Side-by-side · Research reference

GHRP-6vsSemax

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

APhase 1Reviewed10/36 cited

BHuman-MechanisticDraft12/39 cited

GHRP-6

Hexapeptide GHRP · Strong appetite stimulant

100–200 mcgPer doseBowers 1990

Phase 1Evidence levelBowers 1990

~15 minHalf-lifeMalagón 1999

SQ · Multiple sites · 1–3×/day

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

GHRP-6

Semax

Primary target

Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a)Bowers 1990

BDNF / NGF expression + monoamine modulationKaplan 2017

Pathway

GHS-R1a → Gαq → Ca²⁺ → GH release; central appetite driveBowers 2002

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

Downstream effect

GH pulse + strong appetite stimulation; modest IGF-1 elevationBowers 2002

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

Feedback intact?

—

Origin

Synthetic hexapeptide; first-generation GHRP from Bowers groupBowers 1990

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

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

GHRP-6

Semax

Standard dose

100–200 mcg per injectionBowers 1990

200–600 mcg / dose intranasalKaplan 2017

Frequency

1–3× per day

2–3× per day during cognitive demand

Lower / starter dose

50 mcg per dose

100 mcg / dose

Evidence basis

Phase 1 + clinical practiceBowers 1990

Human-mechanistic + Russian clinicalKaplan 2017

Duration

8–12 weeks on / 4 off

10–14 day cycles, repeated PRN

Reconstitution

Bacteriostatic water

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

Timing

Pre-meal preferred for appetite support

Morning + early afternoon

Half-life

~15 minMalagón 1999

Short plasma; CNS effect lasts ~3–6 hr

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

GHRP-6

Semax

Hunger

Pronounced — defining feature vs ipamorelin

—

Cortisol elevation

Mild

—

Prolactin elevation

Mild

—

Injection site reaction

Mild

—

Cancer risk

Contraindicated in active malignancy

—

Pregnancy / OB

Avoid

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

Absolute Contraindications

GHRP-6

·Active malignancy
·Pregnancy / breastfeeding

Semax

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding

Relative Contraindications

GHRP-6

·Severe insulin resistance (appetite-driven caloric load)

Semax

·Active psychiatric instability
·Concurrent strong stimulants

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

GHRP-6

Semax

1. Reconstitution

Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 5 mg vial → 2.5 mg/mL.

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

2. Injection site

SQ — abdomen. Rotate sites.

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

3. Timing

Pre-meal for appetite support; pre-sleep for GH alignment.

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

4. Storage

Lyophilised: room temp. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.

Refrigerate after reconstitution; light-protected.

5. Needle

29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

Cycle on/off to avoid neurochemical adaptation.

06Stack Synergy

GHRP-6

— 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