Cognitive Enhancement Research Peptides

13 research peptides demonstrate cognitive enhancement properties. This collection covers their mechanisms, evidence base, and research applications.

Preclinical | Nootropic / Anxiolytic

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, MW ~751.89 g/mol) developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Mechanism: Selank (C33H57N11O9, half-life ~2-10 minutes) crosses the blood-brain barrier. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, increasing GABA binding affinity without directly...

Preclinical | Nootropic / Neuroprotective

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment 4-10, with an added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence for metabolic stability. Molecular weight is approximately 813.

Mechanism: Semax is a brain-selective heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, MW ~813.88 g/mol) that crosses the blood-brain barrier via intranasal absorption.

No Regulatory Activity | Nootropic / Cognitive

Dihexa (PNB-0408) is a synthetic small molecule derived from angiotensin IV, developed at Washington State University by the Harding lab.

Mechanism: Dihexa activates the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met) by binding to HGF molecules and dimerizing with endogenous HGF to form a functional ligand, producing more physiological signaling than...

Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Nootropic / Neuroprotective

Cerebrolysin is a brain-derived peptide complex consisting of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides (25%) and free amino acids (75%), produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of purified porcine brain proteins.

Mechanism: Cerebrolysin provides multimodal neuroprotection through several pathways: it enhances neurogenesis and neuroplasticity via activation of PI3K/AKT and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling, promotes...

Approved (Russia Only) / Limited Data | Nootropic / Cognitive

Noopept (GVS-111, omberacetam) is a synthetic dipeptide derivative (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, MW ~318.4 g/mol) developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Mechanism: Noopept is rapidly metabolized after oral administration to its active metabolite cycloprolylglycine. It modulates AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptor function, increasing their sensitivity to glutamate...

No Clinical Data | Nootropic / Neuroprotective

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate (NASA) is a modified derivative of Semax, a synthetic analog of ACTH(4-10) developed in Russia. The N-acetyl and C-amide modifications are intended to enhance metabolic stability and membrane permeability compared to the...

Mechanism: The proposed mechanism is extrapolated from Semax research. Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is the heptapeptide fragment ACTH(4-10) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension that enhances stability.

Animal/Preclinical Only | Cognitive / Nootropic

Adamax is a synthetic derivative of Semax featuring an adamantane moiety that enhances blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and extends its half-life.

Mechanism: Adamax retains the ACTH(4-7) core pharmacophore (Met-Glu-His-Phe) responsible for neurotrophin modulation while the adamantane group increases lipophilicity and BBB penetration.

Animal/Preclinical Only | Cognitive / Neuroprotection

Neuroxelin is a synthetic neuroprotective peptide proposed to modulate NMDA receptor activity and downregulate excessive microglial activation. It is theorized to protect neurons from excitotoxic damage while promoting synaptic plasticity.

Mechanism: Neuroxelin is proposed to act as a partial NMDA receptor modulator, reducing excessive glutamatergic excitotoxicity without completely blocking receptor function (preserving physiological signaling...

Preclinical Only | Neuroprotection / Research

FGL(S) is a synthetic peptide derived from the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) that directly activates the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). It promotes neurite outgrowth, neuronal survival, and synaptic plasticity in preclinical models.

Mechanism: FGL(S) activates FGFR independent of FGF ligands, promoting neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival. It enhances synaptic plasticity and provides anti-apoptotic signaling in neurons via downstream...

Early Human / Mixed Evidence | Nootropic / Anxiolytic

N-Acetyl Selank Amidate is a modified version of Selank with N-acetylation and C-amidation for increased metabolic stability. Base Selank is approved in Russia for anxiety and cognitive disorders.

Mechanism: Upregulates BDNF and NGF expression. Modulates GABAergic neurotransmission. Inhibits enkephalin degradation. Regulates IL-6 levels.

Preclinical | Nootropic / Neurogenesis

P21 is a synthetic peptide derived from the active region of Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) that promotes hippocampal neurogenesis without the immunogenic side effects of full-length CNTF.

Mechanism: P21 is a modified tetrapeptide (Ac-DGGL-OH) linked to adamantane to enhance blood-brain barrier penetration.

No Credible Evidence | Bioregulator / CNS

Cerluten is a Russian bioregulator peptide complex marketed for central nervous system support. Developed by the Khavinson group at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, it is derived from young animal brain tissue extracts.

Mechanism: Cerluten is claimed to contain tissue-specific peptides that interact with DNA in brain cells, regulating gene expression related to neuronal function and repair.

Preclinical | Nootropic / Dopaminergic

9-Me-BC (9-Methyl-β-carboline) is a heterocyclic amine from the β-carboline family that has shown dopaminergic neurotrophic properties in preclinical studies. It is not a peptide but appears in peptide vendor catalogs and nootropic databases.

Mechanism: 9-Me-BC enhances dopaminergic neurotransmission through multiple mechanisms: it upregulates tyrosine hydroxylase (the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis), promotes neurite outgrowth in...