Semax Β· 2 May 2026
Semax: An ACTH Fragment in Neurotrophic Research
Essential Peptides Au Β· Journal Β· 3 min read
A heptapeptide fragment of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), also originating from Russian research programmes. Most often cited in neurotrophic and cognitive research literature, with published work on BDNF expression and related neurochemical pathways. Like Selank, much of its early literature sits outside mainstream English-language indexing, which is part of why it tends to be encountered later than the compounds higher on this list.
Mechanism in brief
Semax is an ACTH(4β7) analog extended at the C-terminus (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro). It does not bind canonical ACTH receptors, but has been studied for BDNF upregulation, dopaminergic and serotonergic modulation, and neuroprotection-related gene expression in neuronal cell models.
In current research
As with other neuropeptides that lack a definitively assigned receptor, observed effects may be indirect, so receptor-selective antagonists and negative controls are important design elements.
BDNF-expression assays in neuronal cell models β frequently compared against Selank and positive controls at defined concentrations β are the most commonly cited framework.
View compound
Semax in the catalogue
Related reading
For research use only. This article is provided for research and educational purposes and does not describe or imply therapeutic use. None of these compounds are for human or veterinary consumption.