Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| 5-Amino-1MQ | Semax | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 50-150 mg daily via oral administration, typically divided into 1-2 doses. | Research indicates 200-600 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.1% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril). |
| Timing | Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food. | Morning and early afternoon dosing (avoid evening — may cause stimulation/insomnia). Intranasal preferred for rapid CNS delivery. |
| Cycle Duration | 8-12 week cycles. | 10-14 day cycles with equal rest periods. Some protocols use 3-5 day on / 2 day off patterns. |
| Evidence Level | animal_plus_anecdotal | moderate_human |
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to nicotinamide, generating 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA). By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ increases intracellular NAD+ levels, reduces 1-MNA production, suppresses lipogenesis in adipocytes, and modulates the methionine-homocysteine cycle. In vivo, it significantly reduces body weight, white adipose mass, and adipocyte size through enhanced energy expenditure and altered lipid metabolism.
Research indicates 50-150 mg daily via oral administration, typically divided into 1-2 doses.
Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food.
8-12 week cycles.
Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment that rapidly upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its signaling receptor TrkB in the hippocampus (1.4-fold BDNF protein increase, 3-fold exon III BDNF mRNA increase). It activates dopaminergic and serotonergic brain systems, enhances neurotrophin gene expression (BDNF, NGF), and modulates intracellular calcium dynamics in brain neurons. Semax lacks ACTH's corticotropic activity, acting purely as a nootropic/neuroprotective agent.
Research indicates 200-600 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.1% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).
Morning and early afternoon dosing (avoid evening — may cause stimulation/insomnia). Intranasal preferred for rapid CNS delivery.
10-14 day cycles with equal rest periods. Some protocols use 3-5 day on / 2 day off patterns.
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