Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Semax | Sermorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 200-600 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.1% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril). | Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered once daily at bedtime via subcutaneous injection. |
| Timing | Morning and early afternoon dosing (avoid evening — may cause stimulation/insomnia). Intranasal preferred for rapid CNS delivery. | Bedtime administration (aligns with natural nocturnal GH release). On empty stomach. |
| Cycle Duration | 10-14 day cycles with equal rest periods. Some protocols use 3-5 day on / 2 day off patterns. | 12-24 week cycles. Some protocols use continuous treatment. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | strong_human |
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.
Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino acid peptide representing the biologically active fragment of GHRH (amino acids 1-29) with full functional activity. It activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating cAMP production via Gs protein/adenylate cyclase and MAP kinase pathways. Due to the interactive effects of sermorelin and endogenous somatostatin, GH release is episodic rather than continuous. Sermorelin also stimulates pituitary gene transcription of GH mRNA, increasing and preserving pituitary GH reserve.
Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered once daily at bedtime via subcutaneous injection.
Bedtime administration (aligns with natural nocturnal GH release). On empty stomach.
12-24 week cycles. Some protocols use continuous treatment.
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