Dihexa
N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide
Overview
Dihexa is a small peptide-derived compound developed at Washington State University that acts as a potent hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agonist. It has demonstrated extraordinary potency in cognitive enhancement — reportedly 7 orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF in stimulating new synapse formation making it one of the most potent known cognitive enhancers per molar dose. Dihexa promotes synaptogenesis and has shown remarkable reversal of cognitive deficits in animal models of Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline. It is one of the most discussed nootropic peptides in the research community despite very limited human data.
Compound Data
Molecular Formula
C27H44N4O5
Molecular Weight
504.70 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(2S,3S)-N-(6-amino-6-oxohexyl)-2-[[(2S)-2-(hexanoylamino)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl]amino]-3-methylpentanamide
PubChem CID
129010512Where does Dihexa sit?
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Mechanism of Action
Dihexa is an agonist of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor c-Met. HGF/c-Met signaling in the brain promotes dendritic spine growth axonal outgrowth and synapse formation — the physical substrate of learning and memory. Dihexa promotes the formation of new synaptic connections between neurons in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus the brain regions most critical for working memory and long-term potentiation. In Alzheimer's disease models Dihexa reversed cognitive deficits associated with amyloid accumulation by restoring synaptic connectivity independent of amyloid clearance. The compound binds to HGF and facilitates its interaction with c-Met with extraordinary efficiency. It is orally bioavailable and crosses the blood-brain barrier making it operationally accessible despite being a peptide-derived compound.
Dosage Information
Typical Dose
10-30 mg
Frequency
Once daily or every other day
Administration
Oral or transdermal
Notes
Very limited human safety data. Extremely potent — start at lowest effective dose. Long duration of action reported anecdotally. Some researchers report effects lasting weeks after discontinuation suggesting durable synaptic changes.
Potential Side Effects
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Quick Facts
- Administration
- Oral or transdermal
- Typical Dose
- 10-30 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily or every other day
- References
- 0 curated + 4 from PubMed
- Evidence Score
- 13.2 / 100