A practical reference on ACTH analog: what it is, how it behaves, what the literature reports, and where the honest uncertainties sit.
Reviewed 2026-08-01. Anything still debated is marked as such rather than presented as settled.
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide developed in the Soviet Union during the 1980s by researchers at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow. It was designed as a truncated analog of adrenocorticotropic hormone, retaining only the fragment spanning residues four through ten. Investigators sought a peptide that would preserve the cognitive effects associated with ACTH while eliminating the hormonal stimulation of the adrenal cortex. The compound entered clinical use in Russia during the following decade.
Russian regulatory authorities approved the peptide for nasal administration, and it remains listed in the national pharmacopoeia under several trade names. Documented indications include acute ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attacks, traumatic brain injury, and certain ophthalmological and neurological conditions. Physicians also prescribe it for cognitive complaints in older patients, although the evidence base for that use is thinner. Outside Russia and a few neighboring states, the substance is not an approved medicine and is sold instead as a research chemical.
Later generations of the molecule include an N-acetylated form and an amidated form, both marketed online alongside the parent peptide. These variants differ in terminal chemistry and stability, and they are frequently discussed in the same breath even though they have not been compared in controlled trials. Supply outside formal healthcare systems comes largely from laboratories that synthesize peptides to order. Purity and identity of these materials vary widely, and no single body oversees the international trade.
Semax is a synthetic peptide created in the Soviet Union during the early 1980s by researchers working in Moscow. It was built from the short adrenocorticotropic hormone fragment known as ACTH(4-10), and the chain was then extended with three additional amino acids. The resulting molecule was named semax and entered clinical use in Russia in 1994. It is generally described as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent rather than as a hormone analogue.
The parent fragment ACTH(4-10) carries the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly. Semax replaces the arginine and tryptophan positions with a proline-glycine-proline tail, giving Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. That change removes residues associated with adrenal stimulation, so the peptide does not drive cortisol release the way full ACTH does. This distinction shapes how the compound is grouped in the literature, where it sits with neuropeptides and peptide neuromodulators rather than with corticosteroids.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular class | Synthetic heptapeptide | Analog of an ACTH fragment |
| Amino acid length | Seven residues | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Origin | Moscow, 1980s | Institute of Molecular Genetics |
| Approved regions | Russia and some neighboring states | Not cleared in Western markets |
| Common trade names | Multiple national brands | Sold as a nasal formulation |
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro. It corresponds to the ACTH(4-7) fragment extended at the C-terminus by a Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide, an addition intended to slow enzymatic breakdown. The molecular formula is C37H51N9O10S and the molecular mass is approximately 814 daltons. In the literature it is often described as an ACTH(4-10) analog, although that label reflects a naming convention as much as a precise structural relationship. The compound was developed in Russia and remains most closely associated with that research tradition.
Laboratory descriptions of the material are consistent across suppliers. It appears as a white to off-white lyophilized powder that dissolves readily in water and in polar organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide. Aqueous solutions are clear and colorless at low concentrations. Because the peptide contains methionine, oxidation at the sulfur atom is a recognized degradation pathway, and handling notes usually call for protected, desiccated storage. Reported purity for research-grade lots is generally above 95 percent as measured by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.
Therefore, before agreeing to any surgery, the plastic surgeon evaluates and considers the woman's mental health to determine if breast implants can positively affect her self-esteem and sexual functioning.
== Localization and export == MBP is exported into the periplasmic space of E. coli. The NH2-terminal extension of MBP, also termed signal peptide, has two roles: (i) it slows down folding of the newly synthesized polypeptide, and (ii) it directs this polypeptide to the membrane and SecYEG translocon. Once folded, the precursor can no longer enter the translocation pathway. The introduction of a charged amino-acid residue or a proline residue within the hydrophobic core of the signal peptide is sufficient to block export. The defective exports of the mutant MBPs are consistent with the alpha-helical conformation and hydrophobic interactions of the signal peptide in its interaction with the translocon motor protein SecA.
The new technique involved the use of ordinary kitchen implements, and for the first time the layperson was able to produce a potent entheogen in his own home, without access to sophisticated technology, equipment or chemical supplies." San Antonio's technique describes a method to grow the common edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus. Because of lack of clarity about laws concerning psilocybin mushrooms, specifically in the form of sclerotia (also known as "truffles"), in the late 1990s and early 2000s European retailers commercialized and marketed them in smartshops in the Netherlands, the UK, and online. Several websites emerged that contributed to the accessibility of information on the mushrooms' description, use, and effects, and users exchanged mushroom experiences. Since 2001, six EU countries have tightened their legislation on psilocybin mushrooms in response to concerns about their prevalence and increasing usage. In the 1990s, hallucinogens and their effects on human consciousness were again the subject of scientific study, particularly in Europe. Advances in neuropharmacology and neuropsychology and the availability of brain imaging techniques have provided impetus for using drugs like psilocybin to probe the "neural underpinnings of psychotic symptom formation including ego disorders and hallucinations". Recent studies in the U.S. have been reported in the popular press and brought psilocybin back into the limelight.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Hydrolysis and oxidation are the two primary degradation processes that occur in an oil during cooking. Oxidative stability is how resistant an oil is to reacting with oxygen, breaking down and potentially producing harmful compounds while exposed to continuous heat. Oxidative stability is the best predictor of how an oil behaves during cooking. The Rancimat method is one of the most common methods for testing oxidative stability in oils. This determination entails speeding up the oxidation process in the oil (under heat and forced air), which enables its stability to be evaluated by monitoring volatile substances associated with rancidity. It is measured as "induction time" and recorded as total hours before the oil breaks down. Canola oil requires 7.5 hours, for example, whereas extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and virgin coconut oil will last over a day at 110 °C (230 °F) of continuous heat. The differing stabilities correlate with lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are more prone to oxidation. EVOO is high in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, conferring stability. Some plant cultivars have been bred to produce "high-oleic" oils with more monounsaturated oleic acid and less polyunsaturated linoleic acid for enhanced stability. The oxidative stability does not directly correspond to the smoke point and thus the latter cannot be used as a reference for safe and healthy cooking.
== Selected publications == Viswanathan, V.; Mirshad, R. (2023), "Role of Technology for wound Care in Diabetic Foot", Chronic Wound Management, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 67–76, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-26110-7_4, ISBN 978-3-031-26109-1 Viswanathan, Vijay; Ahmed Khan, Balkhiwala; Nachimuthu, Sukanya; Kumpatla, Satyavani (2023). "Precision of Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) Tool for the Diagnosis of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Among People with Type 2 Diabetes—A Study from South India". The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds. doi:10.1177/15347346231163209. ISSN 1534-7346. "Current and future perspective in the management of diabetes". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help) "Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – The Epidemic Of The 21st Century: The Indian Scenario A Ramachandran, C Snehalatha*, Int. J. Diab. Dev. Countries (1999), Vol. 19". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help) High Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea among People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Care Center. J Assoc Physicians India. 2017 Nov;65(11):38-42. PMID 29322708. Need for education on footcare in diabetic patients in India. J Assoc Physicians India. 1999 Nov;47(11):1083-5. PMID 10862318. Diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes: the Indian experience. J Assoc Physicians India. 2001 Dec;49:1185-7. PMID 11996441. Prevalence of pathogens in diabetic foot infection in South Indian type 2 diabetic patients. J Assoc Physicians India. 2002 Aug;50:1013-6. PMID 12421021.
The Nelson brothers, butchers in County Meath, Ireland, started shipping extensive live beef shipments to Liverpool, England. They successfully expanded their beef business until their imports from Ireland were insufficient to supply their rapidly growing business and Nelson decided to investigate the possibility of importing meat from Argentina. The first refrigerated ship they bought was Spindrift which they renamed in 1890 SS Highland Scot. A vessel of 3,060 gross tons bought by James Nelson and Sons in 1889 and fitted with a somewhat primitive refrigerating plant operating on the cold air system became one of the pioneer vessels in the trade of refrigerated meat and other perishable commodities. They hauled beef carcasses from Argentina to Britain. Their regularly scheduled shipments and ships developed into the Nelson Line that was formed in 1880 for the meat trade from Argentina to UK. Refrigeration made it possible to import meat from the United States, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Most studies support a link between adult criminality and testosterone. Nearly all studies of juvenile delinquency and testosterone are not significant. Most studies have found testosterone to be associated with behaviors or personality traits linked with antisocial behavior and alcoholism. Many studies have been undertaken on the relationship between more general aggressive behavior, and feelings, and testosterone. About half of studies have found a relationship and about half, no relationship. Studies have found that testosterone facilitates aggression by modulating vasopressin receptors in the hypothalamus. There are two theories on the role of testosterone in aggression and competition. The first is the challenge hypothesis which states that testosterone would increase during puberty, thus facilitating reproductive and competitive behavior which would include aggression. It is therefore the challenge of competition among males that facilitates aggression and violence. Studies conducted have found direct correlation between testosterone and dominance, especially among the most violent criminals in prison who had the highest testosterone. The same research found fathers (outside competitive environments) had the lowest testosterone levels compared to other males. The second theory is similar and known as "evolutionary neuroandrogenic (ENA) theory of male aggression". Testosterone and other androgens have evolved to motivate men to pursue competition, even when doing so leads to risk.
The families of two missing people from Trinidad and Tobago identified them publicly and suspected they were killed in the 14 October strike; one family said their relative was a fisherman who traveled often to Venezuela and denied he was involved in trafficking drugs. MSNBC wrote that one had a drug-related charge from 2018, and the other had been released in 2021 after a prison sentence for a 2009 murder. In the Paria Peninsula of Sucre state in Venezuela, from which the first boat struck on 1 September allegedly originated, Venezuelan media reported the area was known for trafficking, although not necessarily by Tren de Aragua, and some family members stated that villagers had become involved in illicit activity out of economic necessity. Inhabitants describing a town in mourning published tributes containing photos of the deceased beginning early on 3 September. The deceased included eight persons from San Juan de Unare and three from a nearby town, Güiria. The New York Times reported that "Venezuelan security officials descended on San Juan de Unare, cut off the electricity and made clear that public pronouncements about the attacks were not welcome, according to four townspeople, including the niece of one of the victims." Associated Press journalist Regina Garcia Cano visited Sucre just after the first Venezuelan strike and interviewed dozens of people; she wrote of the "sources' very real fears of being punished—particularly by the Venezuelan government—for speaking to reporters".
A small peptide called PapR acts as the effector in the quorum-sensing pathway, and when reimported into the cell, it interacts with PlcR to activate transcription of these virulence genes. When point mutations were introduced into the plcR gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, it was observed that the mutated bacteria lost their hemolytic and phospholipase activity. The flagella of B. cereus are encoded by 2 to 5 fla genes, depending on the strain.
Tianeptine/naloxone (developmental code names TNX-601, TNX-601-CR, TNX-601-ER), or naloxone/tianeptine, is an extended-release combination of tianeptine, an atypical μ-opioid receptor agonist, and naloxone, an orally inactive μ-opioid receptor antagonist, which was under development for the treatment of major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and neurocognitive dysfunction associated with corticosteroid use but was never marketed. Whereas tianeptine is marketed widely throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America but is not available in the United States or the United Kingdom, tianeptine/naloxone was under development for registration in the United States and other countries. In addition, whereas tianeptine has a short duration of action and requires administration three times per day, tianeptine/naloxone was developed as an extended-release formulation with enhanced pharmacokinetics suitable for once-daily administration. The combination formulation employs tianeptine as the oxalate salt, which is said to have improved physicochemical properties for use in the extended-release formulation compared to the amorphous tianeptine sodium that is used in immediate-release tianeptine-only formulations. Naloxone is used in misuse-resistant oral drug formulations as it is inactive if taken orally but becomes active if oral tablets are crushed and administered parenterally, such as by injection.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
It originated at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow during the 1980s. The work was carried out by a Russian research group that specialized in peptide neuropharmacology.
It is registered as a medicine in Russia and has been used clinically there for decades. No regulatory agency in Western Europe or North America has approved it for any indication.
Semax corresponds to the four-to-ten fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Because it omits the first three residues, it lacks the adrenal-stimulating action of the full hormone.
Registered medical products are most often 0.1% nasal drops. Research suppliers ship lyophilized powder, usually in milligram quantities, which is dissolved before use. The active peptide is the same in both cases; presentation and excipients differ.