Dihexa molecular structure
Dihexa molecular structure
Experimental
🧠Cognitive & Nootropic

Dihexa

Also known as: N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide

MW

507.60 Da

Formula

C27H41N3O4S

CAS

1401708-83-5

Routes

2 routes

Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide) is a synthetic oligopeptide derivative developed at Washington State University that demonstrates extraordinary cognitive-enhancing potency — reported to be 10 million times more potent than BDNF in promoting neuronal connectivity. It was designed as a metabolically stable analog of angiotensin IV that activates the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met receptor system, promoting synaptogenesis and neuronal connectivity. Dihexa crosses the blood-brain barrier after oral or intranasal administration and has shown cognitive enhancement in animal models of dementia, making it a research candidate for Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.

Research Use Only— For educational and research purposes only

Research Applications

Cognitive Enhancement

Preclinical studies show dramatic improvements in spatial learning and memory in scopolamine-impaired and aged animal models.

Alzheimer's Disease Research

Targets synaptic loss — the strongest correlate of cognitive decline in AD.

Traumatic Brain Injury

HGF/c-Met signaling promotes neural repair and connectivity restoration.

Mechanism of Action

Dihexa activates the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met receptor signaling pathway by acting as an allosteric activator of HGF and stabilizing the HGF/c-Met interaction. c-Met activation drives synaptogenesis (formation of new synaptic connections), dendritic spine growth, and neuronal survival through PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK cascades. This is distinct from typical nootropic mechanisms and specifically targets the synaptic connectivity infrastructure of learning and memory.

Biological Pathways

HGF/c-Met/PI3K/Akt for neuronal survival. c-Met/MAPK/ERK for synaptogenesis. Ras/CREB for synaptic gene expression. Rho GTPases for dendritic spine morphogenesis.

Dosage Information

Typical dosage ranges for research applications. Always verify with current literature.
Typical Dose
10,000 mcg
Dose Range
2,000 - 25,000 mcg
Frequency
Experimental - capsules, no standardized protocol
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Calculation Results

Concentration
2.5 mg/ml
Dose Volume
0.1 ml0.100 ml
Insulin Syringe
10 units
Doses per Vial
2020 doses @ 250 mcg

Syringe Fill Level (100u syringe)

05010010.0uunits
0u10.0 / 100 units (10%)100u

Protocols

No protocols featuring this peptide yet.

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Stability & Storage

Small molecule with good oral bioavailability. More stable than peptides. Store at -20°C as powder. Soluble in DMSO and ethanol. Active at nanomolar concentrations.

Side Effects & Precautions

Very limited safety data — primarily preclinical research. Theoretical concerns about c-Met pathway activation (c-Met is an oncogene), though no cancer promotion observed in animal studies at cognitive doses.

Research Use Only. This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended for medical advice or self-medication.

Regulatory Status

Experimental

Investigational research compound. Not FDA-approved. No clinical trials registered. Early-stage preclinical research. Not WADA-prohibited.

Research Studies

Dihexa: An Angiotensin IV Analog with Procognitive Activity

McCoy AT, Benoist CC, Wright JW, et al.

Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
2013
View Source

HGF/c-Met System in Cognitive Function

Wright JW, Harding JW.

Frontiers in Bioscience
2015
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