Dihexa

Preclinical only Cognitive Enhancement In 1 protocol 2 sources

Dihexa is an oligopeptide variant derived from angiotensin IV that binds to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met. Research in animal models suggests it has profound synaptogenic and neurogenic properties, showing potential for improving cognitive function and repairing brain damage in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury.

01Dosing reference

Amount

10-20 mg/day (oral/sublingual) or 2-5 mg/day (SubQ)

Frequency

Once daily or 2-3x/week

Cycle

4-8 weeks on, 4 weeks off

Reference figures, not a recommendationThese values reflect amounts described in the literature and vendor documentation this database indexes. Use the reconstitution calculator to convert them into syringe units.

02Mechanism of action

HGF/c-Met Activation

Dihexa binds to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and enhances its interaction with the c-Met receptor.

Synaptogenesis

This activation promotes the formation of new functional synapses between neurons in the brain.

Cognitive Repair

Increased synaptic connectivity may restore memory and cognitive function in neurodegenerative models.

03Human evidence

No published human clinical trials

Currently, Dihexa has only been studied in preclinical animal and cellular models. Its safety and efficacy in humans remain unproven.

04Preclinical evidence

Reversal of cognitive impairment

In rat models of Alzheimer's disease, Dihexa administration reversed cognitive deficits and restored memory function.

Promotion of synaptogenesis

In vitro and in vivo studies showed Dihexa induced the formation of new dendritic spines and functional synapses.

05What is known vs. unknown

Reasonably established

Derived from angiotensin IV but engineered to be metabolically stable and cross the blood-brain barrier.
Acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the HGF/c-Met system.
Demonstrates potent synaptogenic activity, potentially orders of magnitude greater than brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Shows promise in animal models of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Unknowns & limits

Lack of human clinical trial data regarding safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing.
Long-term effects of chronic c-Met activation, including potential oncogenic risks, are not fully understood.
Optimal delivery methods and bioavailability in humans require further investigation.

06Safety & regulatory context

Regulatory statusDihexa is an experimental research chemical and is not approved by the FDA for human use. Because it activates the HGF/c-Met pathway—a pathway sometimes implicated in cancer cell proliferation—there are theoretical concerns about its potential to promote tumor growth, though this has not been definitively proven in short-term animal studies. It should only be used in controlled laboratory research settings.

07Compared with Semax

Dihexa vs. Semax

Key difference

While both are studied for cognitive enhancement, Semax primarily modulates BDNF and melanocortin receptors, whereas Dihexa specifically targets the HGF/c-Met pathway to induce synaptogenesis.

When researchers discuss each

Semax is often discussed in the context of acute neuroprotection and focus, while Dihexa is explored for structural brain repair and reversing severe neurodegeneration.

08Appears in protocols

🧠 Cognitive Enhancement Protocol

10-15 mg/day (oral or SubQ)Daily

09Glossary

Synaptogenesis

The formation of new synapses (connections) between neurons in the nervous system.

Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)

A protein that regulates cell growth, cell motility, and morphogenesis, playing a key role in tissue repair.

c-Met Receptor

A receptor tyrosine kinase that, when activated by HGF, triggers signaling pathways involved in cell survival and tissue regeneration.

10Knowledge check

Q1What is the primary molecular target of Dihexa?

Q2Which of the following is a theoretical safety concern associated with Dihexa's mechanism of action?

Q3Which statement best reflects the current state of human clinical evidence for Dihexa?

Q4Which pair best describes how researchers typically frame Semax versus Dihexa in the literature?

Q5Which statement accurately describes Dihexa's regulatory and recommended research-use context according to the dossier?

11Sources

More in Cognitive Enhancement

See all

Semax

Cognitive Enhancement

Human clinical

Semax is a synthetic peptide derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that has been extensively studied for its neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. Research indicates it may modulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and protect neurons from hypoxic damage, making it a subject of interest in stroke recovery and cognitive decline.

200-1000 mcg per day

Selank

Cognitive Enhancement

Human clinical

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. It has been extensively researched for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) properties, showing the ability to reduce stress and improve memory without the sedative side effects typical of traditional anti-anxiety medications.

250-500 mcg per day (often administered via nasal spray or SubQ)

Nemifitide

Cognitive Enhancement

Human clinical

Nemifitide (INN-00835) is a novel synthetic pentapeptide analog of melanocyte-inhibiting factor (MIF-1). Research indicates it may possess rapid-acting antidepressant properties, showing efficacy in clinical trials for major depressive disorder within days rather than weeks.

30-45 mg/day

Research and educational use onlyNothing on this site is medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation for human use. Compounds documented here are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before making any health decision.