The Peptide Reference
The Peptide Reference
References
Reference/Modified ACTH analog

NA Semax Amidate

Enhanced Nootropic Peptide · Cognitive Enhancement & Neuroprotection

Animal in vivo
research use only

Enhanced and stabilized version of Russian nootropic Semax with superior stability, extended half-life, and enhanced bioavailability through acetylation and amidation modifications.

Direct brain access via olfactory nervesRapid onset (15-30 minutes)Proven cognitive efficacyExtended half-life vs standard Semax
01

Overview

Enhanced and stabilized version of Russian nootropic Semax with superior stability, extended half-life, and enhanced bioavailability through acetylation and amidation modifications.

Bypasses blood-brain barrier via olfactory nerves with direct brain access; enhances BDNF upregulation and hippocampal plasticity.

Evidence profilederived from 5 references
C
Animal in vivo
Strongest design among the references on this page. Grade and effect size are separate facts and are never merged into one score.
02

Research indications

What the compound has been studied for, grouped by body system. Effect size is the reported magnitude where it was measured — not a recommendation.

Cognitive3
Enhanced Focus and Attention

Rapid improvement in sustained attention, working memory, and mental clarity within 15-30 minutes.

Large
Memory Formation

Enhances both short-term and long-term memory consolidation through BDNF upregulation.

Large
Mental Fatigue Resistance

Significant improvement in cognitive performance during mental fatigue, with lasting effects.

Large
Neuroprotection3
Stroke Recovery Support

Accelerates functional recovery through enhanced neuroplasticity and BDNF elevation.

Moderate
Oxidative Stress Protection

Protects against neural oxidative damage and supports cellular repair mechanisms.

Moderate
Neurotrophic Factor Enhancement

Rapidly increases BDNF and TrkB receptor expression, supporting neuronal survival.

Moderate
Memory2
Episodic Memory Enhancement

Improves episodic memory formation and recall through default mode network optimization.

Moderate
Learning Acceleration

Enhances acquisition of new information through improved synaptic plasticity.

Small
i

A large effect in a weak study and a small effect in a strong one are different things. Effect size is never evidence of use in people.

Quick factsreference only
Class
Modified ACTH analog
Chain length
7 residues
Molecular weight
1007.16 Da
Half-life
~6 h
Typical dose
600-1200mcg per administration
Frequency
1-2x daily for 10-30 days
Cycle length
10-30 days
Storage
Refrigerate at 2-8°C
03

Molecular data

Type
Modified ACTH analog
Molecular weight
1007.16 Da
Chain length
7 residues
Half-life
360 min
04

Dosing reference

Doses reported in the literature and by suppliers. These are a record of what has been used in research — reference, never instruction.

ContextRouteAmountFrequency
Cognitive enhancementIntranasal spray600mcg1x daily
Mental fatigue resistanceIntranasal spray800mcg1x daily
Memory enhancementIntranasal spray600mcg2x daily
NeuroprotectionIntranasal spray1200mcg1x daily
Research protocolSubQ200mcg1x daily
Neuroprotection studySubQ400mcg1x daily
05

Interactions

NA Selank Amidate

Excellent combination providing comprehensive cognitive support with nootropic and anxiolytic benefits.

synergistic
BPC-157

Different mechanisms with complementary neuroprotective benefits.

compatible
Lion's Mane

Both enhance BDNF and neuroplasticity; may provide additive cognitive benefits.

compatible
Modafinil

Both affect focus; combination may cause overstimulation in some individuals.

monitor
Blood Pressure Medications

Monitor blood pressure as Semax may affect vascular function.

monitor
MAO Inhibitors

Semax affects neurotransmitter systems; combination may cause unpredictable effects.

avoid
06

Quality checklist

  • White, fluffy powder that reconstitutes clearly
  • Clear solution with no particles or cloudiness
  • Third-party purity testing certificates showing >98% purity
  • !Ensure proper cold chain maintained during shipping
  • ×Discolored powder (yellow or brown indicates degradation)
  • ×Cloudiness after reconstitution indicates contamination
07

What to expect

15-30 minutesInitial cognitive clarity and focus improvement
1-2 hoursPeak cognitive enhancement and mental alertness
2-6 hoursSustained attention and memory benefits
6-12 hoursGradual return to baseline with lasting effects
08

Safety

Commonly reported2
  • Mild nasal irritation (intranasal)
  • Slight headache initially
Stop and seek advice6
  • Persistent nasal irritation, burning, or bleeding
  • Severe headaches or dizziness after administration
  • Unusual mood changes, anxiety, or agitation
  • Sleep disturbances or insomnia
  • Any allergic reactions (swelling, rash, difficulty breathing)
  • Significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate
Contraindications3
  • Not recommended during pregnancy
  • Active nasal congestion or sinus infection
  • Individuals on neurotransmitter-affecting medications without consultation
09

FAQ

What's the difference between NA-Semax Amidate and regular Semax?

NA-Semax Amidate (N-acetylated, C-terminal amidated) has enhanced stability and an extended half-life of 2-10 hours compared to regular Semax's 0.5-2 hours. The acetylation improves blood-brain barrier penetration and the amidation increases bioavailability, resulting in more sustained cognitive benefits.

How quickly does intranasal NA-Semax Amidate start working?

Onset is rapid: cognitive clarity and focus improvement begin within 15-30 minutes after intranasal administration. Peak effects occur at 1-2 hours, and cognitive benefits are maintained for 2-6 hours. This rapid onset makes it useful for acute cognitive demands.

Is NA-Semax Amidate safe for people with high blood pressure?

Caution is advised. The pharmacology flags indicate NA-Semax Amidate raises blood pressure. If you have hypertension, consult your healthcare provider before use. Monitor blood pressure if combining with blood pressure medications, as additive effects are possible.

Can I stack NA-Semax Amidate with other nootropics?

Yes, but carefully. It combines synergistically with NA-Selank Amidate for comprehensive cognitive and anxiolytic support. It's compatible with BPC-157 and Lion's Mane. However, avoid combining with MAO inhibitors, and monitor if combining with modafinil due to potential overstimulation.

10

References

  1. 1
    A Nootropic Adrenocorticotropin Analog 4-10 Semax: 15 Years Experience in Its Design and Study (Parent Compound)
    Ashmarin IP, Nezavibatko VN, Levitskaya NG, et al. · Zhurnal Vysshei Nervnoi Deiatelnosti imeni I.P. Pavlova · 1997

    Foundational Semax review: intranasal doses stimulate operative memory and attention for 20-24 hours. Adamax builds on the Semax core sequence with adamantane modification for enhanced stability and BBB penetration.

  2. 2
    Semax, an Analog of ACTH(4-10), Regulates BDNF and trkB Expression in the Rat Hippocampus (Parent Compound)
    Dolotov OV, Karpenko EA, Inozemtseva LS, et al. · Brain Research · 2006

    Single application at 50 mcg/kg produced 1.4-fold increase in BDNF protein and 1.6-fold increase in trkB tyrosine phosphorylation in rat hippocampus, supporting Adamax's BDNF-TrkB mechanism.

  3. 3
    The Peptide Semax Affects the Expression of Genes Related to the Immune and Vascular Systems in Rat Brain Focal Ischemia (Parent Compound)
    Dergunova LV, Limborska SA, et al. · BMC Genomics · 2014

    Genome-wide analysis: Semax modulated 24 vascular genes at 3h and enhanced immune-response gene expression at 24h post-ischemia, demonstrating multi-pathway neuroprotection.

  4. 4
    Effects of Semax on the Default Mode Network of the Brain (Parent Compound)
    Dolgorukova AM, Klyushnik TP, Gusev EI, et al. · Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine · 2018

    24 healthy volunteers; resting-state fMRI showed increased default mode network volume in medial frontal cortex after intranasal 1% Semax vs placebo, enhancing episodic memory.

  5. 5
    The Efficacy of Semax in the Treatment of Patients at Different Stages of Ischemic Stroke (Parent Compound)
    Gusev EI, Barskov IV, et al. · Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova · 2018

    110 ischemic stroke patients; Semax (6000 mcg/day intranasal) increased BDNF plasma levels and accelerated functional recovery, providing the clinical basis for Adamax neuroprotective applications.

For research use only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, and no number here is a recommendation to dose.