Semax vs MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Cognitive Enhancement
SemaxAnabolic & IGF
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)- Summary
- Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH developed in Russia. It is a potent nootropic that enhances memory, focus, and provides neuroprotection. Approved in Russia for cognitive disorders, stroke recovery, and traumatic brain injury.
- MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 that is locally produced in muscle tissue in response to mechanical damage from exercise. It activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) to proliferate and repair damaged fibers, making it specifically targeted at exercise-induced hypertrophy.
- Half-Life
- Minutes (but effects persist for hours via BDNF induction)
- Native MGF: minutes. PEG-MGF: ~3 days
- Admin Route
- Intranasal, SubQ
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.25–1 mg (250–1000 mcg)
- 200–400 mcg
- Frequency
- 1–2 times daily
- 1–2 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Enhances memory and learning
- Improves focus and concentration
- Increases mental energy and motivation
- Provides neuroprotection via BDNF and NGF upregulation
- Reduces cognitive decline
- May alleviate ADHD symptoms
- Supports recovery from brain injury and stroke
- Fast-acting — effects within 30–60 minutes
- Approved in Russia for cognitive disorders and stroke recovery
- Activates muscle satellite cells for repair and growth
- Accelerates recovery from muscle damage
- Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 (different mechanisms)
- Promotes muscle hypertrophy specifically at exercised muscles
- Faster recovery between training sessions
- Potential for injury repair in connective tissue
- Side Effects
- Headache (rare, often from higher doses)
- Anxiety or overstimulation at high doses
- Sleep disruption if dosed too late
- Irritability (uncommon)
- Muscle soreness (satellite cell activation)
- Injection site irritation
- Hypoglycemia risk (modest, less than IGF-1 LR3)
- Stacks With
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