Semax Nasal Spray | Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects

Curious about the advantages of Semax nasal spray?

Semax is a synthetic peptide that has shown promise in improving cognitive ability, reducing mental fatigue, and promoting neuroprotection. This has made it a popular choice for researchers exploring cognitive enhancement and nootropic peptides.

While Semax is now available as a lyophilized powder, the peptide was initially developed and extensively researched as a nasal spray.

Keep reading to learn more about:

• How to best administer Semax nasal spray
• How Semax nasal spray compares to the subcutaneous form
• Potential side effects and disadvantages of Semax nasal spray

Our research team has compiled this informative guide to address these questions and more, along with our recommendation on where to purchase quality Semax nasal spray for research.

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What is Semax?

Semax is a synthetic analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It was first developed by Soviet researchers at the Academy of Sciences of the USSR in the 1980s [1, 2, 3].

It is a heptapeptide designed to easily pass the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and reach the brain, enabled by the addition of a Pro-Gly-Pro fragment as its C-terminus [4, 5]. Similar to ACTH(4-10), Semax may have stimulant-like properties on behavior but without any effect on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems [6].

Semax is effectively delivered intranasally and is approved in Russia as a neuroprotective agent for use in conditions like stroke, cognitive disorders, optic nerve atrophy, and encephalopathy [3].

The peptide was first approved in nasal drop form containing 0.1% or 1% Semax. Researchers have reported that 0.093% of Semax penetrates the BBB when administered in nasal spray form, which is greater than the 0.01% observed during intravenous administration [3].

Scientists also posit that the peptide may travel through the olfactory epithelium via extraneuronal transport alongside cranial nerves, such as the optic and trigeminal nerves, to reach areas of the brain associated with cognition [7].

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is an altered form of Semax that is also available as a nasal spray. It is modified by acetylating the molecule’s N-terminus and amidating its C-terminus. This may enhance the compound’s stability and potency relative to the original, unmodified version [8].

Qualified researchers may also legally purchase subcutaneous Semax as a reference material.

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How Does Semax Work?

Semax traverses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to exert its nootropic and neuroprotective effects through a number of pathways. These may include interactions with neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, both of which are known to impact mood, desire, and cognition [9].

One trial suggests that Semax may work in the CNS to inhibit the degradation of enkephalins, which are the natural ligands of opioid receptors. Consequently, the peptide could contribute to regulating pain perception and reward-driven behavior [10, 11].

Further, Semax appears to interact with molecules known as neurotrophins, which are growth factors responsible for regulating the survival, development, and functionality of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems [12, 13].

Specifically, Semax appears to enhance levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Additionally, it seems to increase the expression of tropomyosin-related kinase B (trkB) receptors, which are present in brain cells and mediate the effects of BDNF [12, 13].

In a rat experiment by Dolotov et al. (2006), Semax significantly elevated BDNF levels by 60% and increased trkB expression by 100% (twofold) [14]. The activation of BDNF and NGF is thought to produce neuroprotective effects, reduce inflammation, and enhance neuronal tolerance to hypoxia [12].

Semax may also offer advantages beyond the nervous system, even when administered intranasally. Researchers have reported an association between Semax and anti-ulcer effects, believed to arise from its positive influence on blood flow, microcirculation, and vascular permeability [15].

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Benefits of Semax Nasal Spray

Since Semax was initially approved as an intranasal formulation, the majority of clinical research on the peptide to date has involved the nasal spray form [3].

In this section, we cover the most notable clinical trials involving intranasal Semax, showcasing its benefits for cognition, neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, and more!

Semax for Cognitive Enhancement

Clinical investigations have documented the cognitive-enhancing effects of Semax on healthy but fatigued individuals.

In one study, 16 young adult volunteers who were fatigued following an 8-hour work shift were given Semax. A single intranasal administration of Semax 1mg (approximately 16mcg/kg of body weight) led to significantly higher accuracy in completing a memory test (71%) compared to the control group's average (41%). Notably, the peptide’s nootropic effect appeared to last for up to 24 hours [16].

Additionally, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (resting-state fMRI) has revealed that Semax could augment the volume of specific regions within the central nervous system in test subjects. For instance, the medial frontal cortex, which is part of the brain's default mode network (DMN) associated with reward, affective responses, and decision-making processes, exhibited notable changes with Semax versus placebo [17].

Further, some researchers have speculated that Semax may offer benefits for individuals with attention deficit disorder, although further investigations are required to substantiate such claims [1].

Semax for Neuroprotection

Semax has demonstrated neuroprotective properties, particularly in stroke patients. Scientific research has provided evidence of its effectiveness in reducing inflammation, providing radiation protection, alleviating hypoxia, and promoting neurotrophic activity in acute conditions such as ischemic stroke [18, 19].

For example, a study conducted in acute stroke patients revealed the pronounced anti-inflammatory effects of Semax. The peptide was found to stimulate the production of interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) while concurrently reducing levels of the pro-inflammatory factors interleukin-8 and C-reactive protein [18].

In another trial involving 110 stroke patients, Semax was administered intranasally in two 10-day courses at 6mg/day of the peptide. A 20-day wash-out period was observed between the courses. Semax resulted in an increase in plasma BDNF levels, subsequently leading to enhanced motor performance and improved Barthel index scores, which assess functional independence in stroke patients [19].

Semax likewise shows potential in safeguarding the optic nerve against damage in patients experiencing elevated intraocular pressure, as observed in cases of glaucoma [20, 21].

Several small-scale clinical trials also suggest that Semax exhibits protective effects against chronic ischemia and neurotoxicity induced by substances such as alcohol [22, 23]. In vitro and in vivo animal studies likewise hypothesize that the peptide may provide protective effects in models of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's [24, 25].

Semax for Mood Regulation

One clinical study has identified the potential of Semax to improve the emotional well-being of motor neuron disease (MND) patients. The study involved 27 MND patients and aimed to investigate the impact of Semax on muscle activity in different regions of the body [26].

Semax was administered intranasally as a 1% solution in two 10-day courses, with a 2-week interval, at 12mg/day. While Semax was not found to have an effect on the progression of the disease or on clinical indicators associated with functional impairment, it notably improved patients’ quality of life, primarily due to enhancements in emotional well-being and motivation [26].

Further trials are necessary to validate these benefits in clinical settings. Preliminary investigations conducted in rats suggest that Semax may exert antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Researchers hypothesize that these effects could be attributed to the interactions of Semax with serotonergic signaling and BDNF expression [27].

Additional rat studies have shown that Semax may provide protection against anxiogenic substances such as cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide (CCK-4). CCK-4 is known to induce anxiety in humans and is frequently used to evaluate the effectiveness of anxiolytic drugs. The study authors observed reduced levels of anxiety and depression when Semax was administered alongside CCK-4, compared to CCK-4 alone [28].

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Semax Nasal Spray | The Ultimate Guide

Researchers who aim to study Semax’s nootropic and neuroprotective effects commonly administer it intranasally.

When administered as a nasal spray, Semax reliably penetrates the BBB. According to rat studies, 0.093% of the peptide has been reported to reach brain tissue within two minutes of administration. In comparison, other rat studies suggest that the intravenous route achieves 0.01% BBB penetration within a minute of administration [3, 29, 30].

Another advantage of Semax nasal spray is that it represents a more convenient form of administration compared to subcutaneous formulations. Intranasal administration requires less complicated technique and fewer research supplies. The risk of local adverse reactions or discomfort related to the route of administration may also be lower with Semax nasal spray.

However, a potential downside of intranasal administration is that absorption and bioavailability may be less reliable and will vary between research subjects. Many factors may influence the absorption of Semax nasal spray, including nasal congestion and differences in nasal mucosa thickness. This makes it more difficult to individualize a Semax dosage for each research subject.

Semax Nasal Spray Dosing

It should be noted that Semax nasal spray is available in two formulations containing either 0.1% or 1% of the peptide and dosing protocols vary between the studies. Some studies have employed 0.1% Semax in doses of about 600mcg/daily, while others have used 1% Semax in doses of up to 12mg/daily depending on the research objective [22, 26].

The duration of available studies has also varied, with some involving up to 30 consecutive days of 0.1% intranasal Semax administration, while others have employed a Semax cycling approach for 1% Semax. The cycling method entails ten days of intranasal Semax application followed by a 14-day discontinuation period and then another ten days of administration [21, 26].

Considering the aforementioned trials, researchers administering Semax nasal spray may want to consider starting with a more conservative dose of 600mcg/daily. Here is a sample dosing protocol based on the available data:

• Daily Dosage: Consider starting with 600mcg/daily and titrating the dose depending on the subject’s individual response.
• Study Duration: Up to 30 days at doses higher than 900mcg/daily. Researchers may also consider experimenting with 600mcg/day for slightly longer periods but no longer than 60 days.
• Semax Cycle: Ensure a rest period immediately following the experiment that is equivalent to the study duration.
• Notes: A standard 30mg/10ml Semax nasal spray delivers 300mcg of Semax per pump.

Published clinical research to date does not report any notable side effects of intranasal Semax when used for up to 30 days [18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26].

How to Administer Semax Nasal Spray

Researchers who wish to administer Semax nasal spray to test subjects are encouraged to take certain precautions during the process:

• Prevent contamination: Keep the spray pump clean and refrigerated at all times to prevent contamination or degradation. This includes disinfection of the nozzle with an alcohol swab before and after each use.
• Account for nasal congestion: Before administering the peptide via spray, instruct subjects to clear their nose and share if they have problems such as blockage. This optimizes absorption and helps subjects select which nostril is more open and therefore may offer better absorption.
• Instruct on proper head position: Instruct subjects to maintain a tilted head position during and for a minute after administration; an upward head tilt prevents loss from the bottom of the nose.
• Avoid peptide loss: Wait for at least 30 seconds to one minute between sprays applied in the same nostril to prevent oversaturating the nasal mucosa and thus swallowing any excess of the peptide.

Researchers should avoid shaking or tapping the spray bottle forcefully. Instead, a gentle roll can help mix up the contents of the bottle before administration. When not in use, the peptide must be refrigerated at 36 to 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C).

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Where to Buy Semax Nasal Spray Online? | 2024 Edition

In addition to understanding peptide nasal absorption mechanisms and adhering to proper administration protocols, researchers must exercise caution when selecting a Semax nasal spray product.

The saturated market for research chemicals has led to vendors offering questionable quality and effectiveness. When purchasing Semax nasal spray, researchers should consider factors such as peptide quality, third-party laboratory testing, service levels, and satisfaction guarantees.

Following extensive research and evaluation of numerous online Semax vendors, our team of experts has identified two vendors that surpassed our expectations:

Limitless Life

Limitless Life stands out from other vendors of peptide nasal sprays with several notable features:

• High-Purity Peptides: Limitless Life’s Semax nasal spray products undergo comprehensive analysis by independent third-party laboratories using the high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) technique, ensuring a purity level exceeding 99%.
• Fast and Reliable Shipping: The vendor waives their shipping fee for orders of $350+ within the US and guarantees prompt delivery, with most orders shipped on the same day they are placed.
• 24/7 Support and Service: Limitless Life has a team of experts dedicated to ensuring researcher satisfaction and promptly resolving any errors that may occur, including during the shipping process. They are available through email and phone.

Additionally, Limitless Life offers N-Acetyl Semax Amidate via nasal spray for researchers interested in studying the modified version.

In sum, we highly recommend Limitless Life as an outstanding vendor of intranasal peptide formulations, including N-Acetyl Semax Amidate and Semax nasal spray.

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PureRawz

PureRawz is another top provider of Semax nasal spray, offering benefits like:

• Research-Grade Purity: PureRawz stocks peptides that are laboratory tested both in-house and through a third-party, allowing the company to fullfill its commitment to product quality.
• Fast Shipping: U.S.-based researchers can expect to receive their peptides fairly quickly with PureRawz’s express shipping options. Orders exceeding $100 will even be eligible for free shipping.
• Stellar Service: The company values its researchers and provides fast support via phone, live chat, and email. PureRawz strives to respond to all queries within one business day.

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Semax Nasal Spray vs. Subcutaneous Semax

When choosing between Semax nasal spray or injections for research purposes, researchers must consider various factors. These include research objectives, subject compliance, and affordability. While both administration methods have been utilized successfully, understanding the pros and cons of each is crucial.

While subcutaneous may offer more precise dosing and less variability absorption, Semax nasal spray is easy to administer and well-tolerated by most subjects. In contrast, injections may be painful to test subjects and lead to reduced compliance due to reactions at the injection site. Subcutaneous semax  carry risks of pain, skin irritation, bleeding, and infections.

More research is needed to compare the safety of subcutaneous and intranasal use, but so far, intranasal Semax has shown excellent tolerability in clinical data, while subcutaneous Semax has mainly been tested in animals [21, 24].

Cost and accessibility are also important considerations. For example, Semax nasal spray (30mg/10ml bottle) from Limitless Life Nootropics costs $76.99, delivering 300mcg per pump. A bottle thus lasts 33 days at three pumps/day or 25 days at four pumps/day.

On the other hand, subcutaneous Semax (30mg vial) may be sourced from another vendor of high-quality peptides found here.

Both forms are affordable from trusted online vendors, but considering lower doses and reliable bioavailability, subcutaneous may be advantageous. On the other hand, compliance and safety considerations give Semax nasal spray the nod. Researchers should weigh all relevant factors carefully when deciding which option to choose.

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Semax Nasal Spray | Verdict

Semax is a potent nootropic and neuroprotective peptide when administered intranasally.

Clinical trials have shown that the peptide may provide benefits for cognition in healthy subjects while also playing an important role in neurological conditions such as stroke, chronic ischemia, and alcohol use disorder.

The peptide is available in convenient nasal spray form, having been shown to deliver these effects in a range of studies.

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