Effects of Semax on the Default Mode Network of the Brain.
Lebedeva. I S IS; Panikratova. Ya R YR; Sokolov. O Yu OY; Kupriyanov. D A DA; Rumshiskaya. A D AD; Kost. N V NV; Myasoedov. N F NF
Key Findings
- Intranasal 1% Semax caused a measurable increase in the rostral default mode network volume within minutes
- Effect observed in healthy middle‑aged adults
- Study used resting‑state fMRI, no direct performance tests
Practical Outcomes
- Semax appears to act fast on brain networks, so a nasal spray could be tried shortly before tasks that need focus or creativity. However, the evidence is limited to brain imaging and a small sample, so expect modest or uncertain cognitive benefits.
Summary
A small study gave healthy adults a nasal spray of 1% Semax and used brain scans to see changes. Within 5‑20 minutes, the part of the brain’s default mode network in the front‑mid area got bigger compared to a placebo, showing Semax quickly alters brain activity.
Abstract
The effects of nootropic drug Semax on the neuronal network of the brain were studied by the resting state functional magnetic-resonance imaging (resting state fMRI). The study was carried out on two groups of healthy volunteers (11 men and 13 women aged 43.9±9.5 years). Resting state fMRI was carried out 3 times: directly before and 5 and 20 min after intranasal 1% Semax (14 subjects) or placebo (10 subjects). The topography of the resting state default mode network was studied. A greater volume of the default mode network rostral (medial frontal cortex) subcomponent was detected in the Semax group in comparison with controls. Resting state fMRI confirmed Semax effects on the neuronal network of the brain and demonstrated topography of these effects.
Study Information
pubmed
2018
2018-09-17T00:00:00.000Z
10.1007/s10517-018-4234-3
3
12