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Neuro Peptide Comparison

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the four neurocognitive compounds covered in the AMP Peptide Research Database: Semax, Selank, Noopept, and Cerebrolysin. Use this matrix to evaluate molecular properties, mechanisms, research applications, and experimental parameters.

📊 Comparison Overview

Parameter Semax Selank Noopept Cerebrolysin
Class Synthetic ACTH(4–10) analogue Synthetic tuftsin analogue Dipeptide nootropic Porcine brain peptide cocktail
CAS Number 80714-61-0 129954-34-3 157115-85-0 N/A (mixture)
Molecular Weight 706.8 Da 756.9 Da 342.4 Da 120–10,000 Da
Sequence/Amino Acids 7 aa (MEHFPGP) 7 aa (TKPRPGP) Non-natural dipeptide ~15–25% free amino acids
Form Lyophilized powder Lyophilized powder Crystalline powder Sterile solution (ampule)
Primary Route Intranasal Intranasal Oral / sublingual IV / IM
Half-life ~30 min ~20 min ~2–5 h ~4–6 h

🔬 Mechanism of Action Matrix

Mechanism Semax Selank Noopept Cerebrolysin
BDNF Induction ★★★ Strong (2–3× increase) ★ Moderate ★★★ Strong ★★★ Strong (multiple fractions)
NGF Induction ★★★ Strong ★ Moderate ★★ Moderate ★★★ Strong
TrkB/TrkC Signaling ★★★ Direct ★ Indirect ★★ Direct ★★★ Direct (multiple pathways)
GABAA Modulation — ★★★ Positive allosteric — ★ Indirect
AMPA Receptor — — ★★★ Positive allosteric ★ Indirect
Enkephalinase Inhibition — ★★★ Confirmed — —
Dopamine Modulation ★★ D₂ receptor upregulation ★★ D₂ modulation — ★★ Neurotransmitter balance
Serotonin Modulation ★★ 5-HT₂ upregulation ★★ 5-HT₁A/5-HT₂ modulation — —
Antioxidant Activity ★★ ★ ★★ ★★★
Anti-apoptotic ★★ ★ ★★ ★★★
Neurogenesis ★ — ★ ★★★
Amyloid Reduction — — — ★★

🧪 Research Applications Comparison

Application Semax Selank Noopept Cerebrolysin
Anxiety — ★★★ Primary indication ★ —
Cognitive Enhancement ★★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★★
Memory Consolidation ★★★ ★ ★★★ ★★
Neuroprotection ★★★ ★ ★★★ ★★★
Stroke Recovery ★★★ — ★★ ★★★
Alzheimer's Disease ★ — ★ ★★★
Traumatic Brain Injury ★★ — ★ ★★★
Immunomodulation — ★★★ — —
Age-Related Decline ★★ ★ ★★★ ★★★

⚗️ Formulation & Stability Comparison

Parameter Semax Selank Noopept Cerebrolysin
Solvent Bacteriostatic water Bacteriostatic water Water/saline Pre-mixed solution
Concentration Ready 200–600 μg/mL 200–600 μg/mL 5–10 mg/mL 50 mg peptide/mL
Storage (Lyophilized) −20°C −20°C 2–8°C N/A
Storage (Reconstituted) 2–8°C / 7 days 2–8°C / 7 days 2–8°C / 14 days 15–25°C (sealed)
pH Stability Range 5.0–7.0 5.0–7.0 5.5–7.5 6.5–7.0
Light Sensitivity Moderate Moderate Low Low

💊 Dosing Comparison

Parameter Semax Selank Noopept Cerebrolysin
Single Dose 200–600 μg 200–600 μg 10–20 mg 5–20 mL
Frequency 1–2× daily 1–2× daily 2–3× daily 3–7× weekly
Route Intranasal Intranasal Oral / sublingual IV / IM
Daily Range 200–1200 μg 200–1200 μg 20–60 mg 15–140 mL/week
Cycle Duration 1–3 months 1–3 months 1–3 months 4–12 weeks
Washout 2 weeks 2 weeks 1–2 weeks Not required

⚠️ Safety Profile Comparison

Parameter Semax Selank Noopept Cerebrolysin
Sedation None None (nonsedating anxiolytic) None None (rare agitation)
Cognitive Impairment None None None None
Dependence Risk None None (unlike benzodiazepines) None None
Primary Side Effects Nasal irritation Nasal irritation GI upset (high dose) Injection site reactions
Drug Interactions Dopaminergic agents Minimal Other nootropics MAOIs (theoretical)
Immunogenicity Very low Very low Very low (small molecule) Low

🎯 Selection Guide

Choose Semax if:

  • Research focuses on acute cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection
  • Stroke recovery or ischemic injury is the primary endpoint
  • Intranasal delivery is preferred
  • BDNF/NGF induction is the target mechanism

Choose Selank if:

  • Research involves anxiety models without sedation
  • Immunomodulatory endpoints are included
  • GABAergic mechanism without benzodiazepine-like effects is desired
  • Combined anxiolytic + cognitive effects are needed

Choose Noopept if:

  • Oral bioavailability and convenience are priorities
  • Research focuses on memory consolidation and LTP
  • AMPA receptor modulation is the target pathway
  • A cost-effective research compound is needed

Choose Cerebrolysin if:

  • Research involves neurodegenerative disease models (AD, TBI)
  • A multi-modal trophic factor approach is needed
  • IV administration is acceptable
  • Clinical translation is the long-term research goal
  • Comprehensive neuroregeneration endpoints are studied

Compare neuro peptide pricing at AMP Peptide