Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Ipamorelin | Semax | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection. | Research indicates 200-600 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.1% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril). |
| Timing | Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach. | Morning and early afternoon dosing (avoid evening — may cause stimulation/insomnia). Intranasal preferred for rapid CNS delivery. |
| Cycle Duration | 12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks. | 10-14 day cycles with equal rest periods. Some protocols use 3-5 day on / 2 day off patterns. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor) agonist. Unlike other GHRPs, it selectively stimulates GH release without significantly affecting ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone — even at doses 200-fold above the ED50 for GH release. This selectivity profile is comparable to GHRH itself but operates through the distinct ghrelin receptor on pituitary somatotrophs.
Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach.
12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.
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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