Side-by-side · Research reference

AdamaxvsLL-37

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

BHuman-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED15/35 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

LL-37

Cathelicidin · Human AMP

Broad-spectrumAntimicrobial activity

Membrane disruptionPrimary mechanismLu 2026 He 2026

Innate immunityHost defense rolePinheiro 2026 Zhang 2026

Endogenous · Secreted at inflammation sites

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Adamax

LL-37

Primary target

Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex

Bacterial membranes · Phosphatidylserine-exposed cellsHe 2026 Lu 2026

Pathway

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

hCAP-18 precursor → Proteinase-3 cleavage → LL-37 release → Membrane insertion/disruption

Downstream effect

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

Membrane permeabilization, cytokine induction, autophagy, phagosome-lysosome fusion, chemotaxisAhmad 2026 Zhang 2026

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

Endogenous human cathelicidin (37-AA fragment, residues 134–170 of hCAP-18)

Antibody development

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02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Adamax

LL-37

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

In vitro, animal models, human observational

Timing

Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects

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Endogenous expression

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Constitutive in neutrophils, epithelial tissues

Upregulated during infection and inflammation.Pinheiro 2026

Exogenous (experimental)

—

Dose varies by study; antimalarial ~10–50 μM in vitro

No FDA-approved exogenous formulation.

Plasma levels (malaria)

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Elevated in infected patients and miceHe 2026

Exogenous administration reduced parasitemia in murine models.He 2026

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Adamax

LL-37

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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Cytotoxicity (high dose)

—

Membrane disruption in host cells at supraphysiological concentrations

Pro-inflammatory signaling

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Can exacerbate inflammation in certain contexts (context-dependent)Pinheiro 2026

Biofilm formation risk

—

LL-37-DNA complexes may stabilize dental plaque biofilmsTanabe 2026

Theoretical cancer risk

—

Immunomodulatory roles in tumor microenvironment under investigation

Absolute Contraindications

Adamax

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

LL-37

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Relative Contraindications

Adamax

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

LL-37

·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical immune dysregulation)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Adamax

LL-37

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.

LL-37 is constitutively expressed in neutrophils and epithelial cells, cleaved from hCAP-18 by proteinase-3 at sites of infection or inflammation.

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

Synthetic LL-37 and derivatives (e.g., SAMP-12aa) tested in vitro and animal models. Administered via topical, intraperitoneal, or intravenous routes in research settings.

3. Timing

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

LL-37 is resistant to pepsin degradation at gastric pH. Synthetic short peptides designed to retain this stability while reducing toxicity.Lu 2026

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

LL-37

— no documented stacks