AHK-Cu vs Adamax
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- AHK-Cu is a copper tripeptide composed of alanine, histidine, and lysine chelated to copper. Distinct from GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu exhibits strong affinity for hair follicle receptors and demonstrates potent hair growth stimulation alongside wound healing and skin regeneration properties.
- Adamax is a synthetic neuropeptide related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathways. It is explored for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and mood support, with proposed mechanisms involving TrkB receptor activation and enhancement of neuroplasticity similar to endogenous BDNF.
- Half-Life
- Hours (topical, variable by formulation)
- Estimated 1-3 hours (short; peptide degradation)
- Admin Route
- Topical, Scalp application, Subcutaneous (research)
- Subcutaneous, Intranasal (research)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.01–0.1% concentration
- 200-400 mcg per dose
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Once daily or every other day
- Key Benefits
- Stimulates hair follicle growth and reduces shedding
- Increases dermal papilla cell proliferation
- Promotes wound healing and skin regeneration
- Antioxidant protection via superoxide dismutase activation
- Improves skin elasticity and firmness
- Supports collagen and elastin production
- Proposed enhancement of learning and memory consolidation
- Neuroprotective via BDNF-TrkB pathway support
- May improve mood and resilience to stress
- Potential support for neurogenesis
- Cognitive clarity and focus enhancement (reported anecdotally)
- Explored for neurodegeneration and age-related cognitive decline
- Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated topically
- Mild scalp irritation or redness in sensitive individuals
- Possible temporary hair shedding phase at treatment initiation
- Copper accumulation with excessive systemic use (rare)
- Limited human safety data; largely anecdotal reports
- Possible headache or mild overstimulation
- Sleep disruption with late-day dosing
- Unknown long-term safety profile
- Stacks With
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