Dihexa
Angiotensin IV analog, HGF/c-Met agonist, hippocampal synapse builder.
The links above are labelled third-party affiliate links. MolekulaX does not sell and does not verify product quality.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS DIHEXA?
Detailed overview
Dihexa (N-hexanoyl-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide, PNB-0408) is a metabolically stabilized small-molecule derivative of the Angiotensin IV peptide developed at Washington State University by Joseph Harding`s group. Preclinical evidence (PMC4201273): nearly 3× increase in hippocampal dendritic spine density, activation of PI3K/Akt, mTOR, ERK/MAPK, CREB and PSD-95 synaptic pathways. BBB passage is excellent (PMID 29733881); animal models show improvement in spatial working memory and long-term memory. A protective effect on hair cells is also described. Mechanism dispute: the originally proposed HGF/c-Met agonist profile was revisited after the Athira / Leen Kawas data-fraud scandal – the exact site of action remains unclear, but the synaptogenic activity is replicably documented. Take with fats (lipid-soluble), typical dose 5-10 mg sublingual/oral. No human clinical trials.
Mechanism
HGF/c-Met receptor agonist
Half-life
No human data
Legal status
Investigational, not approved
Receptor profile
- HGF / c-Met receptorStrong
- PI3K/Akt pathwayStrong
- MAPK/ERK pathwayStrong
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 5
- No published human safety data; the side-effect profile in humans is essentially unknown, only preclinical and anecdotal reports exist.
- Theoretical tumor and angiogenesis risk: HGF/c-Met pathway activation is a known cell-proliferation and angiogenic signaling route, its long-term human effect is uncharacterized.
- Appetite suppression according to some user reports.
- Overdose risk from extreme potency: estimated potency is many times that of BDNF, so even a small dosing error may trigger a disproportionate biological effect.
- Unknown long-term safety; the consequences of chronic synaptogenic signaling in humans are not known.
Contraindications · 5
- Active or prior malignancy, or elevated cancer risk: avoid due to the proliferative and angiogenic action of the c-Met/HGF pathway.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: no safety data, the effect of growth-factor signaling on fetus/infant is unknown, avoid.
- No human approval: not an approved drug anywhere, purely an experimental research chemical; use without medical supervision is not advised.
- Undefined drug interactions: human half-life and metabolism are unknown, so the risk of co-administration with other agents cannot be estimated.
- Diabetic retinopathy or other conditions involving pathological neovascularization: extra caution due to the theoretical angiogenic effect.
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
FAQ
FAQ
Dihexa is an experimental research compound developed in a university lab with the goal of promoting growth of connections between brain cells (synapses), by mimicking a natural growth-factor signaling pathway. The available evidence is purely preclinical, meaning animal-study level, there is no human research or proven benefit, so it cannot be considered an established or safely used substance.
Telegram
Have a question about Dihexa?
Reach out to us on Telegram for a personalized stack. We'll be happy to help.
Personalized consultation
Want a detailed conversation tailored to your data?
Fill out the prep intake form (your goals, training and health data), and the advisor prepares from it to give genuinely personalized guidance.
Fill out the form~5–7 min · prep questionnaire · confidential · GDPR-compliant
Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.