Dihexa
Synaptogenic Peptide | Cognitive Enhancement & Neuroprotection
Dihexa is a synthetic oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV that potently enhances cognitive function by promoting synaptogenesis. Originally developed at Washington State University for Alzheimer's disease, it's 7 orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF at stimulating new synaptic connections and uniquely crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Daily dose
8-10mg oral / 0.5mg/kg IP
Frequency
1x daily
Cycle length
4-8 weeks
Storage
Room temp (oral) / 2-8°C (DMSO stock)
Key benefits
Dramatic synaptogenesis promotion, cognitive enhancement, memory improvement, neuroprotection, potential neuroregeneration. May help with Alzheimer's, TBI, and age-related cognitive decline.
How it works
Dihexa binds to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with high affinity and potentiates its activity at c-Met receptor, activating PI3K/AKT pathways. This promotes formation of new synaptic connections at levels 10 million times more potent than BDNF. Crosses blood-brain barrier effectively via oral or injectable routes.
Dosage protocols
Goal
Research-Based Injectable
Dose
0.5mg/kg · 1x daily
Route
IP/SubQ
Goal
Cognitive Enhancement
Dose
8-10mg · 1x daily (morning)
Route
Oral
Goal
Intensive Learning
Dose
10-15mg · 1x daily
Route
Oral
Goal
Neuroprotection
Dose
5-8mg · Daily or 3x weekly
Route
Oral or SubQ
Goal
Maintenance
Dose
5mg · Every other day
Route
Oral
Research indications
cognitive
neuroprotection
neuroplasticity
Administration
Interactions
Safety notes
Not FDA approved - research compound only
Theoretical cancer risk via c-Met activation
No long-term human safety data available
Avoid if history of cancer
Not for pregnant/nursing women
May cause overstimulation or anxiety
Requires cycling to prevent tolerance
Research studies
APP/PS1 Alzheimer's Mouse Model Study (2021)
Mice | 1.44-2.88 mg/kg oral | 3 months | Cognitive rescue via PI3K/AKT pathway
Dihexa restored spatial learning and memory in Morris water maze tests, increased neuronal cells and synaptophysin expression, reduced neuroinflammation, and decreased glial activation in Alzheimer's model mice.
View study →Synaptogenic Potency Comparison (2014)
In vitro | 10^-12 M | Synapse formation assays | 7 orders magnitude > BDNF
Demonstrated Dihexa's remarkable potency, showing it to be 10 million times more effective than BDNF at promoting synapse formation through HGF/c-Met receptor activation.
View study →Injectable Route Efficacy Study (2013)
Rats | 0.05-0.5 mg/kg IP injection | Daily | Complete cognitive restoration
Intraperitoneal injection at 0.5 mg/kg/day completely reversed scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits (p<0.001), with performance indistinguishable from healthy controls. Lower doses (0.15 mg/kg) showed partial benefits. Also tested IV and ICV routes successfully.
View study →Cognitive Rescue in Scopolamine Model (2013)
Rats | 0.5-2.0 mg/kg | Multiple routes tested | Complete cognitive recovery
Oral, IP, and ICV administration all successfully reversed scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits, with treated animals performing equal to controls on spatial memory tasks.
View study →Aged Rat Cognitive Enhancement (2013)
Aged rats | 2 mg/kg oral | 2 weeks | Improved spatial memory
Dihexa treatment enabled aged rats with natural cognitive decline to perform at levels comparable to young animals in water maze testing.
View study →Hippocampal Spine Density Study (2013)
Neuronal culture | 10^-12 M | 5 days | 3-fold increase in dendritic spines
Dihexa increased spine density from 15 to 41 spines per 50μm of dendrite, with increased spine-head width indicating formation of functional memory-related synapses.
View study →