Dihexa
Dihexa is a synthetic oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV that potently enhances cognitive function by promoting synaptogenesis.
Also known as: Synaptogenic Peptide, Cognitive Enhancement & Neuroprotection
Overview
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.
Key Benefits
- Memory Enhancement
- Learning Acceleration
- Cognitive Recovery
Dramatic synaptogenesis promotion, cognitive enhancement, memory improvement, neuroprotection, potential neuroregeneration. May help with Alzheimer's, TBI, and age-related cognitive decline.
Mechanism of Action
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.
Pharmacokinetics
Peak plasma concentration: 2 hrs. Elimination half-life: 12 hrs. Largely cleared by: ~2.5 days.
Research Protocols Injectable
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research-Based Injectable | 0.5mg/kg | 1x daily | Subcutaneous |
| Cognitive Enhancement | 8-10mg | 1x daily (morning) | Subcutaneous |
| Intensive Learning | 10-15mg | 1x daily | Subcutaneous |
| Neuroprotection | 5-8mg | Daily or 3x weekly | Subcutaneous |
| Maintenance | 5mg | Every other day | Subcutaneous |
Research protocols from published literature — not dosing recommendations.
Peptide Interactions
- Semax — Compatible: Can be stacked for enhanced cognitive benefits but requires careful cycling to avoid overstimulation
- Selank — Compatible: Synergistic cognitive and anxiolytic effects when combined, but monitor for neural overstimulation
- BPC-157 — Compatible: No known negative interactions - different mechanisms of action
- P21 — Use Caution: Both affect neuroplasticity strongly - avoid concurrent use without careful cycling
- Noopept — Compatible: Some users stack for cognitive enhancement but limited safety data on combination
- NAD+ — Compatible: Complementary mechanisms - NAD+ supports cellular energy while Dihexa promotes synaptogenesis
- Cerebrolysin — Use Caution: Both are potent neurotrophic agents - combining may lead to excessive stimulation
- TB-500 — Compatible: No known interactions - TB-500 focuses on tissue repair while Dihexa targets neural connections
Peptide Instructions Injectable
Supplies:
- Pharmaceutical-grade DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) — required because Dihexa does not dissolve in water. DMSO is a common lab solvent used in FDA-approved injectables and is safe at these small volumes. Do NOT use industrial-grade DMSO.
- PEG300 (polyethylene glycol 300) — used to dilute the DMSO concentrate into an injectable solution
- Tween 80 (polysorbate 80) — helps keep the solution stable and well-mixed
- Sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) for final dilution
- Insulin syringes (for SubQ)
- Alcohol swabs
- Sterile vial
How to Reconstitute Injectable
- 1Dihexa does not dissolve in water or ethanol — you must use DMSO as the solvent
- 2For a 10mg vial: add 100 µL (0.1 mL) of pharmaceutical-grade DMSO to dissolve the powder completely
- 3Add 400 µL (0.4 mL) PEG300 and gently swirl until the solution is clear
- 4Add 50 µL (0.05 mL) Tween 80 and gently swirl until clear
- 5Add 450 µL (0.45 mL) sterile saline and gently swirl until clear — this gives you 1 mL total at 10 mg/mL
- 6The final ratio is 10% DMSO / 40% PEG300 / 5% Tween 80 / 45% saline — always add solvents in this order and make sure the solution is clear before adding the next one
- 7Store at 2-8°C, protected from moisture. Use within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- 8For oral: No reconstitution needed — use capsules as provided
What to Expect Injectable
Week 1-2: Subtle cognitive changes, possible headaches. Week 2-4: Improved focus and memory formation. Week 4-8: Peak cognitive benefits, enhanced learning. Post-cycle: Effects may persist for days to weeks. Common effects: Mental clarity, faster learning. Side effects: Headaches (most common), anxiety, sleep disruption if taken late.
Side Effects & Safety
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.
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.
Community Insights
Dihexa should be stored at Oral capsules: room temperature. Injectable: requires DMSO to dissolve (Dihexa won't dissolve in water), store DMSO stock solution at 2-8°C. Always use pharmaceutical-grade DMSO..
Molecular Information
References
- AngIV-Analog Dihexa Rescues Cognitive Impairment and Recovers Memory in the APP/PS1 Mouse via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
- Cognitive benefits of angiotensin IV and angiotensin-(1-7): A systematic review of experimental studies
- The development of small molecule angiotensin IV analogs to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases
- The procognitive and synaptogenic effects of angiotensin IV-derived peptides are dependent on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor/c-met system
- Evaluation of metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV analogs as procognitive/antidementia agents
Research reference only. Not medical advice.