[Effects of chronic Semax administration on exploratory activity and emotional reaction in white rats].
Vilenskiĭ. D A DA; Levitskaia. N G NG; Andreeva. L A LA; Alfeeva. L Iu LIu; Kamenskiĭ. A A AA; Miasoedov. N F NF
Key Findings
- Daily intranasal Semax (0.05 mg/kg) for 10‑14 days produced anxiolytic effects in rats
- The same regimen showed antidepressant‑like effects
- Exploratory activity in a non‑stress setting was unchanged, suggesting specific mood effects rather than general stimulation
Practical Outcomes
- For biohackers, the data hint that a few weeks of low‑dose intranasal Semax might help mood and anxiety, but the evidence is limited to rats. Human dosing, safety, and effectiveness are not established, so any trial should start with very low doses, be time‑limited, and be closely monitored.
Summary
In a rat study, giving a tiny daily dose of the peptide Semax through the nose for about two weeks lowered signs of anxiety and depression without changing normal activity, likely by boosting brain serotonin and a growth factor called BDNF.
Abstract
Effects of chronic intranasal administration of ACTH(4-10) analog Semax (MEHFPGP) on exploratory activity, anxiety level, and depression-like behaviour were studied in white rats. The peptide was injected daily in dose 0.05 mg/kg during 10 or 14 days. It was shown that chronic Semax administration at 1-2 weeks induced anxiolytic and antidepressant effects but did not influenced the exploratory activity in non-stressogenic environment. The Semax effects may be the results of activation of the brain serotoninergic system as well as increased BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus.
Study Information
pubmed
2007