Semax
Chemical compound
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Semax (Russian: СЕМАКС), an abbreviation of "seven amino acids", Russian: СЕМь АминоКиСлот) is a medication which is used in Eastern Europe for the treatment of a broad range of conditions like brain trauma but predominantly for its claimed nootropic, neuroprotective, and neurorestorative effects.[1]
- US: Not FDA approved; unscheduled
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| Trade names | Semax |
| Other names | L-Methionyl-L-α-glutamylhistidyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-prolylglycyl-L-proline, (Pro8,Gly9,Pro10)ACTH-(4-10), H-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro-OH, MEHFPGP, H-MEHFPGP-OH |
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| Formula | C37H51N9O10S |
| Molar mass | 813.93 g·mol−1 |
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The mechanism of action of Semax is unknown.[2][3] It might interact with certain melanocortin receptors or inhibit enkephalinase enzymes.[2][3] Chemically, Semax is a peptide and a synthetic analogue of a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).[4][5]
Semax was first described in scientific literature in 1991.[5] Although used as a prescription drug in Russia, Semax has not been evaluated, approved for use, or marketed in most other countries.[6][7] The drug is widely sold by online vendors and used as a purported nootropic (cognitive enhancer).[1][8]
Medical uses
Semax [9] has undergone extensive study in Russia and is on the Russian List of Vital & Essential Drugs approved by the Russian Federation government on 7 December 2011.[10] Medical uses for Semax include treatment of stroke, transient ischemic attack, memory and cognitive disorders, peptic ulcers, optic nerve disease, and to boost the immune system.[11][12][13][14]
Pharmacology
Semax is a heptapeptide and synthetic analogue of a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), ACTH (4-10), of the following amino acid sequence: Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP in single-letter form).[4]
In animals, Semax rapidly elevates the levels and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its signaling receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the hippocampus,[15] and rapidly activates serotonergic and dopaminergic brain systems.[16][17] Accordingly, it has been found to produce antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects,[18][19] attenuate the behavioral effects of exposure to chronic stress,[18][19] and potentiate the locomotor activity produced by D-amphetamine.[17][20] As such, it has been suggested that Semax may be effective in the treatment of depression.[21]
Though the exact mechanism of action of Semax is unclear, there is evidence that it may act through melanocortin receptors. Specifically, there is a report of Semax competitively antagonizing the action of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) at the MC4 and MC5 receptors in both in vitro and in vivo experimental conditions, indicating that it may act as an antagonist or partial agonist of these receptors. (&alpha-MSH acts as a full agonist of all five melanocortin receptors).[2] Semax did not antagonize α-MSH at the MC3 receptor, though this receptor could still be a target of the drug.[2] As for the MC1 and MC2 receptors, they were not assayed.[2]
In addition to actions at receptors, Semax, as well as a related peptide drug, Selank, have been found to inhibit enzymes involved in the degradation of enkephalins and other endogenous regulatory peptides (IC50 = 10 μM), though the clinical significance of this property is uncertain.[3]
As a peptide, Semax has poor oral bioavailability and hence is administered parenterally as a nasal spray or subcutaneous injection.