NL-SEMAX™

In animal studies, Semax improved performance on learning and attention tasks. Human studies are few and come mainly from Russia.⁴

1. Easier to get into focus

   Preliminary observations in healthy volunteers suggest that concentration may come more quickly during tasks that demand attention.⁴

2. Not a stimulant

   It doesn’t give you a sudden energy spike followed by a crash a few hours later, the way coffee or energy drinks do.

3. 2 capsules in the morning

   You take them before work or study. Enclosed in the capsule, the peptide has no taste or smell.

Five mechanisms scientists are studying in relation to memory, learning and the stress response.

1. 1BDNF and new neural connections

   You support the processes behind forming and strengthening connections between neurons.

   BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a protein that helps neurons form and strengthen synapses, the connections between them. In animal studies, Semax increased BDNF levels in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory.¹

2. 2TrkB receptor, the receiver of the BDNF signal

   You support the other side of the same signal: the receptor that receives BDNF.

   BDNF only works once it binds to the TrkB receptor on the surface of a neuron. In the same rat studies, Semax also increased production of the TrkB receptor in the hippocampus.^1,2

3. 3Synaptic plasticity and memory

   You support the processes that help new information stay in your memory longer.

   The brain remembers by strengthening the connections it uses often. This process is called synaptic plasticity, and BDNF is one of its key regulators.^6,13

4. 4Dopamine and serotonin

   You support the neurotransmitter systems behind motivation, alertness and mood.

   Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters, the substances neurons use to pass signals to one another. In rodent studies, Semax stimulated both of these systems in the brain. Researchers see this as one possible explanation for its effect on attention.³

5. 5The hippocampus in times of stress

   You support the part of the brain that is quickest to feel long-term stress and lack of sleep.

   Long-term stress lowers BDNF levels and impairs the function of the hippocampus. That’s why scientists are studying BDNF-raising peptides in relation to protecting memory during periods of heavy strain.⁵

Scientists are also studying Semax in relation to nervous system regeneration and optic nerve function. We describe research directions. A food supplement is not intended to treat or prevent disease.

• Work and decisions

  The prefrontal cortex, the front part of the brain, is responsible for planning and controlling attention. It works less well when you’re tired or overloaded with information.⁷

• Mood and stress

  The brain assesses what counts as a threat and triggers the stress response. When stress lasts a long time, it changes how the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex work.⁸

• Sleep

  Just one sleepless night impairs attention, learning ability and working memory, your ability to hold information in mind for a short time.⁹

• Creativity

  The default mode network (DMN) is a set of brain regions that are active when you are not focused on a task. Researchers link it to imagination and free-flowing thought.¹⁰

• Brain aging

  Scientists study hippocampal volume and BDNF levels in the context of healthy brain aging.¹¹

• Exercise and training

  Physical exercise raises BDNF levels. That’s one of the reasons exercise is good for memory.¹²

• Synaptic plasticity

  Neurons strengthen the connections they use often. BDNF is one of the key regulators of this process.⁶

• Neurotransmitters

  Dopamine and serotonin regulate motivation, attention and mood. In animal studies, Semax affected both of these systems.³