Side-by-side · Research reference

AdamaxvsCardiogen

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

AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED20/47 cited

BAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED5/46 cited

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

Cardiogen

Bioregulator · Cardiac

CardiacTissue target

Gene regulationMechanism

AnimalEvidence level

SQ · Variable protocols

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Adamax

Cardiogen

Primary target

Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex

Cardiovascular cell gene expressionKhavinson 2022

Pathway

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

Peptide bioregulation → modulation of SASP / inflammaging → cardiac tissue homeostasisKhavinson 2022

Downstream effect

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

Suppression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), reduction of age-related inflammatory markers, modulation of heat shock protein expression in cardiac tissue

Feedback intact?

Non-endocrine — devoid of adrenal axis effectsvan 1978

Presumed — peptide bioregulators act via gene regulation, not receptor agonism

Origin

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

Derived from cardiac tissue peptide extracts; synthetic analogue based on Khavinson bioregulator methodology

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Adamax

Cardiogen

Animal dose (rat)

50 mcg/kg body weightDolotov 2006

Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.

—

Route

IntranasalDolotov 2006 Smolnik 2000

Subcutaneous injection

Frequency

Single-dose or chronic administration protocols

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

Intermittent courses — 10–20 days, repeated periodically

Khavinson-school bioregulators typically dosed as periodic interventions, not continuous.

Human dose (exploratory)

Not established — limited human data

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

—

Evidence basis

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

Animal models / mechanistic studies

No Phase 1+ human trials in PubMed.

Timing

Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects

—

Standard dose

—

Variable — typically 10–20 mg per course

No standardised human protocol; animal-derived dosing.

Duration

—

10–20 day courses, repeated 2–4× per year

Russian geriatric protocols; unclear extrapolation to general populations.

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Adamax

Cardiogen

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.

—

Long-term safety

Unknown — chronic human safety data lacking

Unknown — no extended human trials indexed in PubMed

Injection site reactions

—

Mild erythema, induration (presumed)

Systemic adverse events

—

No documented serious AEs in available literature

Very limited safety data; no rigorous pharmacovigilance.

Immunogenicity

—

Unknown — no antibody development studies published

Absolute Contraindications

Adamax

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

Cardiogen

·Active malignancy (theoretical peptide growth factor concern)
·Hypersensitivity to peptide components

Relative Contraindications

Adamax

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

Cardiogen

·Acute cardiac events (no safety data in acute MI, unstable angina)
·Pregnancy / lactation (no reproductive toxicity data)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Adamax

Cardiogen

1. Reconstitution (if lyophilised)

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

Add sterile water or saline per manufacturer instructions (typically 1–2 mL per lyophilised vial). Roll gently to dissolve.

2. Route

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

Subcutaneous — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites. Use sterile technique.

3. Timing

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

Variable — often evening injection. No established circadian preference.

4. Storage

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

Lyophilised: refrigerate 2–8 °C, protect from light. Reconstituted: use immediately or refrigerate, discard after 7–14 days per labeling.

5. Needle

—

27–30G insulin syringe, 45° angle for subcutaneous administration.

06Stack Synergy

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

Cardiogen

+ Thymalin

Moderate

View Thymalin →

Khavinson-school multi-organ bioregulator approach: thymalin (thymic peptide) addresses immune senescence while cardiogen targets cardiac tissue. Combined use in geriatric populations demonstrated normalisation of cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune parameters with reduced mortality over 6–8 years of observation.

Cardiogen: 10–20 mg SQ · 10–20 day course
Thymalin: 10–30 mg IM · concurrent or sequential courses
Frequency: 2–4 courses per year
Primary benefit: Multi-system aging mitigation, cardiovascular and immune homeostasis