Cognitive & neuroprotective peptides

Cognitive peptide protocols — semax, selank, cerebrolysin, dihexa. Dose ranges, delivery routes, cycle length, and the neurotrophic research behind each.

Nootropic peptides are studied for neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects rather than acute stimulation. Semax and selank are the most referenced and are commonly delivered intranasally, while dihexa and cerebrolysin appear in the literature around BDNF signalling and neural repair. Cycles are typically short.

Category overview

Sharpen focus, enhance memory, protect against neurodegeneration, and optimize brain performance. Many developed from Russian neuroscience research with decades of clinical use.

Protocols at a glance

Peptide	Dose range	Frequency	Cycle
MOTS-c	5 – 15 mg	2–3×/week	4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off
Semax	200 – 900 mcg	Daily to 2× daily intranasal	10–14 days on, 7–10 days off
Selank	200 – 1200 mcg	Daily to 2× daily intranasal	Continuous low-dose acceptable; 4 weeks high-dose then 2 weeks off
Dihexa	5 – 30 mg	Daily oral (morning)	8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
NA-Selank / NA-Semax Amidate	150 – 600 mcg	Daily to 2× daily intranasal	10–14 days on, 7–10 days off
P21	500 mcg – 2 mg	Daily SubQ	4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off

MOTS-c

Mitochondrial-derived peptide that acts as an exercise mimetic. Enhances metabolic function, insulin sensitivity, and cellular energy.

• Dose range: 5 – 15 mg. Frequency: 2–3×/week. Cycle: 4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off.
• Reconstitution: 2mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 5mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 10mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Boosts mitochondrial function for enhanced energy production
• Mimics exercise benefits at the cellular level
• Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
• Supports weight loss via increased fat oxidation
• Cognitive benefits via improved brain energy.
• Stacks: BPC-157 (gut-brain axis), NAD+ precursors

Semax

Synthetic ACTH analog developed in Russia with 20+ years of clinical use. Potent nootropic that increases BDNF and enhances cognitive function without stimulant effects.

• Dose range: 200 – 900 mcg. Frequency: Daily to 2× daily intranasal. Cycle: 10–14 days on, 7–10 days off.
• Reconstitution: Intranasal solution — typically prepared at 1 mg/mL
• Significantly increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)
• Enhances memory, focus, and learning capacity
• Reduces anxiety without sedation
• Neuroprotective for stroke and TBI recovery
• Morning dosing; combine with exercise.
• Stacks: Selank (synergistic calm + focus), NA-Semax, Dihexa

Selank

Synthetic tuftsin analog developed alongside Semax. Primarily anxiolytic with nootropic benefits. Excellent for cognitive enhancement without anxiety.

• Dose range: 200 – 1200 mcg. Frequency: Daily to 2× daily intranasal. Cycle: Continuous low-dose acceptable; 4 weeks high-dose then 2 weeks off.
• Reconstitution: Intranasal solution — typically prepared at 1 mg/mL
• Rapid anxiety relief within minutes (anxiolytic)
• Improves focus without stimulant-like effects
• Supports immune function via tuftsin mechanism
• Helpful for ADHD-like symptoms
• Minimal tolerance.
• Stacks: Semax (balanced nootropic stack), BPC-157, NA-Selank Amidate

Dihexa

Ultra-potent nootropic (10 million times more potent than BDNF at synapse formation). Promotes neurogenesis and synaptic connections.

• Dose range: 5 – 30 mg. Frequency: Daily oral (morning). Cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off.
• Reconstitution: Oral solution — dissolved per manufacturer instructions
• Extraordinary neurogenesis and synapse formation
• Dramatically enhances memory and learning
• Potential for Alzheimer's and cognitive decline
• Improves mental clarity and focus
• Potent compound requiring receptor sensitivity breaks.
• Stacks: Semax/Selank (nootropic synergy), P21 (neurogenesis), Lion's Mane

NA-Selank / NA-Semax Amidate

Enhanced versions of Selank and Semax with N-Acetyl modification and amidate stabilization. Improved bioavailability and potency.

• Dose range: 150 – 600 mcg. Frequency: Daily to 2× daily intranasal. Cycle: 10–14 days on, 7–10 days off.
• Reconstitution: Intranasal solution — typically prepared at 1 mg/mL
• Enhanced bioavailability vs. standard versions
• More potent cognitive and anxiolytic effects
• Better stability and longer shelf life
• Same safety profile as parent compounds
• Lower dose needed than standard.
• Stacks: Combine NA-Semax + NA-Selank for balanced focus + calm; P21; Dihexa

P21 — Cerebrolysin-derived

CNTF-derived peptide mimetic designed to promote neurogenesis without injecting full Cerebrolysin. Emerging nootropic with neuroprotective properties.

• Dose range: 500 mcg – 2 mg. Frequency: Daily SubQ. Cycle: 4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off.
• Reconstitution: 2mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 5mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 10mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Promotes neurogenesis (new neuron growth)
• CNTF-like neuroprotective effects
• Supports cognitive function and memory
• Potential for neurodegenerative conditions
• Emerging peptide with limited long-term data.
• Stacks: Semax/Selank, Dihexa, BPC-157

Safety principles

• Start Low, Go Slow: Always begin with the minimum effective dose and titrate gradually over weeks.
• Get Baseline Bloodwork: Before starting, obtain labs including CBC, CMP, lipid panel, hormone panel (testosterone, estrogen, IGF-1, GH), fasting insulin, HbA1c, liver enzymes, and inflammatory markers.
• Monitor Regularly: Retest labs every 4–8 weeks. Track subjective markers daily (sleep, energy, mood, appetite, injection site reactions).
• Source Responsibly: Only use peptides from reputable compounding vendors with third-party COA testing. We STRONGLY recommend they also are based out of the USA for quality assurance.
• Recognize Warning Signs: Stop immediately and seek medical attention for severe injection site reactions, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, vision changes, or allergic reactions.
• Drug Interactions: Many peptides interact with insulin, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and hormonal therapies.
• Contraindications: Not for pregnant/breastfeeding women, individuals under 18, those with active cancer, severe liver/kidney disease, or uncontrolled diabetes.

Important

All peptide products referenced are intended solely for research, investigational, or licensed professional use. They are not FDA-approved and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a licensed medical practitioner before any personal or clinical use.