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
Calculation Results
Syringe Fill Level (100u syringe)
Protocols
No protocols featuring this peptide yet.
Browse All ProtocolsStability & 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
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.
HGF/c-Met System in Cognitive Function
Wright JW, Harding JW.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Investigational research compound. Not FDA-approved. No clinical trials registered. Early-stage preclinical research. Not WADA-prohibited.
