ACTH(4-10)

In simple words

ACTH(4-10) is a short fragment of a pituitary hormone that has no hormonal action; Semax was created on its basis. It has been studied since the 1970s as a way to improve attention and memory.

What this molecule is

Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly — 7 aa (positions 4-10 of ACTH). ~962 Da. The basis for creating Semax (ACTH(4-10) + Pro-Gly-Pro). No corticotropic effect.

Why it is studied

A classic nootropic fragment since the 1970s. Double-blind RCTs: ↑attention, ↑working memory in healthy people. Historical interest: it served as the basis for Semax. In pure form it degrades quickly. The modern form is Semax (more stable, registered in Russia).

How it works

↑dopaminergic transmission (striatum, PFC) → ↑attention/working memory. ↑serotonin → ↑mood. ↑BDNF (via Semax data). Does not activate adrenal MC2R — a pure nootropic effect without cortisol.

Doses used in studies

RCTs used IV or SC administration. For Semax (the modern form), studies used 200-600 mcg/day intranasally. ACTH(4-10) in pure form — only in a research context.

Combined with in studies

• Semax — the same molecule, improved — interchangeable
• Selank — dopamine + enkephalins
• Noopept — AMPA/NMDA + monoamines

Level of evidence

Level B Human observational data. There are studies in humans, but they are small, uncontrolled, or cohort studies. The data are encouraging but need confirmation. double-blind studies in humans, 1970s-1990s. Semax is registered in Russia.

Important to know

⚠️ The studies are small and old. The modern form is Semax. ACTH(4-10) in pure form serves only as a scientific basis; the studied alternative is Semax.

Studies in PubMed

1. Time course of ACTH 4-10 effects on human attention. (Neuroendocrinology, 1990)
2. ACTH 4-10 and short-term memory. (Pharmacol Biochem Behav, 1976)
3. Event-related brain potentials and working memory function in healthy humans after single-dose and prolonged intranasal administration of adrenocorticotropin 4-10 and desacetyl-alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone. (J Clin Psychopharmacol, 2000)
4. Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus. (Brain Res, 2006)
5. Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with nootropic properties, activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems in rodents. (Neurochem Res, 2005)