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Last reviewed: March 2026Sources: PubMed, FDA, WADA Prohibited List

Evidence graded using the PeptideScholar A-D system

Dihexa

DLimited Data
35
Low Credibility
1 cited studyy · Evidence level D

Angiotensin IV analog (heptapeptide) · 7 amino acids

Not FDA Approved

Dihexa is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of angiotensin IV, developed at Washington State University for potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It is claimed to enhance synaptogenesis and cognitive function via hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling, but human clinical data is essentially nonexistent.

Mechanism of Action

Claimed to bind to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and facilitate HGF/c-Met signaling, promoting synaptogenesis, dendritic arborization, and neurogenesis. Also proposed to enhance angiogenesis and improve cerebral blood flow. The mechanism is not fully established and is based primarily on preclinical studies from one research group.

Benefits

  • Potent synaptogenic effects in rodent models of cognitive impairment[1]
  • Improves spatial memory in APP/PS1 Alzheimer's mouse model
  • May enhance dendritic arborization and synaptic connectivity
  • Orally active with good blood-brain barrier penetration in animals
Not Medical Advice — Research-Reported Information Only

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Dihexa — Dosing in Published Research

Reported Routes: Oral, Subcutaneous injection
No established human dosing. Animal studies used oral administration at 0.5 mg/kg in rodent models. The peptide is sold as a research chemical with no standardization or quality control.

The dosing information above is sourced from published research literature and clinical trials. These are not recommendations. Individual responses vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before considering any peptide-based therapy.

Side Effects

  • No human safety data exists
  • Unknown long-term effects
  • Theoretical angiogenesis risk (could promote tumor vascularization)
  • Not approved for human use

Considering Peptide Research?

Dihexa is not FDA-approved. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before considering any peptide.

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Research & Evidence

AnimalJ Pharmacol Exp Ther, 2014

The procognitive and synaptogenic effects of angiotensin IV-derived peptides are dependent on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor/c-met system.

Dihexa's cognitive-enhancing and synaptogenic effects in rodents were shown to depend on HGF/c-Met signaling, establishing a mechanistic basis for its preclinical activity

PMID: 25187433

References

  1. 1. The procognitive and synaptogenic effects of angiotensin IV-derived peptides are dependent on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor/c-met system.. J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 2014. “Dihexa's cognitive-enhancing and synaptogenic effects in rodents were shown to depend on HGF/c-Met signaling, establishing a mechanistic basis for its preclinical activity” [PMID: 25187433]

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Dihexa FAQ

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice based on information found on this site.

No claims of therapeutic efficacy are made for substances that are not FDA-approved for the discussed indications. Research citations reflect published findings and do not imply endorsement.

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