Side-by-side · Research reference

AdamaxvsSemax

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-MechanisticAUTO-DRAFTED12/39 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

Semax

Cognitive enhancer · Russian Pharma

200–600 mcg/doseIntranasalKaplan 2017

HumanMechanisticKaplan 2017

~30 minOnset

Intranasal · 2–3×/day during cognitive demand

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Adamax

Semax

Primary target

Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex

BDNF / NGF expression + monoamine modulationKaplan 2017

Pathway

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

↑ BDNF + NGF synthesis + 5-HT modulation → neuroplasticity + anxiolysis + cognitive enhancementKaplan 2017

Downstream effect

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

Improved memory + attention; reduced anxiety; neuroprotection in ischemiaKaplan 2017

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

Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from ACTH(4-7) with C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro stabilising tailKaplan 2017

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Adamax

Semax

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.

2–3× per day during cognitive demand

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

Human-mechanistic + Russian clinicalKaplan 2017

Timing

Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects

Morning + early afternoon

Standard dose

—

200–600 mcg / dose intranasalKaplan 2017

Lower / starter dose

—

100 mcg / dose

Duration

—

10–14 day cycles, repeated PRN

Reconstitution

—

Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water

Half-life

—

Short plasma; CNS effect lasts ~3–6 hr

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Adamax

Semax

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

Limited Western RCT data

Nasal irritation

—

Mild burning or congestion (transient)

Sleep disruption

—

Late-day dosing may interfere with sleep

Headache

—

Uncommon, transient

Pregnancy / OB

—

Avoid

Absolute Contraindications

Adamax

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

Semax

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding

Relative Contraindications

Adamax

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

Semax

·Active psychiatric instability
·Concurrent strong stimulants

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Adamax

Semax

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.

Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.

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

Intranasal — 2–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.

3. Timing

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

Morning + early afternoon. Avoid evening (sleep disruption).

4. Storage

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

Refrigerate after reconstitution; light-protected.

5. Caveat

—

Cycle on/off to avoid neurochemical adaptation.

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

Semax

+ Selank

Moderate

View Selank →

Semax (cognitive enhancer, BDNF/NGF) and Selank (anxiolytic + immune) form the canonical Russian "neuro stack" — both intranasal peptide bioregulators with complementary axes. Semax for cognitive demand; Selank for stress mitigation.

Semax: 200–600 mcg intranasal · morning + afternoon
Selank: 150–300 mcg intranasal · midday + early evening
Primary benefit: Cognitive enhancement + stress mitigation

Kaplan 2017 Zaderej 2014