Side-by-side · Research reference

5-Amino-1MQvsAdamax

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-StrongAUTO-DRAFTED8/38 cited

BAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED20/47 cited

5-Amino-1MQ

NNMT inhibitor · Methylation / SAM modulation

100–200 mgDaily dose (oral)Neelakantan 2018

AnimalEvidence levelNeelakantan 2018

HoursHalf-life (est)

Oral · Once daily fasted

Adamax

ACTH(4-10) Analogue · Russian Nootropic

1.4×BDNF protein ↑Dolotov 2006

3×BDNF mRNA (exon III)Dolotov 2006

1.6×trkB phosphorylationDolotov 2006

Intranasal · Research Use Only

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

5-Amino-1MQ

Adamax

Primary target

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)Neelakantan 2018

Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex

Pathway

NNMT inhibition → preserved cellular SAM + NAD⁺ → restored methylation balance + ↑ thermogenic gene expressionNeelakantan 2018

ACTH(4-10) fragment → MC-R binding → BDNF/trkB upregulation → neurotrophic signaling

Downstream effect

Reversal of HFD-induced obesity in murine models; improved metabolic profileNeelakantan 2018

Increased hippocampal BDNF expression, trkB tyrosine phosphorylation, enhanced conditioned avoidance learning, circadian rhythm normalizationDolotov 2006 Arushanian 2008

Feedback intact?

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Non-endocrine — devoid of adrenal axis effectsvan 1978

Origin

Selective small-molecule inhibitor designed in academic medicinal chemistry programsNeelakantan 2018

ACTH(4-10) fragment with modified amino acid sequence at positions 8, 9, 10Teter 2001

Antibody development

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02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

5-Amino-1MQ

Adamax

Standard dose

100–200 mg / day oralNeelakantan 2018

Anecdotal community range; murine doses scaled.

—

Frequency

Once daily, fasted

Single-dose or chronic administration protocols

Chronic dosing normalized circadian rhythms; single-dose produced acute BDNF elevation.

Lower / starter dose

50 mg / day

—

Evidence basis

Animal-strong; no human RCT dataNeelakantan 2018

Animal (rodent, rabbit) studies; minimal human RCT data

Duration

8–12 weeks per cycle

—

Form

Oral capsule

—

Timing

Morning fasted preferred

Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects

Half-life

Hours (estimated; no human PK published)

—

Animal dose (rat)

—

50 mcg/kg body weightDolotov 2006

Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.

Route

—

IntranasalDolotov 2006 Smolnik 2000

Human dose (exploratory)

—

Not established — limited human data

ACTH(4-10) and analogs dosed 30–60 mcg intranasally in early human studies.

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

5-Amino-1MQ

Adamax

GI symptoms

Mild nausea (anecdotal)

—

Methylation disruption

Theoretical risk if NNMT is over-inhibited (B vitamin metabolism)

—

Long-term safety

Unknown — no human trials

Unknown — chronic human safety data lacking

Cancer risk

Unclear — NNMT also studied in oncology contexts

—

Pregnancy / OB

Avoid

—

Drug interactions

Theoretical with niacin / B-vitamin supplements

—

Cardiovascular effects

—

ACTH(4-10) fragments may have pressor and cardioaccelerator actions at high dosesGruber 1984

Effects attenuated by α/β-receptor antagonists; observed at 30–1000 nmol/kg IV in rats.

Natriuretic effect

—

ACTH(4-10) exhibited natriuretic activity at lower doses (7 nmol/kg)Gruber 1984

Behavioral suppression

—

Suppression of aggression, reduced orientation-cognition reactions in rabbitsTeter 2001

May reflect anxiolytic or stress-dampening profile.

Absolute Contraindications

5-Amino-1MQ

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Active malignancy

Adamax

·Pregnancy and lactation (precautionary; no data)
·Active cardiovascular instability (due to potential pressor effects)

Relative Contraindications

5-Amino-1MQ

·Methylation-sensitive conditions (MTHFR mutation)
·Concurrent niacin / NAD+ precursor supplementation (theoretical interference)

Adamax

·Hypertension (monitor BP if using higher doses)
·Renal impairment (natriuretic effects may alter electrolyte balance)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

5-Amino-1MQ

Adamax

1. Form

Oral capsule. No injection.

Add sterile water or bacteriostatic water to lyophilised vial per manufacturer guidance. Roll gently — do not shake. Ensure clarity before use.

2. Administration

Take with water, fasted preferred.

Intranasal administration is the primary route in animal and exploratory human studies. Delivered via nasal spray or dropper to ensure mucosal absorption.Dolotov 2006 Smolnik 2000

3. Timing

Morning fasted.

Variable. Single-dose protocols for acute cognitive tasks; chronic daily dosing for circadian rhythm normalization and sustained neuroprotection.

4. Storage

Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.

Lyophilised: room temperature, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within manufacturer-specified timeframe.

5. Caveat

Monitor B-vitamin status with chronic use.

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06Stack Synergy

5-Amino-1MQ

— no documented stacks

Adamax

+ Semax

Moderate

View Semax →

Both Adamax and Semax are ACTH(4-10)-derived nootropics acting via melanocortin receptors and BDNF upregulation. Adamax has distinct amino acid modifications at positions 8-10, potentially offering complementary receptor binding profiles or metabolic stability. Stacking may amplify neurotrophic signaling and cognitive enhancement, though direct synergy studies are absent. Theoretical multi-pathway benefit.

Adamax: Research dose intranasal
Semax: 300–600 mcg intranasal
Frequency: Once daily, morning or pre-cognitive task
Primary benefit: Enhanced BDNF upregulation, cognitive performance, neuroprotection