NSI-189 vs Semax
Side-by-side comparison of NSI-189 and Semax: mechanism, half-life, dose range, safety profile, and vendor pricing.
Price snapshot
NSI-189
Semax
NSI-189
NSI-189 is a novel synthetic compound developed by Neuralstem Inc. that stimulates neurogenesis in the human hippocampus. Phase 2 trials for major depressive disorder showed improvements in subjective cognitive function,…
Lowest listed price: $84.99 across 1 listing
Full NSI-189 profileSemax
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, MEHFPGP, 813 Da molecular weight) developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1980s. The compound is derived…
Lowest listed price: $32.90 across 5 listings
Full Semax profileSide-by-side comparison
| Attribute | NSI-189 | Semax |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Nootropics | Nootropics |
| Research Stage | Preclinical | Approved (Russia, since mid-1990s for stroke and cognitive disorders) |
| Mechanism of Action | NSI-189 stimulates proliferation and differentiation of human hippocampal neural stem cells through a mechanism distinct from BDNF or classical antidepressants. Rodent studies show a 20% increase in hippocampal volume after 6 weeks of treatment. It is not a… | Primary Mechanism: Multi-Pathway Neurotrophic Activation Semax produces its effects through coordinated activation of multiple neurotrophic, neurotransmitter, and neuroprotective pathways. Unlike conventional nootropics that target a single system (modafinil… |
| Half-Life | — | ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional neurological effects persist 12-24 hours due to BDNF/NGF gene expression changes) |
| Typical Dose Range | — | 100-900 mcg intranasal daily (0.1% solution: 2-3 drops per nostril 2-3x daily); 1% solution used for acute stroke in Russian clinical protocols |
| Dosing Frequency | — | Intranasal 1–3 times daily |
| Administration | — | Intranasal |
| Side Effects | Mild GI discomfort, injection site reaction (if injected), headache. Very well-tolerated. Rare: anxiety or insomnia at high doses. | Overall Safety Profile Semax has an excellent safety profile across 20+ years of Russian clinical use. In acute stroke trials, cognitive studies, and pediatric applications, Semax has demonstrated consistent tolerability with minimal adverse event burden. This… |
| Molecular Weight | 313.36 g/mol | 813.9 Da |
| Common Vial Sizes | — | 5mg, 10mg |
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NSI-189: potential benefits
- Increased hippocampal neurogenesis
- Antidepressant effects
- Enhanced synaptic plasticity
- Improved cognitive function
- Long-lasting mood improvement
- Potential PTSD treatment
Semax: potential benefits
- Rapid BDNF/TrkB upregulation in the hippocampus, supporting synaptic plasticity and learning (PMID: 16996037)
- Neuroprotective, immunomodulatory gene-expression changes in focal cerebral ischemia (middle cerebral artery occlusion) models (PMID: 28255762)
- Cognitive enhancement including improved attention, working memory, and processing speed
- Dopaminergic modulation that may support motivation and executive function (preclinical data)
- Stroke recovery facilitation - accelerated functional recovery and improved Barthel Index in ischemic stroke patients; approved in Russia for ischemic stroke (PMID: 29798983)
- Anxiolytic and anti-asthenic effects reported in Russian clinical use, attributed to neurotrophic and monoaminergic modulation
- Non-addictive cognitive support without tolerance development or withdrawal at standard doses
Frequently asked
What's the difference between NSI-189 and Semax?
NSI-189 is a nootropics that nsi-189 stimulates proliferation and differentiation of human hippocampal neural stem cells through a mechanism distinct from bdnf or classical antidepressants. rodent studies show…. Semax is a nootropics that primary mechanism: multi-pathway neurotrophic activation semax produces its effects through coordinated activation of multiple neurotrophic, neurotransmitter, and neuroprotective…. The two differ in mechanism, half-life (not reported vs ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional neurological effects persist 12-24 hours due to BDNF/NGF gene expression changes)), and typical dose range.
Which has the longer half-life, NSI-189 or Semax?
NSI-189 has a half-life of not reported. Semax has a half-life of ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional neurological effects persist 12-24 hours due to BDNF/NGF gene expression changes). Longer half-lives generally mean less frequent dosing but slower on/off kinetics.
Which is cheaper, NSI-189 or Semax?
Lowest listed price on BodyHackGuide: NSI-189 from $84.99, Semax from $32.90. Prices are pulled from the vendor listings tracked on BHG and change frequently. See the compare tables on each compound page for the current set of offers.
Can you stack NSI-189 and Semax?
Stacking depends on mechanism overlap, safety profile, and goals. NSI-189 and Semax should only be stacked after reviewing each compound's individual protocol page, side effect profile, and any published interaction data. Use the BodyHackGuide stack builder for a structured review before combining research compounds.
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Related comparisons
Research use only. BodyHackGuide is a research and price-comparison reference. The compounds discussed on this page are not approved by the FDA for human consumption and are sold strictly for laboratory research. Prices shown are pulled from vendor listings tracked on BHG and are subject to change. Every vendor is ranked on the same public, reproducible methodology. See editorial standards and affiliate disclosure.