Nootropic / Neuroprotective Research Peptides Guide
Overview
This guide covers 6 research peptides in the Nootropic / Neuroprotective category. Each compound is evaluated on its evidence base, mechanism, safety profile, and current clinical status.
Semax — Preclinical
Evidence: D | Status: Approved in Russia and Ukraine for stroke and cognitive disorders; not approved elsewhere
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.
Use cases: Cognitive Enhancement
Cerebrolysin — Phase I–II Clinical Trials
Evidence: C | Status: Approved as prescription drug in 50+ countries (Austria, Russia, China, South Korea, and others). Not FDA-approved. Over 150 clinical trials with >7,000 patients.
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.
Use cases: Cognitive Enhancement
Pinealon — Preclinical / Uncontrolled Russian Studies
Evidence: D | Status: Preclinical / small open-label Russian studies only. No controlled clinical trials. Sold as a dietary supplement in Russia.
Pinealon (Glu-Asp-Arg, EDR) is a synthetic tripeptide (MW ~418 g/mol) developed by Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology as a bioregulatory peptide targeting brain and pineal gland function.
Use cases: Neuroprotection Research, Anti-Aging Research
Cortagen — Preclinical / Uncontrolled Russian Studies
Evidence: D | Status: Preclinical / small open-label Russian studies only. No controlled clinical trials. Available as a dietary supplement in Russia.
Cortagen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu, AEDL) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (MW ~446 g/mol) developed by Vladimir Khavinson as a bioregulatory peptide targeting the cerebral cortex.
Use cases: Neuroprotection Research, Anti-Aging Research
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate — No Clinical Data
Evidence: D | Status: Research chemical only. No published clinical trials. No regulatory evaluation. All pharmacological claims are extrapolated from Semax data.
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...
Use cases: Research Chemical, Nootropic Research
PE-22-28 — Preclinical Only
Evidence: D | Status: Preclinical tool compound only. No clinical trials. No regulatory evaluation.
PE-22-28 is a 7-amino-acid peptide derived from a truncation of spadin, a natural peptide fragment of the sortilin propeptide. It acts as an antagonist of the TREK-1 potassium channel (TWIK-related K+ channel 1), which has been implicated as an...
Use cases: Antidepressant Research, Ion Channel Research
Related Research News
Boost Focus and Clarity with Selank and Semax Duo
Selank and Semax, synthetic peptides from Russian research labs, offer complementary cognitive benefits. Selank reduces anxiety and sharpens attention by balancing neurotransmitters and upregulating BDNF. Semax sustains focus through neuroprotection and neurotrophin enhancement, with studies showing improved memory under stress when used together.
Semax: Guide to the ACTH-Derived Nootropic Peptide
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide from the ACTH(4-7) sequence, developed in Russia during the 1980s for neuroprotective and cognitive effects. Research shows it upregulates BDNF and TrkB, improves outcomes in ischemia models, and enhances learning in rodents. This guide covers its structure, mechanisms, and research applications while noting variants like N-Acetyl Semax.
Pinealon: Neuroprotective Tripeptide Research Guide
Pinealon, a synthetic tripeptide known as Glu-Asp-Arg or EDR, targets the central nervous system for neuroprotection. Developed by Vladimir Khavinson's team at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, it shows effects on gene expression, cell proliferation, and protection against oxidative stress in neuronal models. Studies highlight reduced apoptosis, preserved mitochondrial function, and potential benefits in hypoxia and aging contexts, though much data comes from one research group.