produce an energizing effect, while N-Acetyl Semax Amidate makes users more contemplative.
Semax Dosage
Semax can be administered as either a nasal spray or injection. It is recommended that users blow their nose before spraying the drug once up each nostril. This makes certain that the drug is adequately absorbed through the inner nose’s mucous membrane.
Semax can be purchased in two concentrations: the 100mcg or 300mcg nasal spray. The recommended starting dosage for the drug is 400mcg administered nasally every four to six hours. It seems that one cannot get tolerant or resistant to the drug quickly, bolstering the argument for taking Semax regularly. However, one can begin increasing the base number of sprays gradually if they require a stronger effect.
Between uses, Semax should be stored in the refrigerator. It should also not be shaken before use. These measures are geared towards minimizing disturbance to the Semax solution, which has a fragile molecule. Ensuring each Semax vial is stored in a cool, dark place will help to preserve its potency for a longer period.
Is Semax Safe to Use?
Because of its unique mechanism of action, Semax is probably one of the safest nootropic drugs currently on the market. Unlike other nootropics that work by releasing neurotransmitter agents, blockers or modulators, Semax promotes the production of hormones like BDNF, dopamine, and serotonin, as well as proteins that promote the growth and repair of nerve cells and pathways. Below are some other benefits of Semax nootropic drugs:
Semax Benefits
1. Enhancement of cognitive function
A recent study tested the effectiveness of Semax on memory tasks. Workers who had been given the drug were pitted against a control group through a number of similar tasks. Workers who were on Semax had fewer incidences of incorrect responses, while those in the control group had a higher error rate. This proves that the drug has a positive impact on a person’s memory, perception, and cognitive function.
2. Stabilizes mood
Studies show that Semax affects the production of CCK-4, a strong neuropeptide that induces depression, anxiety and panic attacks during stressful situations. This means the drug is able to enhance one’s mood, produce sedative effects and reduce anxiety, and alleviate the effects of some mental illnesses.
3. Relieve migraines
A 1995 study sought to determine if Semax had analgesic properties that could be useful in the treatment of headaches and chronic migraines. A single 5mcg dose of the drug was found to relieve the subjective perception and severity of pain in people suffering from chronic migraines within 30 minutes.
4. Enhances production of stimulants
Semax has been directly linked to the enhanced production of dopamine. This influences a person’s mood and dexterity.
Semax Side Effects
Semax is considered a very safe drug with no conspicuous adverse effects, in spite of its very high potency. It is not known to interact with other drugs, cause addiction, or lead to any withdrawal symptoms. It also does not result in the increased toxicity in either the liver or brain.
Despite this, it is prudent to remember that Semax is one of the newer nootropic drugs available on the market today. Thus, there are fewer studies available on the long-term effects of the drug. There are also fewer user reviews available to help one determine the drug’s safety.
However, many Semax reviews have complained about the drug’s price. Retailing at about 40 dollars for a 30mg vial, Semax is one of the pricier nootropics currently on the market.
Semax Review
Once the order has been placed, Semax is shipped to the buyer wrapped in soft packaging and a gel cooling pack in order to preserve the drug’s integrity. Each 10ml bottle comes with a nozzle to ensure one uses the drug correctly. Further, each bottle can yield up to 100 sprays before depletion.
One Semax review follows a first-time user of the product. They administered a relatively conservative dosage of two sprays per nostril per day. The user felt the effects within just two minutes of use. The onset is reportedly fast, but subtle and smooth enough not to be disruptive.
Shortly after, the user reported an increased motivation to start or finish tasks. They also reported experiencing increased efficiency and fluidity in their thought patterns and body movements. Further, users have also reported experiencing improvements in their moods as well. These effects reportedly last for up to three hours before starting to taper off slowly.
Is it Legal to Purchase Semax?
Semax was approved in Russia and included in the country’s List of Vital and Essential Drugs in 2011. It is still undergoing the FDA approval process in America, but you can legally purchase the drug from online shops if a doctor prescribes it for you.
Buy Semax
Semax distribution is currently limited to countries in Eastern Europe, especially Russia. This is because it has not yet been approved by the FDA and, thus, cannot be stocked by online nootropic vendors in the US.
However, some users have reportedly successfully bought the drug from online pharmacies based in Ukraine and Russia. Ensure they have a good refund policy before choosing to go this route. This is because the product may be seized by customs officers at the border.
Conclusion
Semax, in all its variations, is undoubtedly one of the most useful substances for people who would like to optimize their cognitive function. It causes practically no adverse side effects, and is supremely beneficial for people suffering from anxiety, depression, impaired cognitive function, and even stroke! It is a great addition to the medicine cabinets of nootropic enthusiasts all over the world.