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N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6)aminohexanoic amide (angiotensin IV analog)
Cognitive & Neurological

Dihexa

An angiotensin IV analog studied for synaptogenesis via the HGF/MET signaling pathway.

Mechanism of Action

Bioregulator compound with targeted biochemical activity.

Evidence Chain

Dihexa

COMPOUND

1 Research Goal

• Cognitive & Neurological

Evidence Strength

Clinical Trial

13 articles sourced

Knowledge Graph

(14 connections)
CompoundGoalArticleArticleArticle
Compound (Center)
Research Goal
Linked Article

Research Evidence

(13)

Oxandrolone: Evidence-Based Research Review

6 min

Oxandrolone (17β-hydroxy-17α-methyl-2-oxa-5α-androstan-3-one) is a synthetic oral anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Characterized by a unique substitution of an oxygen atom for the carbon at the C-2 position in the A-ring, oxandrolone exhibits a high anabolic-

Clinical Trial

Nandrolone Decanoate: Evidence-Based Research Review

6 min

Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is a long-acting injectable ester of the anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) nandrolone (19-nortestosterone). Characterized by a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, ND has been utilized clinically for decades to treat conditions involving protein catabolism, bone density loss,

Clinical Trial

Testosterone Enanthate: Evidence-Based Research Review

6 min

Testosterone enanthate (TE) is a long-acting esterified formulation of the primary endogenous androgen, testosterone. Since its clinical introduction in the 1950s, it has served as a cornerstone for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in male hypogonadism and a reference compound in clinical rese

Clinical Trial

Stanozolol: Evidence-Based Research Review

5 min

Stanozolol is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Characterized by a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, it is clinically distinguished by its pyrazole ring modification and 17α-alkylation. Originally developed for the treatment of hereditary angioede

Clinical Trial

GLP-1 Receptor Agonism in Metabolic Signaling

8 min

Survey of GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptor research for metabolic signaling and incretin physiology.

Clinical Trial

BPC-157 and Tissue Repair Signaling Pathways

9 min

Comprehensive review of BPC-157 mechanisms in tissue repair, angiogenesis, and mucosal healing.

Clinical Trial

BDNF Upregulation and Synaptic Plasticity Research

8 min

Investigation of BDNF-promoting peptides and their mechanisms in neurotrophin signaling.

Clinical Trial

Melanocortin Receptor Agonists and Neuroendocrine Signaling

8 min

Examination of melanocortin receptor signaling and synthetic agonist research applications.

Clinical Trial

Testolone (RAD-140): Evidence-Based Research Review

5 min

Testolone (RAD-140) is a potent, non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) originally developed by Radius Health, Inc. It was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional androgen therapy, such as prostate enlargement and virilization, by exhibiting high tissue selectivity.

Preclinical

Trenbolone Acetate: Evidence-Based Research Review

6 min

Trenbolone acetate (TBA) is a potent synthetic 19-nortestosterone derivative classified as an anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS). Originally developed for veterinary applications—specifically to increase muscle mass and feed efficiency in beef cattle—TBA has become a focal point of pharmacological in

Preclinical

Pinealon (Glu-Asp-Pro): Peptide Bioregulation of Neural Gene Expression and Neuroprotection

5 min

Pinealon is a tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Pro) bioregulator investigated for neuroprotective and cognition-supporting effects. This review summarizes in vivo evidence from animal models.

Preclinical

Adalank and the Selank Peptide Class: Anxiolytic Peptide Pharmacology and Translational Rationale

6 min

Adalank is a synthetic analog of the anxiolytic peptide Selank incorporating an adamantane moiety. This review outlines the pharmacological rationale and preclinical evidence from the Selank peptide class that informs its development.

Preclinical

Peptide Synergy: Cognitive Enhancement and Neuroprotection

7 min

Evidence-based review of cognitive peptide synergy, examining BDNF upregulation, neuroprotection, and synaptogenesis mechanisms.

Review

Overview

Dihexa is an angiotensin IV analog developed by researchers at Washington State University, designed to address the limitations of earlier angiotensin-based cognitive enhancers. Dihexa represents a novel approach to cognitive enhancement through the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling pathway, distinguishing it from other nootropic peptides that primarily target neurotrophic factor expression. It has been described in research literature as one of the most potent cognitive-enhancing compounds studied.

Mechanism of Action

Dihexa acts as an angiotensin IV analog that activates the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway in the brain. HGF activation promotes synaptogenesis — the formation of new synaptic connections — through mechanisms including dendritic arborization and spine remodeling. This pathway is distinct from the BDNF and NGF pathways targeted by other nootropic peptides. Dihexa has been shown to be significantly more potent than BDNF in promoting synaptogenesis in some assay systems, with research suggesting activity at concentrations orders of magnitude lower than other cognitive enhancers.

Research Highlights

Animal studies have demonstrated Dihexa's efficacy in improving learning and memory in models of cognitive impairment, including models of Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline. Research showed that Dihexa can reverse scopolamine-induced learning deficits in rats, with effects described as dramatically superior to BDNF in the same assays. Studies have explored its potential in traumatic brain injury, stroke recovery, and neurodegenerative conditions. The HGF/c-Met pathway represents a novel target for cognitive enhancement research.

Dosage & Administration

In research, Dihexa has been administered via subcutaneous injection and oral routes in animal models. No standardized human dosing protocols exist. For research use only (RUO).

Safety Profile

Preclinical studies have reported favorable safety profiles in animal models. However, long-term safety data in humans is absent. As an investigational peptide, full safety characterization is pending. The potent activity of Dihexa at very low concentrations necessitates careful dosing research. Not approved by the FDA for any indication.

References

Wright JW, et al. Dihexa and cognitive enhancement. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2015. McCoy B, et al. Dihexa and synaptogenesis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2013. Harding JW, et al. Angiotensin IV and cognition. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2011. All content is for educational and research purposes only.

FDA 2026 Regulatory Update

As of April–June 2026, this compound was among the 14 peptides formally removed from the FDA's Category 2 restricted compounding list following review by the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC). This regulatory shift permits licensed compounding pharmacies to produce and dispense this compound under appropriate oversight, subject to final 503A Bulks List adjudication expected following the July 23–24, 2026 PCAC meeting. This does not constitute FDA approval for therapeutic use. All information on this page is for research purposes only.

Synergy & Compatibility

(5)

Computational assessment of bio-regulatory compatibility with compounds sharing research goals. Scores reflect half-life alignment, receptor target overlap, and bioavailability data.

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Computational assessment based on available pharmacology data. Does not account for individual variability, dose-dependent effects, or unstudied interactions. For research use only.

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Research Use Only

For research use only. Not medical advice.

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