Side-by-side · Research reference

AdamaxvsCartalax

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-REVIEWED10/32 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

Cartalax

Bioregulator Peptide · Khavinson School

CartilagePrimary tissuePovorozniuk 2007

MSC → ChondrocyteDifferentiation axisLinkova 2023

BMD ↑Bone density effectPovorozniuk 2007

SQ · Protocol Unspecified

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Adamax

Cartalax

Primary target

Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergoing chondrogenic differentiationLinkova 2023

Pathway

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

Modulation of WNT, ERK-p38, and Smad 1/5/8 signaling pathwaysLinkova 2023

Downstream effect

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

Upregulation of chondrogenic genes (COL2, SOX9, ACAN); increased bone mineral density; osteoprotective effects in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosisLinkova 2023 Povorozniuk 2007

Feedback intact?

Non-endocrine — devoid of adrenal axis effectsvan 1978

—

Origin

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

Derived from cartilaginous tissue extracts (Khavinson bioregulator methodology)Povorozniuk 2007

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Adamax

Cartalax

Animal dose (rat)

50 mcg/kg body weightDolotov 2006

Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.

—

Route

IntranasalDolotov 2006 Smolnik 2000

—

Frequency

Single-dose or chronic administration protocols

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

—

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 mechanistic studies only

Timing

Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects

—

Animal model dose

—

Unspecified (cartilaginous tissue extract protocol)

Rat study; extract preparation details not indexed in available abstracts.

Human dosing

—

Not established in PubMed-indexed literature

Russian-tradition protocols exist but lack peer-reviewed Western validation.

03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence

Parameter

Adamax

Cartalax

Fat loss evidence

—

None — primary target is cartilage and bone tissue, not adipose

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Adamax

Cartalax

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

—

Documented adverse effects

—

None reported in indexed animal studies

Human safety data

—

Not available in PubMed-indexed literature

Absolute Contraindications

Adamax

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

Cartalax

·Unknown due to lack of human clinical trial data

Relative Contraindications

Adamax

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

Cartalax

·Active malignancy (theoretical; peptide bioregulators may influence cell proliferation pathways)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Adamax

Cartalax

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.

Subcutaneous injection typical for Khavinson bioregulators; specific protocols not detailed in indexed literature.

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

Russian-tradition protocols often employ 10-day cycles; precise frequency unspecified in available abstracts.

3. Timing

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

Lyophilised peptide bioregulators typically stored at 2–8 °C, light-protected. Reconstitution details not indexed.

4. Storage

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

—

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

Cartalax

— no documented stacks