Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide)
An extremely potent angiotensin IV analog that promotes hippocampal synaptogenesis. Described in published literature as being seven orders of magnitude (10 million times) more potent than BDNF at promoting new neuronal connections. Oral administration. Evidence tier 4.
Dihexa supercharges your brain's ability to form new connections between neurons, specifically in the hippocampus (memory center). It works by amplifying a natural growth signal (HGF) that tells neurons to reach out and connect with each other. In lab studies, it was 10 million times more potent than the brain's own connection-building protein (BDNF). This makes it potentially powerful for memory and learning, but the same growth-promoting mechanism raises concerns about cancer risk since the pathway it uses (c-Met) is also involved in tumor growth.
The most potent pro-synaptogenic compound known. 10 million x more potent than BDNF at hippocampal spine formation. Reversed age-related cognitive decline in animals. But evidence tier 4 and significant safety unknowns.
Reversed cognitive decline in aged animals. Promotes hippocampal neuroplasticity which declines with age.
HGF promotes tissue repair broadly. Potential for brain injury recovery but no direct evidence.
Not primarily anxiolytic.
Some users report vivid dreams. Not a sleep peptide.
Not relevant.
Not relevant.
Dihexa is a small molecule that augments hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling through the c-Met receptor. It stabilizes HGF in an active conformation, enhancing its binding to c-Met. In neurons, this promotes: (1) Dendritic spine formation (synaptogenesis) in hippocampus. (2) Neurite outgrowth and branching. (3) Neural connectivity and plasticity. (4) Neuronal survival under stress conditions. The compound was initially derived from angiotensin IV receptor research but its primary cognitive effects appear to be through HGF/c-Met rather than AT4/IRAP. At picomolar concentrations, it promotes synapse formation with a potency vastly exceeding BDNF.
Community-derived protocol. NO clinical dosing data in humans exists. Doses are extrapolated from animal studies. Start LOW (5-10mg) and assess. Some users use sublingual for improved bioavailability. Very low doses are active due to extreme potency.
More cautious protocol given the lack of safety data. Shorter cycles with longer breaks.
Community reported
Possibly related to enhanced neuroplasticity
Reported by some community users
CRITICAL WARNING: The side effect profile is essentially UNKNOWN. Community reports are the only human data source. The very small number of human users means rare or serious side effects would not yet be detected. The HGF/c-Met pathway has direct implications in cancer biology. Long-term effects of chronic c-Met activation in humans are completely unknown. Anyone using Dihexa is accepting significant unknown risk.
CRITICAL: c-Met/HGF pathway is directly implicated in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. c-Met is an oncogene. Activating this pathway in anyone with active or prior cancer is extremely dangerous.
c-Met activation could theoretically promote carcinogenesis in genetically predisposed individuals.
Absolutely no safety data. Growth factor modulation during pregnancy could affect fetal development.
No safety data. Brain development implications unknown.
HGF plays a role in liver regeneration and hepatocellular carcinoma. Could exacerbate liver pathology.
Primary mechanism. Stabilizes HGF in active conformation, enhancing c-Met signaling.
Promotes dendritic spine formation and synaptogenesis in hippocampus. Animal data only.
Activates c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase signaling.
Both promote neuroplasticity through different pathways. No safety data on combination. Consider starting with one, then adding the other after assessing individual response.
Different mechanisms (GABA modulation vs HGF/c-Met). No known interactions.
Both promote neurotrophic/neuroplasticity pathways. Combined growth factor stimulation has unknown safety profile.
No known interactions.
McCoy AT, Benoist CC, Wright JW, Harding JW - Neurobiol Learn Mem (2013) - Animal study
Dihexa is 10 million times more potent than BDNF at promoting hippocampal spinogenesis. Reversed scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits. Enhanced cognitive function in aged, cognitively impaired rats. Orally bioavailable.
Limitations: Animal data only. Single research group. No human studies. No safety assessment beyond acute toxicity.
Dihexa is discussed in hushed tones on r/Nootropics -- it's the most potent nootropic compound known but also the one with the most unknowns. Community is split: some report dramatic cognitive improvements (enhanced memory, faster learning, improved verbal recall), others report no noticeable effect or mild negative effects. The cancer risk (c-Met activation) is the primary concern discussed. Community consensus: if you're going to try it, use low doses, short cycles, and get regular bloodwork. NOT recommended as a first nootropic -- try Semax/Selank first. Very limited vendor availability. Some users report it 'feels like your brain is rewiring' during the first week. The most commonly cited regret among users is not getting baseline cognitive testing before starting, making it hard to objectively measure improvements.
Research chemical. Not FDA-approved. Not scheduled. Available from select research chemical vendors. Very niche availability.
Dihexa is sold as a research chemical. It is not FDA-approved, not in clinical trials, and has no regulatory history. Patent held by WSU researchers. Available from a limited number of nootropic research vendors.
Tier 4 -- primarily animal data from one research group (Washington State University). No human clinical trials. No human safety data. Very small body of published literature. Extremely potent compound with no established safety profile in humans.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and research purposes only. PepStack does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or supplement. Research suggests these compounds may have various effects, but individual results vary and many claims require further clinical validation.