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Dihexa

Emerging

Synaptogenic Peptide | Cognitive Enhancement

Dose 8-10mg oral or 2-5mg injectable (0.5mg/kg based on research)
Frequency Once daily in the morning
Cycle 4-8 weeks on
Storage Oral: room temperature (2 year shelf life); Injectable lyophilized: 2-8°C; Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within 30 days
Accumulation Plotter

Dihexa is a synthetic oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV that potently enhances cognitive function by promoting synaptogenesis. It is 10 million times more potent than BDNF at promoting synapse formation through HGF/c-Met receptor activation.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with high affinity (Kd = 65 pM) and potentiates its activity at c-Met receptor, activating PI3K/AKT pathways and promoting new synaptic connections with extraordinary potency.

Key Benefits

  • Dramatic synaptogenesis promotion
  • 10 million times more potent than BDNF
  • Cognitive enhancement and memory improvement
  • Neuroprotection and potential neuroregeneration
  • Applications for Alzheimer's, TBI, age-related cognitive decline
  • Oral bioavailability
Molecular Weight
504.7 Da
Type
Modified oligopeptide
Amino Acid Sequence
One-letter: ?YI??
H₂N
H
? 1
O ‖ C
N
Y 2
O ‖ C
N
I 3
O ‖ C
N
H
? 4
O ‖ C
N
H
? 5
COOH
Hex
1

Hexanoyl

Position 1

Tyr
2

Tyrosine

Position 2

Ile
3

Isoleucine

Position 3

Ahx
4

Ahx

Position 4

NH2
5

NH2

Position 5

N-terminus C-terminus
Hydrophobic
Polar
Positive (+)
Negative (-)
Modified

Cognitive

  • Memory Enhancement

    Improvements in spatial, working, and consolidation demonstrated across animal models.

  • Learning Acceleration

    Enhanced acquisition through increased synaptic plasticity.

  • Cognitive Recovery

    Restoration in impairment models including scopolamine-induced amnesia.

Neuroprotection

  • Amyloid Reduction

    Reduced amyloid burden in Alzheimer's models.

  • Neuroinflammation Reduction

    Decreased neuroinflammation and glial activation.

  • Synaptic Preservation

    Protection of synapses in neurodegeneration models.

Neuroplasticity

  • Dendritic Spine Formation

    3-fold increase in dendritic spine formation demonstrated.

  • BDNF Upregulation

    Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.

  • Angiogenesis Promotion

    Promotes new blood vessel formation in brain.

Oral capsules/tablets are the most convenient form. Take in the morning with or without food. No reconstitution required.

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
Standard cognitive enhancement8-10mg1x daily (morning)Oral
Low-dose maintenance5mg1x dailyOral
Intensive learning protocol10-15mg1x dailyOral
Semax

Enhanced cognitive benefits; monitor for overstimulation.

compatible
Selank

Synergistic effects; watch for neural overstimulation.

compatible
BPC-157

Different mechanisms; no negative interactions known.

compatible
P21

Both affect neuroplasticity strongly; avoid concurrent use.

avoid
Noopept

Some stack for cognition; limited safety data.

compatible
NAD+

Complementary mechanisms for cellular health.

compatible
Cerebrolysin

Both potently neuroactive; may cause overstimulation.

monitor
TB-500

Different targets; no known interactions.

compatible
Week 1-2

Subtle cognitive shifts; possible headaches during adaptation

Week 2-4

Improved focus and memory formation

Week 4-8

Peak cognitive benefits and enhanced learning

Post-cycle

Effects may persist for days to weeks after discontinuation

Common Side Effects

  • Headaches (most frequent side effect)
  • Anxiety or overstimulation
  • Sleep disruption when dosed late in day
  • Mental clarity increase

Stop Signs - Discontinue if:

  • Severe or persistent headaches
  • Increasing anxiety or panic attacks
  • Significant mood changes or depression
  • Sleep disturbance beyond 3 days
  • Concerning neurological symptoms
  • Signs of overstimulation or mania
  • Injection site reactions (if injectable)

Contraindications

  • Not FDA approved - research compound only
  • Theoretical cancer risk via c-Met activation
  • Cancer history (avoid due to c-Met pathway)
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • No long-term human safety data

Good Signs

  • Pharmaceutical-grade from licensed compounding pharmacy
  • Certificate of analysis showing >98% purity
  • Proper storage conditions maintained
  • Uniform capsules with clear lot numbers and expiration dates

Warning Signs

  • Research chemical sources may lack pharmaceutical standards
  • Products lacking third-party testing documentation

Bad Signs

  • No analytical testing or purity reports
  • Unverified sources
  • Suspicious or extremely cheap pricing
  • Discolored or damaged capsules
  • Injectable Route Efficacy Study
    (2013)

    Intraperitoneal injection at 0.5mg/kg/day completely reversed scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits (p<0.001), with performance indistinguishable from healthy controls.

  • APP/PS1 Alzheimer's Model Study
    (2021)

    Dihexa restored spatial learning and memory in Morris water maze tests, increased neuronal cells and synaptophysin expression, reduced neuroinflammation.

  • Synaptogenic Potency Study
    (2014)

    Demonstrated to be 10 million times more effective than BDNF at promoting synapse formation through HGF/c-Met receptor activation.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.