Dihexa

evidence score

nootropic

Research Only

116 studies

PNB-0408N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide

Dihexa is a small peptide derived from angiotensin IV, designed to potentiate hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met. In animal models it produces dramatic improvements in cognitive function, synaptogenesis, and long-term potentiation — reportedly 7-orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF at driving synaptic connectivity. Developed at Washington State University. No human clinical trial data exists. Oral and transdermal bioavailability are both reported. Extreme caution warranted: HGF potentiation could theoretically accelerate existing malignancies.

Evidence

Moderate evidence

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

Preclinical

Research Sync

Feb 19, 2026

Dosing

Typical

4 mg

2 mgRange10 mg

FrequencyDaily or 3–5x/week (research dosing)

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Pharmacology

Half-lifeUnknown; estimated days due to high lipophilicity

OnsetDays to weeks in animal models

DurationExtended; lipophilic accumulation

Routes

oral

sublingual

transdermal

Evidence Score

Level B — Moderate

116 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)~41/100

Quality(30%)~40/100

Sample Size(10%)~100/100

Consistency(10%)~100/100

Replication(5%)~100/100

Recency(5%)~100/100

Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Dihexa is currently categorized as a nootropic compound.

Evidence is moderate (66/100): promising signal from 116 indexed studies, but context and population still matter.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Potentiates HGF/c-Met receptor signaling, dramatically enhancing synaptogenesis, dendritic spine density, and hippocampal LTP

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

Level C: This review integrates current mechanistic insights with orthopaedic relevance, emphasizing safety, efficacy, and future directions for responsible integration into musculoskeletal care.
Level D: This data indicates that diet and weight gain may be more detrimental to associative memory in hAPOE□4 females and that E2 treatment with more favourable outcomes in WT rats, and highlights the importance of considering parity and genotype when evaluating midlife metabolic and cognitive risk.
Level D: SHED treatment ameliorated motor, memory, and learning impairment in a rat model of cerebral palsy and is a promising candidate for postsymptom-onset treatment of cerebral palsy.

Elevated caution signals

1 severe/high side effect flag