Side-by-side · Research reference
AdamaxvsSS-31
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
BPhase 3HUMAN-REVIEWED9/43 cited
Adamax
ACTH(4-10) Analogue · Russian Nootropic
Intranasal · Research Use Only
SS-31
Cardiolipin-binding · Mitochondrial protective
SQ · Abdomen · Once daily
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Adamax
SS-31
Primary target
Melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs) in hippocampus and cortex
Cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membraneSzeto 2014
Pathway
ACTH(4-10) fragment → MC-R binding → BDNF/trkB upregulation → neurotrophic signaling
Cardiolipin binding → cristae stabilisation → ETC integrity → reduced ROS + preserved ATP synthesisSzeto 2014Szilagyi 2009
Downstream effect
Increased hippocampal BDNF expression, trkB tyrosine phosphorylation, enhanced conditioned avoidance learning, circadian rhythm normalizationDolotov 2006Arushanian 2008
Mitochondrial bioenergetic preservation; cardio-, neuro-, and reno-protective effects in animal + clinical studiesSzeto 2014
Origin
ACTH(4-10) fragment with modified amino acid sequence at positions 8, 9, 10Teter 2001
Synthetic tetrapeptide D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂; cell-permeable, mitochondrial-selectiveSzeto 2014
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Adamax
SS-31
Animal dose (rat)
50 mcg/kg body weightDolotov 2006
Single intranasal application; produced maximal BDNF response.
—
Frequency
Single-dose or chronic administration protocols
Chronic dosing normalized circadian rhythms; single-dose produced acute BDNF elevation.
Once daily
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
Multiple Phase 3 trials (Barth, AMD, ischemia-reperfusion)Szeto 2014Szilagyi 2009
Timing
Variable — chronic administration for circadian effects
Morning fasted preferred; pre-workout for exercise-induced mitochondrial stress
Standard dose
—
40 mg / day SQ (clinical trials)Szeto 2014
Anecdotal community range 5-10 mg/day. Phase 3 trials use 40 mg.
Lower / starter dose
—
5 mg / day (anecdotal)
Duration
—
Indefinite for mitochondrial disease; cycled for healthspan use
Reconstitution
—
Bacteriostatic water
Half-life
—
~3 h plasma; tissue uptake longer
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Adamax
SS-31
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.
—
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
Phase 3 data over 24+ months; no major safety signalsSzeto 2014
Injection site reaction
—
Erythema, mild pruritus
GI symptoms
—
Nausea (uncommon)
Headache
—
Reported in some Phase 3 trials
Cardiovascular
—
Cardio-protective in studies; no signal of harm
Pregnancy / OB
—
Avoid — insufficient data
Absolute Contraindications
Adamax
- ·Pregnancy and lactation (precautionary; no data)
- ·Active cardiovascular instability (due to potential pressor effects)
SS-31
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Hypersensitivity to peptide
Relative Contraindications
Adamax
- ·Hypertension (monitor BP if using higher doses)
- ·Renal impairment (natriuretic effects may alter electrolyte balance)
SS-31
- ·None established
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Adamax
SS-31
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 bacteriostatic water per label. Light-protected handling.
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 2006Smolnik 2000
SQ — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.
3. Timing
Variable. Single-dose protocols for acute cognitive tasks; chronic daily dosing for circadian rhythm normalization and sustained neuroprotection.
Morning fasted; pre-workout for exercise-augmented mitochondrial stress.
4. Storage
Lyophilised: room temperature, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within manufacturer-specified timeframe.
Lyophilised: refrigerate, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.
5. Needle
—
29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.
06Stack Synergy
Adamax
+ Semax
ModerateBoth 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
SS-31
+ MOTS-c
ModerateSS-31 and MOTS-c address mitochondrial decline through complementary axes. SS-31 protects existing mitochondrial structure (cardiolipin binding, cristae stabilisation). MOTS-c upregulates AMPK/PGC-1α, triggering biogenesis of new mitochondria. Together they pair preservation with renewal — anecdotally favoured in healthspan and post-cardio-event recovery protocols.
- SS-31
- 5–10 mg SQ · daily morning
- MOTS-c
- 5 mg SQ · 2× per week pre-workout
- Primary benefit
- Mitochondrial preservation + biogenesis