Semax Nasal Spray
Semax, which was developed in Russia, has been found to have benefit in the settings of stroke, cognitive impairment, dementia, and inflammation of the optic nerve. It has also been tested as a potential immune system booster and has been found to have antidepressant and anxiolytic properties as well. Research shows that Semax increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the central nervous system as well as levels of serotonin and dopamine.
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate Structure
Image of Semax without the N-acetyl side chain
Source: PubChem
Sequence: L-Methionyl-L-α-glutamylhistidyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-prolylglycyl-L-proline, (Pro8,Gly9,Pro10)ACTH-(4-10)
Molecular Formula: C37H51N9O10S
Molecular Weight: 813.93 g/mol
What Is Semax?
Semax is a synthetic analogue of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It consists of the amino acids 4-10 of ACTH.
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate Reveiw
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate Affects Resting Brain Structure
Functional magnetic resonance imaging has revealed that Semax boosts the function of what is called the default mode network. The default mode network refers to brain areas that are more active during rest than they are during active task performance. This particular network is actually poorly understood, but recent research suggests that it may play a role in social cognition and monitoring of the environment. It is like a general-purpose system for monitoring the world around us when we don’t have something specific to focus on. This makes it an important part of attention as the default mode network is necessary for rousing use from a “rest” state so that we can focus on an event, particularly events that involve relating to other people. In fact, the default mode network is often compromised in diseases of cognition, such as Alzheimer’s disease, which only further supports the idea that it is involved in general social awareness.
By boosting activity in the default mode network, N-acetyl Semax amidate serves to increase our general level of arousal while at rest. This makes us more attentive to our environment, particularly our social environment, which is perceived as have greater focus and attention. In other words, N-acetyl Semax amidate may be enhancing basic environmental monitoring functions of the brain, allowing it to more readily shift from a resting state to a focused state.
It is important to note as well that increased activity in the default mode network generally correlates with increased connections between various regions of the brain. Increased interconnectivity is associated with improve problem solving, enhanced memory, and creativity. Though there is no direct research to support such an effect of Semax, it is within the realm of possibilities that the peptide boosts interconnectivity and thus improves brain function on a global scale.
