What is Semax?

Semax, a heptapeptide with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, is an agent from Russia used to prevent and treat circulatory disorders.

It is listed on the list of important and essential medicines by the Russian government [1]. Despite the use of semax in hospital treatment in Russia, it is available in pharmacies without a prescription. This is because, despite numerous studies on humans and rats, no side effects have been demonstrated. In addition does not appear on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) lists of prohibited substances.

More than 20 years of intensive research by Russian scientists into the effects of Semax - on the body has shown that it is useful and applicable:
- w treatment after stroke and to reduce the risk its occurrence [2], [3],
- next to transient ischaemic attack (TIA) via neuroprotective effects in case of cerebral hypoxia, [4].
- in cases memory and concentration disorders, [5]
- next to ulcers in the digestive tract, [6]
- next to optic nerve disease [7]
- next to strengthening the immune system response stress-induced [8]

What mechanisms of action has Semaks?

After 1 - Increases BDNF concentration in the brain [9] which can directly translate into improved focus and cognitive abilities. BDNF is crucial and essential for cognition, synaptic plasticity and neuronal viability. Low BDNF concentrations can exacerbate depression and anxiety disorders, so semax by increasing BDNF concentrations should reduce the risk of these, or exacerbate them.

After 2 - Reduces the breakdown of enkephalins, opioid-like substances naturally found in our brain responsible for mood and pain relief, which may translate into a better sense of wellbeing in chronic pain. [10]

After 3 - Has a neuroprotective effect [11] that is, it protects the nervous system from oxidative damage. It reduces the risk of the onset and worsening of neurodegenerative diseases and inhibits the adverse effects of stress on the nervous system.

After 4 - Influences the expression of genes related to the immune system and cardiovascular system [12] which (if supported by more studies on large groups of people) may help to prevent pathologies related to these systems.

What it looks like in practice?

In a number of cases, the use of semax as an intranasal spray in volunteers resulted in a sensation of sharpened colour sensitivity, improved focus and mood. The effect can be felt a few minutes after use.
The direct, subjective effects of semax were most noticeable in those complaining of concentration problems, irritability, lack of motivation and chronic fatigue.

Is Semax safe for humans?

In a Study on over 200 people with reduced cerebral blood flow [13], therapy Semaxem reduced the patients' overall brain damage and the risk of potential future strokes. In addition, the study showed that in all Semax patients were 'well tolerated' and showed no side effects.

1 - https://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js19766ru/
2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11517472/
3 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3292406/
4 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17603664/
5 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9173745/
6 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12459874/
7 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10741256/
8 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31028579/
9 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987706005391
10 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11443939/
11 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17385423/
12 - https://bmcgenomics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2164-15-228
13 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15792140/