What does Semax do? Benefits and evidence

A Russian nasal peptide with limited human evidence for brain and nerve effects.

Also called: Семакс, ACTH(4–7)-PGP, MEHFPGP.

Nootropic peptides · ACTH-fragment analogue studied for brain and nerve effects.

Semax is a synthetic nasal medicine used in Russia, with small or poorly controlled studies of stroke recovery, eye disease and attention. Brain scans do not prove better focus; long-term safety and injected use remain untested.

  • In Russia, nasal drops are given to people for mental tiredness and attention; these uses are not approved in the US. (Studied in a trial)
  • In a small study after stroke, people given it with usual care recovered faster, but the study was not randomized. (Studied in a trial)
  • People report clearer thinking, alertness and better focus, though some notice no effect. (Reported by users)

Uses in the sources

  • Studied alongside usual care after ischemic stroke. Reliable long-term disability benefit is unproven. (Studied in a trial) (source)
  • Russian nasal instructions include mental fatigue and attention-related uses. These are not FDA-approved indications. (Clinician-published) (source)
  • People report nasal sprays or injections for focus; responses include no effect. (Reported by users) (source)

Related to Semax

Sources

Sources checked: 2026-10-18.

Information only, not medical advice. Peptifacts does not sell anything and does not link to sellers.