N-Acetyl Semax

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate Overview

Semax, originally developed in Russia, has shown promising benefits in various conditions such as stroke, cognitive impairment, dementia, and optic nerve inflammation. It has also been investigated as a potential immune system enhancer and has demonstrated antidepressant and anxiolytic properties. Research indicates that Semax elevates the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin, and dopamine in the central nervous system. [1]

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate Structure

Image of Semax without the N-acetyl side chain

Authoritative source：PubChem

Here in the sequence, “Ac-” represents the Acetyl group attached to the N-terminus of the peptide, and “-NH2” represents the Amidated group at the C-terminus. The amino acid sequence “MEHFPGP” corresponds to the core Semax peptide. Acetyl-Semax-Amidate is a modified version of Semax, a synthetic peptide with nootropic and neuroprotective properties, and these modifications may enhance its stability, bioavailability, and efficacy.

What Is Semax?

Semax is a synthetic analogue of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) comprising the amino acids 4-10 of the ACTH sequence.

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate Research

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate Affects Resting Brain Structure

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have revealed that Semax enhances the function of the default mode network (DMN). [2]The DMN consists of brain regions that exhibit higher activity during rest compared to active task performance. Despite being poorly understood, recent research suggests that the DMN may play a role in social cognition and environmental monitoring. It functions as a general-purpose system for monitoring our surroundings when we are not engaged in specific tasks, making it crucial for attention. The DMN is responsible for transitioning from a “rest” state to a focused state, particularly during events involving social interaction. Interestingly, the DMN is often impaired in cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, further supporting its involvement in general social awareness.

By enhancing the activity of the default mode network (DMN), N-acetyl Semax amidate increases our overall level of arousal during rest. This heightened state of arousal improves our attentiveness to the environment, especially the social aspects, resulting in increased focus and attention. In essence, N-acetyl Semax amidate appears to enhance the brain’s fundamental ability to monitor the environment, facilitating a smoother transition from a resting state to a state of focused attention.

It is worth noting that heightened activity in the default mode network (DMN) is typically associated with increased connectivity among different brain regions. This enhanced interconnectivity has been linked to improved problem-solving abilities, enhanced memory, and increased creativity. While there is currently no specific research demonstrating the direct effects of Semax on interconnectivity, it remains a plausible possibility that the peptide may enhance interconnectivity and thereby improve overall brain function.

Image showing the overlap of activation between the resting mode network and parts of the brain responsible social cognition.

Authoritative source：PubChem

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate in the Setting of Stroke

N-Acetyl Semax amidate is utilized in Russia for treating acute cerebral hypoxia, such as in the case of stroke or traumatic brain injury. Studies conducted on rats have revealed that N-Acetyl Semax amidate stimulates various molecular mechanisms involved in gene transcription within the central nervous system (CNS).[3] Specifically, it triggers changes in the expression of 24 different genes associated with blood vessel function in the brain and spinal cord. These genes regulate diverse aspects, including smooth muscle cell migration, red blood cell formation, and the generation of new blood vessels. This correlation may provide an explanation for the neuroprotective properties exhibited by N-Acetyl Semax amidate in stroke scenarios. It appears that the peptide promotes neuronal survival, stabilizes mitochondrial function and, consequently, enhances energy production, while also improving the brain’s nutrient supply.

Research conducted in Russia on stroke rehabilitation patients suggests that N-acetyl Semax amidate accelerates the rate of functional recovery and leads to a higher overall level of function upon completion of therapy. According to Gusev et al., “early rehabilitation and administration of Semax increase plasma levels of BDNF, enhance the speed of functional recovery, and improve motor performance.

BDNF, a naturally occurring brain peptide, plays a role in enhancing learning and memory. It is plausible that N-acetyl Semax amidate, through its stimulation of BDNF, enhances neuroplasticity in the brain, allowing undamaged regions to assume the functions previously handled by damaged areas. Additionally, Semax activates the default mode network, as discussed earlier, which is essential for resting attention and social functioning.

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate and Gene Expression in the Brain

The alterations in gene expression observed in the brain following administration of N-acetyl Semax amidate are not limited to stroke-related conditions. Research conducted on healthy rats has shown that a single intranasal dose of Semax can affect the expression of various genes in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex. This is significant because the hippocampus is crucial for memory and learning, while the frontal cortex plays a key role in attention, planning, and information organization. Within 20 minutes of Semax administration, changes in gene expression are observed in both brain regions, particularly affecting nerve growth factor (NGF) and BDNF. As discussed in the following section, the impact of Semax on genes in brain regions associated with attention, learning, and executive function has led researchers to speculate that this peptide could provide insights into how we learn and process information. There is even hope that Semax may contribute to enhancing cognition and facilitating long-lasting learning for individuals. [7]

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate and Cognitive Performance

There is evidence to suggest that N-acetyl Semax amidate is a promising method for enhancing learning and memory, especially in individuals with neurological impairments affecting these functions. Studies conducted in Canada, the United States, and China have shown that ACTH, the natural protein upon which N-acetyl Semax amidate is derived, safeguards learning and memory abilities in mouse models of epilepsy. This protein has been traditionally utilized as a primary treatment for epileptic disorders to prevent developmental stagnation or decline.[2]

Dr. Scantlebury suggests that Semax, as a derivative of ACTH, is an extremely potent compound that may provide advantages not present in the natural peptide. While further research is required, he highlights that even at low doses, ACTH can potentially prevent learning and memory impairments associated with seizures. This implies that both ACTH and Semax might possess nootropic properties, capable of mitigating cognitive deficits caused by diseases and potentially enhancing cognitive performance when administered regularly and in low doses.

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate and Depression

Research conducted on mice has demonstrated that elevating levels of BDNF can help regulate brain function in cases of depression. Current antidepressant medications, such as SSRIs, typically exert their effects indirectly by influencing serotonin signaling in the brain. However, it often takes several weeks of treatment before any noticeable effect is observed. This delay has puzzled researchers in the field of brain chemistry for years, as the effects should theoretically be more immediate.

Recent insights gained from studying N-acetyl Semax and other BDNF-stimulating proteins suggest that the delayed efficacy of SSRIs may be attributed to their ability to increase BDNF levels, which in turn promotes neurogenesis in the depressed brain. If this hypothesis proves true, it would introduce a completely new understanding of depression and its treatment. Deltheil et al. propose that combining BDNF stimulators, such as N-acetyl Semax amidate, with SSRI treatment could greatly enhance effectiveness and facilitate the management of depression. However, extensive research is still needed to replicate and expand upon these findings.[4]

N-Acetyl Semax amidate demonstrates minimal side effects, low oral bioavailability, and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. However, it is important to note that the dosage per kilogram in mice does not directly translate to humans. N-Acetyl Semax available for purchase at Peptide Sciences is exclusively intended for educational and scientific research purposes, and it is not meant for human consumption. Therefore, only licensed researchers should consider buying N-Acetyl Semax amidate.[5][6]