Side-by-side · Research reference

AdamaxvsDihexa

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-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED7/28 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

Dihexa

Angiotensin IV Analogue · Pre-Clinical

Pre-clinicalDevelopment stage

Rodent onlyEvidence basisBenoist 2014

HGF/c-MetTarget systemWright 2015

Not established — animal studies only

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Adamax

Dihexa

Primary target

Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex

c-Met receptor (HGF receptor tyrosine kinase)

Pathway

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

HGF/c-Met receptor activation → downstream signaling cascade → synaptogenesis and dendritic arborization

Downstream effect

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

Induction of dendritic arborization, synapse formation, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection in rodent models

Feedback intact?

Non-endocrine — devoid of adrenal axis effectsvan 1978

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Origin

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

Small-molecule angiotensin IV analogue designed to activate HGF/c-Met systemWright 2015

Antibody development

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02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Adamax

Dihexa

Animal dose (rat)

50 mcg/kg body weightDolotov 2006

Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.

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Route

IntranasalDolotov 2006 Smolnik 2000

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Frequency

Single-dose or chronic administration protocols

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

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Human dose (exploratory)

Not established — limited human data

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

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Evidence basis

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

Pre-clinical / Rodent models

Timing

Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects

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Human dosing

—

Not established — no human trials

Animal studies

—

Mouse/rat models only — dosing not translatable to humans

Clinical status

—

No Phase 1, 2, or 3 trials published

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Adamax

Dihexa

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.

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Natriuretic effect

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

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Behavioral suppression

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

May reflect anxiolytic or stress-dampening profile.

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Long-term safety

Unknown — chronic human safety data lacking

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Human safety data

—

None available — no human clinical trials

Theoretical c-Met risks

—

c-Met receptor activation has been implicated in tumorigenesis; unknown cancer risk profile

Pre-clinical tolerability

—

Not systematically reported in available studies

Absolute Contraindications

Adamax

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

Dihexa

·Not approved for human use — research compound only

Relative Contraindications

Adamax

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

Dihexa

·Theoretical contraindication: active or history of malignancy (c-Met pathway involvement in cancer)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Adamax

Dihexa

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.

No established protocol. Dihexa has not been tested in human subjects. Animal studies used various routes (typically subcutaneous or intraperitoneal in rodents) not translatable to clinical use.

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

Pre-clinical research compound. Not approved by FDA or any regulatory authority for human use.

3. Timing

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

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4. Storage

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

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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

Dihexa

— no documented stacks