Cognitive

Peptides used as nootropics or studied for neuroprotection. Several carry decades of clinical use in their countries of origin; independent RCT replication is what the field is still waiting on.

Community-reported ranges are anecdotal and not clinically validated. Evidence grade shown reflects the strength of available human data. Not a prescription. Legal status varies by country and changes over time; verify locally.

5 peptides

Semax

Human observational

An ACTH-derived peptide with decades of clinical use in Russia for stroke recovery, cognitive complaints and attention, and a popular intranasal nootropic elsewhere. The independent, Western RCT base hasn't caught up with that regional clinical history.

Selank

Human observational

A tuftsin-based peptide developed in Russia and used there clinically for anxiety — notable for reports of calm without sedation or dependence, which is what draws nootropic users. Like Semax, its regional clinical history outpaces independent Western trials.

Dihexa

Animal / preclinical

N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide, PNB-0408

A small angiotensin IV–derived peptide from Alzheimer's research, reported in its originating lab to be orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF at driving new synapse formation in rodent models. Human studies haven't happened, and its growth-factor mechanism is the open safety question.

Cerebrolysin

Human RCT

FPF-1070

A mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids derived from pig brain, approved in a number of countries for stroke, dementia and traumatic brain injury. It is not approved in the US or UK, and trial results are mixed.

Pinealon

Anecdote / community

Glu-Asp-Arg, EDR peptide

A tripeptide from the same Russian bioregulator programme as epithalon, studied there for cognitive function and neuroprotection under oxidative stress. As with the rest of the programme, the interesting reported results await independent replication.