Dihexa: Complete Guide
Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide) is a synthetic hexapeptide analog of angiotensin IV developed at Washington State University by Dr. Joseph Harding. It has generated extraordinary research interest due to reports that it is approximately 10 million times more potent than brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) at promoting new synapse formation. Dihexa is researched primarily as a cognitive enhancer and potential therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative conditions.
Last updated: 2026-01-28
Quick Facts
- Category
- nootropic
- Also Known As
- N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide
- Related Goals
- cognitive enhancement
Who Researches Dihexa?
Dihexa attracts researchers and biohackers interested in cognitive enhancement at the most aggressive end of the spectrum. It's studied by people dealing with cognitive decline, age-related memory loss, or neurodegenerative conditions who are looking for experimental approaches beyond mainstream nootropics. If you're new to peptides, dihexa is not a starting point — its extreme potency and limited safety data make it an advanced research compound. Consider semax or selank as more established nootropic peptides with better safety profiles.
Related Resources
- Stacks: Cognitive Stack
- Comparisons: Dihexa vs Semax
Research Peptides
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What Is Dihexa?
Dihexa was developed through structure-activity relationship studies of angiotensin IV and its analogs. Researchers at Washington State University found that angiotensin IV enhances cognitive function by binding to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor (c-Met), not through the AT4 receptor as previously thought. Dihexa was designed to be a more stable and potent agonist of this HGF/c-Met pathway.
The claim of being "10 million times more potent than BDNF" refers specifically to its ability to promote synaptogenesis (new synapse formation) in cell culture assays. Dihexa is active at picomolar concentrations, whereas BDNF requires nanomolar concentrations for equivalent synaptogenic effects.
Mechanism of Action
- HGF/c-Met activation: Dihexa binds to and dimerizes the HGF receptor (c-Met), activating downstream signaling cascades involved in neuronal growth, survival, and connectivity
- Synaptogenesis: Promotes the formation of new synaptic connections between neurons — the physical basis of learning and memory
- Neurotrophic effects: Supports neuronal survival and dendrite growth
- Blood-brain barrier penetration: Crosses the BBB when administered orally or parenterally
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Dosage Overview
Due to extreme potency, very small doses are used:
- Oral: 10–20 mg daily (animal-study extrapolated)
- Subcutaneous: 1–10 mg daily (research protocols)
Dihexa dosing in humans is not well-established — no clinical trials have been completed. Doses are extrapolated from animal studies. Use the peptide calculator for reconstitution.
Side Effects & Safety
- Very limited safety data: No human clinical trials
- c-Met activation concern: The HGF/c-Met pathway is frequently dysregulated in cancers. Activating this pathway exogenously raises theoretical oncological concerns
- Unknown long-term effects: The effects of sustained synaptogenesis promotion are not characterized
Dihexa should be considered an early-stage research compound with significant unknowns regarding human safety.