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Peptide Library / Cognition

Cognition Stack

Semax + Selank Blend

Semax + Selank Cognition Stack Research Protocol

Complete Research Guide 5 min read5 peer-reviewed references

Quickstart Overview

A nootropic research blend of two Russian-developed heptapeptides: Semax (an ACTH 4-10 analogue studied for BDNF up-regulation and neuroprotection) and Selank (a tuftsin analogue studied for anxiolytic and GABA-modulating activity). Both are approved pharmaceuticals in Russia and administered intranasally in clinical practice.

Primary Route
Intranasal (clinical standard) — subcutaneous also reported
Semax Literature Range
200–600 mcg per dose (0.1% solution: 2–3 drops per nostril)
Selank Literature Range
250–750 mcg per dose
Frequency
1–3× daily
Cycle Length
2–4 weeks on, 1–2 weeks off
Onset
Rapid (15–30 min intranasal); effects reported to persist 24 h+

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
Blend
Molecular Weight
—
Sequence
N/A
Sequence Length
2
CAS
DEMO-CAS
Peptide Family
Blend
Half-life
Refer to published literature
Solubility
Bacteriostatic water, sterile saline
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, ≤4 weeks.
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Standard: 10 mg vial · 2 mL diluent

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Interactive Reconstitution
Adjust vial size, diluent and target dose. Results update live.
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Concentration
5.00 mg/mL
Draw Volume
0.080 mL
Syringe Units
8.0 U
Doses / Vial
25

Units assume a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). For intranasal use, reconstitute with sterile saline rather than bacteriostatic water and transfer to a metered nasal sprayer.

Frequency: 1–3× daily

Reconstitution Steps

  1. 1Bring vial to room temperature; swab stoppers.
  2. 2Add sterile saline (intranasal) or bacteriostatic water (SC) slowly.
  3. 3Swirl gently until clear.
  4. 4Transfer to a sterile nasal spray bottle if applicable; refrigerate.

Supplies Needed

Planning example for a 4-week cycle at 400 mcg total blend twice daily.

Blend Vials (10 mg)
4 weeks ≈ 22 mg ≈ 2–3 vials
Sterile Saline / Bac Water
One 10–30 mL vial
Metered Nasal Sprayer
1 (typically 0.1 mL per spray)
Insulin Syringes
For measuring/transfer

Protocol Overview

Goal
Model combined cognitive-enhancement (Semax) and anxiolytic (Selank) neuropeptide effects.
Schedule
Daily, 2–4 weeks per cycle.
Dose Range
400–1500 mcg total blend per day.

Dosing Protocol

Start
200 mcg total once daily, morning
Increase
To 400 mcg, 1–3× daily
Frequency
Morning and early afternoon; avoid late evening (Semax is mildly stimulating)
Cycle Length
2–4 weeks on, 1–2 weeks off
Timing
Intranasal onset 15–30 min; dose before cognitively demanding tasks in study designs

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized
−20 °C long term
Reconstituted
2–8 °C, use within 3–4 weeks
Nasal spray
Refrigerate between uses; discard after 30 days

Important Notes

  • Both compounds have decades of clinical use in Russia but minimal Western RCT data.
  • Semax may transiently increase blood pressure and heart rate; Selank is generally sedating-neutral.
  • Tolerance is reported with continuous use — cycling is standard.
  • Intranasal delivery bypasses first-pass metabolism and accesses the CNS directly via olfactory pathways.

How This Works

Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) increases BDNF and NGF expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission, and inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes. Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) modulates GABA-A receptor expression, increases BDNF, normalises IL-6 and T-helper cytokine balance, and inhibits enkephalinase — producing anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines in animal models without sedation or dependence. Together they target attention, memory consolidation and stress resilience.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Reported in research
  • Enhanced attention, memory and learning in rodent and clinical cohorts (Semax)
  • Anxiolytic effect without sedation or withdrawal (Selank)
  • BDNF and NGF up-regulation
  • Neuroprotection in ischaemic stroke models (Semax is approved for this in Russia)
  • Immunomodulation and stress-hormone normalisation (Selank)
  • Rapid intranasal onset
Possible considerations
  • Nasal irritation or dryness
  • Mild headache, restlessness or elevated blood pressure (Semax)
  • Fatigue or 'flatness' in some reports (Selank at high doses)
  • Tolerance with uninterrupted use

Lifestyle Factors

  • Caffeine may amplify Semax's stimulatory effect — dose-separate in protocols
  • Sleep quality strongly affects cognitive-endpoint research
  • Cognitive training tasks are typically paired with administration windows

Injection Technique

  1. 1Intranasal: tilt head slightly forward, spray into one nostril while occluding the other, sniff gently.
  2. 2Alternate nostrils; do not blow nose for 10 minutes.
  3. 3Subcutaneous: abdominal, 45–90°, if the study design uses injection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party HPLC testing

CG Labz Verified Batches

No published batches yet.

Research Disclaimer

All compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research. Dosing figures below summarize ranges reported in published preclinical and clinical literature for reference purposes only. CG Labz does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing recommendations.

Peer-reviewed literature

References

  1. [1] Journal of Neuroscience Research
    Dolotov O.V. et al. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus.
    View Source
  2. [2] Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology
    Kozlovskaya M.M. et al. Selank and short peptides of the tuftsin family in the regulation of adaptive behavior in stress.
    View Source
  3. [3] Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
    Zozulia A.A. et al. Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia.
    View Source
  4. [4] Frontiers in Pharmacology
    Volkova A. et al. Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission.
    View Source
  5. [5] Molecular Biology
    Medvedeva E.V. et al. The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the immune and vascular systems in rat brain focal ischemia.
    View Source