Semax and Selank are nose-spray, short peptides. which were created within the peptide-drug project of Russia’s Institute of Molecular Genetics (RAS). They are, as of now, officially registered there-Semax-a nootropic drug and Selank-an anxiolytic, and both have been utilized for years in clinics and research centers. On the field of battle, however, they have different uses.
In short: Semax makes us feel sharp and helps us concentrate, while Selank keeps us stable and calm.
Why the division? Semax is an ACTH (4-10) analogue which increases neurotrophins (reminding us of BDNF) and boosts dopamine/serotonin activity. It has been discovered in cognition recovery research and stroke treatment. Selank, constructed from tufts, an immune system peptide, has a tendency towards GABA-mediated sedation, it affects serotonin-gene related effects-without sleep- inducing, benzo-hazed anxiolysis.
What is Semax?
Semax is a seven-amino-peptide made synthetically. It is based on a short fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), but with its sequence modified so that it functions differently.
Scientists attribute Semax to neuroprotection-i.e., to protecting nerve cells from harm. It’s also been reported to influence learning and memory in animal experiments and human research. In addition to cognition, Semax will also increase tolerance to hypoxic conditions, enhance cerebral blood flow, and production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), a protein for the survival of neurons and growth of neurons. It even influences the VEGF gene family and their receptors, a direction in keeping with an insurance function of brain tissue following ischemic stroke.
Semax is mostly used as a nasal spray. Intranasal administration allows it to circumvent digestion and reach circulation with speed, which is what most subjects want.
What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic derivative of tuftsin, an immunological peptide fragment that occurs naturally. Reduces anxiety without significant sedation, and advanced clinical trials have investigated it as a selective anxiolytic-implying the use in anxiety disorders.
How it seems to work: Selank regulates brain signaling instead of knocking you out. Research demonstrates that it’s capable of modulating neurotransmission by density-shifting NMDA-type receptor sites without acting directly on the GABA receptors themselves. It also alters the expression of genes of main messenger systems-GABA subunits, transporters, ion channels, and dopamine and serotonin receptors-explaining its calm-yet-clear “feel.”
Selank also appears to influence the immune system. Researchers observe the change in expression of chemokine, cytokine, and cytokine receptor in lymphoid tissue following administration, which indicates an immunomodulatory action that could affect inflammatory responses. There is also initial evidence of antiviral activity, with activity against an H3N2 influenza virus strain being reported. At the cognitive level, animal studies associate Selank with increased sensory attention, improved learning, and more typical exploratory behavior-comparable to reports from users who have stable concentration as well as decreased anxious tension.
Semax and Selank: Mechanism of Action
A consideration in whether either peptide is worth investigating for a particular use, per se, is how each seems to function within the nervous system.
Semax
Existing evidence indicates Semax can increase central nervous system levels of important neurotrophic factors by modulating their expression. Specifically, it’s associated with enhanced production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Accounts indicate that BDNF has been shown to be increased significantly following Semax, with significant upregulation of the trkB receptor-the main BDNF receptor found on certain neurons-which can account for subsequent impacts upon plasticity and repair.
Semax also appears to interact with the brain’s monoamine systems, with reports of modulating serotonin and dopamine, a process which is most commonly the focus of investigations when it comes to mood. Other hypotheses have been posed that Semax influences enkephalin pathways; activation of these endogenous opioid peptides may decrease stress responses and provide a more stable state of mood.
Selank
Selank, on the other hand, is more commonly linked to a transition towards anxiolysis through more diffuse neurotransmitter modulation. In animal models it has been shown to boost BDNF expression in the hippocampus, an area responsible for memory, learning and mood control. Its larger footprint, though, is opioid, serotonergic, and particularly GABAergic signaling locations that are linked to decreases in anxiety and stress responsiveness. There are also initial suggestions that catecholamine systems may be involved, with potential interaction on norepinephrine and dopamine, but it will take further investigation to ascertain the exact mechanisms.
Potential Applications of Semax
Cognitive Enhancement
Semax is best characterized in its effect on cognition and memory since it appears to raise levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF maintains the brain’s neuroplasticity, so raising it might potentially form and entrench neural circuits. In daily life, the consumers get more stable attention, better memory, and quicker mental processing due to which Semax is usually consumed by professionals, creative professionals, and students who need to be alert all the time.
Mood Regulation
Another feature we should pay attention to is mood. Semax is seen to influence the predominant neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine that regulate emotional tone and drive. By gently combining these systems into harmony, Semax can soothe anger or dejected moods and produce a more harmonious, cheerful mood. For others wanting to lessen spikes in mood without additional sedation, that’s part of its charm.
Neuroprotection
Semax is also a potential brain tissue protector. It is hypothesized to be an antioxidant inhibitor that damages neurons and causes degeneration. Preventing that damage, Semax can arguably prolong cellular function. That has created interest in progressive-degenerative disease, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s though further important human trials will ultimately be needed to prove clinical benefits.
Improved Learning
Because it can induce plasticity and process information, others use Semax in a way to accomplish effective learning. Improved retention, quick fix of problems, and easier managing of challenging information are the most reported benefits.
Adaptogenic Properties
Semax is also referred to as “adaptogenic” because it makes body and brain more resilient so that they can endure stress. By regulating stress response, it is able to maintain its physiological baseline better, and thus maintain concentration, energy, and mood during stress. The concept is not to eliminate stress altogether, but to make one resilient, in that way recovery occurs faster, and performance is smoother.
Recovery from Brain Injury
There is early evidence to suggest that Semax may facilitate recovery from traumatic brain injury through neuroprotection of vulnerable neurons and stimulation of repair. TBIs are often followed by attention, memory, and executive dysfunction; Semax’s pro-plasticity and neuroprotection should ideally increase rehabilitation and improve function. It is an area of active research, and any clinical use as a treatment following injury is subject to being in the hands of experienced clinicians and incorporated into standard treatment regimens.
Potential Application of Selank
Selank is typically researched for its ability to minimize stress, while not making you feel sedated. That softer baseline is linked to small tweaks in powerful brain chemicals-i.e., serotonin-that can make you feel less anxious and more in control as things begin to get out of hand.
That same serotonin-biased effect is why Selank is being discussed as a mood enhancer. It’s not an antidepressant substitute, but it can calm you down. It is basically a sedation without sedation. When the mood roller coaster isn’t all over the place and bad mood doesn’t affect your daily routines, it’s better to stick to habits that keep you grounded, such as hanging out with friends or reading a good book.
And there is the psychological component. Selank has long been debated as it pertains to neuroplasticity-brain’s capacity to adjust, based on its association with learning and memory processes. In practical use, users indicate they have better attention, more consistent focus, and remember better during stressful phases of learning or pressure-driven projects. It’s not a stimulant, but rather by way of covering up hidden stress, it might be able to make attention more available where you require it.
Immunity is our second concern. Early work suggests that Selank can nudge cytokine signaling-chemical communication that goes into coordinating immune responses-toward balance. A less hyperactive response can be a good thing if you don’t want to trigger overresponse but still get a responsive defense, particularly during flu season or after months of stress that drain you.
Because it has the potential to minimize hyperarousal, Selank is also researched as an add-on to existing treatment for traumatic symptomology. The aim is straightforward: if you can eliminate the constant “on edge” feeling and become immune to stress, it is easier to get through therapy, sleep more regularly, and get past triggers with lower highs. None of these are substitutes for ongoing treatment, but it might improve recovery conditions.
Finally, the neuroprotection profile of Selank has been fascinating in inflammatory illnesses and in chronic neural degeneration conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or multiple sclerosis. More intense, stricter scrutiny is needed, but this combination of sedating, mood altering, stabilizing cognitive, and perhaps immune-altering effects is why Selank remains of interest to clinicians, as does to researchers.
Selank vs. Semax Dosage Experiential Comments
Semax is usually run for brief courses of directed cognitive or neurologic supplementation, whereas Selank is used primarily for anxiety and stress and can be cycled repeatedly and indefinitely.
For Semax, the optimal 0.1% solution is usually taken in the form of one to two drops in each nostril, twice a day, and the treatment course typically is ten to sixteen days. For recovery conditions of post-stroke and other neurological events, higher doses, e.g., Russia’s solution 1% may be applied. Two or three drops are applied into each nostril three times a day for ten days. Semax is not used in combination with vasoconstrictive nasal sprays, Diabetics should also consider blood sugar levels as slight rises have been noted in certain instances.
Selank in 0.15% solution is generally used to reduce anxiety and increase stress resistance. The treatment regimen is two to three drops in each nostril, three times daily, for ten to fourteen days. Once the cycle is finished, test subjects are typically supposed to break for one to three weeks before continuing, depending on their personal goals. When administering the drops, they must be sprayed into the nasal mucosa and not tilted back into the throat to prevent taste or odor.
Overall, Semax is optimally administered for personal cognitive or neurological enhancement in the short term, while Selank is optimally administered for sustained emotional stability and stress reduction through repeated series of brief cycles with recovery intervals between them.
Safety, risk, and regulation: Semax
In the USA, Semax is not FDA-approved as a medication and is usually available in the US only as a research chemical. That is, it is not tested or approved as prescription medications have been.
If you consider it, get medical advice in advance. Buy only from controlled sources that are known for purity and quality and are familiar with local law.
Safety, risk, and control: Selank
Selank also possesses a benign safety profile with few reported side effects. Headache or allergic hypersensitivity is present in some cases. As with any active drug, test subjects should be cautious.
Selank is not approved by the FDA, and laws differ country by country. It’s typically marketed as a research chemical or dietary supplement but not medicine.
If you do use it, thoroughly investigate your supplier, stay within guidelines for dosing, and go see a health care professional.
If you’re curious about the difference between peptides and amino acids, we’ve explained it in detail in our blog post. It highlights how their structure and function set them apart.
