Cerebrolysin vs Selank vs Semax
A three-way comparison to help you find the right peptide for your research goals.
Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin is a mixture of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids derived from purified pig brain proteins. It is approved in many countries for stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia.
Full details →Selank
Selank is a synthetic peptide derived from the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Developed in Russia for anxiety and cognitive enhancement.
Full details →Semax
Semax is a synthetic peptide derived from ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). Developed in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cerebrolysin | Selank | Semax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 2150 mg–4300 mg | 300 mcg–900 mcg | 300 mcg–600 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 2x daily | 2x daily |
| Cycle Length | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Route | intramuscular | intranasal | intranasal |
| Mechanism | Contains multiple neurotrophic factors that promote neuroplasticity, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and support synaptic function. Has both neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. | Modulates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and affects serotonin and norepinephrine systems. Has immunomodulatory and anxiolytic properties. | Enhances BDNF expression, modulates dopamine and serotonin systems, and provides neuroprotective effects. Increases attention, memory formation, and learning. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical dosing: 10-30ml IV daily for acute conditions. Research use: 5-10ml IM daily for cognitive enhancement. Treatment courses typically last 10-20 days. | Intranasal administration: 250-500mcg 2-3 times daily. Subcutaneous: 250-500mcg daily. | Intranasal: 200-600mcg 2-3 times daily. Higher doses (up to 1mg) used in clinical settings for stroke recovery. |
| Administration | Administered via intramuscular or intravenous injection. IV administration is typically used in clinical settings. IM can be used for research purposes. | Most commonly administered intranasally for cognitive effects. Can also be injected subcutaneously. | Primarily administered intranasally. N-Acetyl Semax Amidate (NASA) is a modified version with enhanced stability and potency. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause dizziness, headache, sweating, or injection site reactions. Rare cases of agitation or confusion. | Generally well-tolerated. Some users report mild fatigue or nasal irritation with intranasal use. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild irritability or hair shedding in some users. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Cerebrolysin, Selank, Semax are all commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Cerebrolysin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | Cerebrolysin | Selank | Semax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Performance | high | high | high |
Key Studies
Cerebrolysin
- Cerebrolysin Ameliorates Age-Induced Dendritic Spine Degeneration and Memory Decline in C57BL6 Mice.
Neurochemical research, 2025
- Is Cerebrolysin Useful in Psychiatry Disorders?
Biomedicines, 2025
- Cerebrolysin ameliorates ketamine-mediated anxiety and cognitive impairments via modulation of mitochondrial function and CREB/PGC-1α pathway.
Molecular brain, 2025
Selank
- Selank, a Peptide Analog of Tuftsin, Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in Rats.
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2022
- The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of "Social" Stress.
Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology, 2021
- Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects.
Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections, 2020
Semax
- Semax peptide targets the μ opioid receptor gene Oprm1 to promote deubiquitination and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in female mice.
British journal of pharmacology, 2025
- The Potential of the Peptide Drug Semax and Its Derivative for Correcting Pathological Impairments in the Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
Acta naturae, 2025
- The Effect of Peptide Semax, an ACTH(4-10) Analogue, on Intracellular Calcium Dynamics in Rat Brain Neurons.
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2025
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