Side-by-side · Research reference

CortagenvsSemax

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED11/35 cited

BHuman-MechanisticAUTO-DRAFTED12/39 cited

Cortagen

Bioregulatory Tetrapeptide · Khavinson-School

TetrapeptideStructure

↓ LPO productsAntioxidant effectKozina 2007

AnimalEvidence level

Injectable · Animal models

Semax

Cognitive enhancer · Russian Pharma

200–600 mcg/doseIntranasalKaplan 2017

HumanMechanisticKaplan 2017

~30 minOnset

Intranasal · 2–3×/day during cognitive demand

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Cortagen

Semax

Primary target

Cerebral cortex tissue — molecular targets under investigation

BDNF / NGF expression + monoamine modulationKaplan 2017

Pathway

Antioxidant pathway modulation — suppression of LPO cascade, reduction of protein oxidative modificationKozina 2007

↑ BDNF + NGF synthesis + 5-HT modulation → neuroplasticity + anxiolysis + cognitive enhancementKaplan 2017

Downstream effect

Decreased lipid peroxidation products, reduced oxidative protein damage, altered gene expression in cardiac tissueKozina 2007 Anisimov 2004

Improved memory + attention; reduced anxiety; neuroprotection in ischemiaKaplan 2017

Feedback intact?

—

Origin

Synthetic tetrapeptide derived from amino acid analysis of natural brain cortex peptide preparation CortexinAnisimov 2004

Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from ACTH(4-7) with C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro stabilising tailKaplan 2017

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Cortagen

Semax

Animal model dose (rat)

Injection protocol (dose not specified in abstracts)

Multiple injections over study period.

—

Avian model dose (chicken)

40-day injection courseKuznik 2008

Compared to epithalon in hypophysectomized and aged birds.

—

Human peripheral nerve study

Therapeutic course (protocol details not provided)

Posttraumatic recovery context — reference cited but not detailed.

—

Evidence basis

Animal mechanistic studies

Human-mechanistic + Russian clinicalKaplan 2017

Route

Injectable (inferred from animal protocols)

—

Standard dose

—

200–600 mcg / dose intranasalKaplan 2017

Frequency

—

2–3× per day during cognitive demand

Lower / starter dose

—

100 mcg / dose

Duration

—

10–14 day cycles, repeated PRN

Reconstitution

—

Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water

Timing

—

Morning + early afternoon

Half-life

—

Short plasma; CNS effect lasts ~3–6 hr

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Cortagen

Semax

Antioxidant suppression

Suppression of antioxidant activity noted alongside LPO reductionKozina 2007

Mechanism unclear — possible homeostatic adaptation.

—

Immune/hemostasis effects

No effect on immunity or hemostasis parameters in avian hypophysectomy model (unlike epithalon)Kuznik 2008

Epithalon reversed deficits; cortagen did not.

—

Human safety data

No adverse events reported in peripheral nerve recovery context

Limited detail in available abstracts.

—

Nasal irritation

—

Mild burning or congestion (transient)

Sleep disruption

—

Late-day dosing may interfere with sleep

Headache

—

Uncommon, transient

Long-term safety

—

Limited Western RCT data

Pregnancy / OB

—

Avoid

Absolute Contraindications

Cortagen

—

Semax

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding

Relative Contraindications

Cortagen

—

Semax

·Active psychiatric instability
·Concurrent strong stimulants

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Cortagen

Semax

1. Preparation

Reconstitute lyophilised peptide with bacteriostatic water per supplier protocol. Exact volumes depend on concentration supplied.

Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.

2. Injection site

Subcutaneous injection typical for bioregulatory peptides — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.

Intranasal — 2–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.

3. Timing

Animal protocols used repeated dosing over weeks. Human timing not established — evening administration common in Khavinson tradition.

Morning + early afternoon. Avoid evening (sleep disruption).

4. Storage

Lyophilised: refrigerate or freeze per supplier. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within guideline window.

Refrigerate after reconstitution; light-protected.

5. Caveat

—

Cycle on/off to avoid neurochemical adaptation.

06Stack Synergy

Cortagen

— no documented stacks

Semax

+ Selank

Moderate

View Selank →

Semax (cognitive enhancer, BDNF/NGF) and Selank (anxiolytic + immune) form the canonical Russian "neuro stack" — both intranasal peptide bioregulators with complementary axes. Semax for cognitive demand; Selank for stress mitigation.

Semax: 200–600 mcg intranasal · morning + afternoon
Selank: 150–300 mcg intranasal · midday + early evening
Primary benefit: Cognitive enhancement + stress mitigation

Kaplan 2017 Zaderej 2014