Dihexa
A small-molecule hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) analog studied for cognitive enhancement, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenic signalling in research models.
⏱ Half-Life
Moderate–Long duration profile
Dihexa demonstrates a moderate–long half-life characteristic in research literature, shaping how observation windows and study timelines are typically structured.
⚡ Onset Characteristics
Gradual measurable response
Onset is observed as gradual — a property that influences how researchers structure comparative studies versus other compounds in the cognitive research category.
🧠 Key Notes
What makes it distinct
- 01Derived from angiogenin and HGF signalling pathways
- 02Investigated for BDNF-independent neurogenic effects
- 03Active via oral administration in research models
🧬 Mechanism of Action
How it works
Dihexa is a small-molecule peptide derived from the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) binding domain. It acts as a potent HGF mimic, binding the c-Met receptor with high affinity to drive neurogenic and angiogenic signalling. In the central nervous system, HGF/c-Met activation promotes dendritic arborisation, synaptogenesis, and neuroprotection independent of BDNF/TrkB pathways. Dihexa crosses the blood-brain barrier after oral administration and has shown remarkable potency — reportedly 7–10 orders of magnitude more effective than native HGF in certain assays. Its mechanism centres on enhancing synaptic connectivity and neural repair rather than simple neurotransmitter modulation.
✨ Documented Benefits
What the research shows it supports
🔍 Research Insights
What the literature shows
Reported to be 7–10 orders of magnitude more potent than native HGF in receptor-binding assays.
Acts via c-Met receptor activation, producing neurogenic effects independent of BDNF/TrkB signalling.
Oral bioavailability and blood-brain barrier penetration distinguish it from most peptide nootropics.
🧪 Typical Research Use Cases
Where it appears in study design
Cognitive enhancement and memory research models.
Neurodegenerative disease and synaptic repair studies.
Comparative nootropic research vs BDNF-mimetic peptides.
📚 References
Peer-reviewed literature
Primary research sources cited on this profile. All links resolve to PubMed or the publishing journal.
- [01]
Wright, J. W., & Harding, J. W. (2015). The Brain Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-Met Receptor System: A New Target for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 45(4), 985–1000.
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease ↗ - [02]
Uribe, P. M. et al. (2015). Hepatocyte growth factor mimetic protects lateral line hair cells from aminoglycoside exposure. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 9, 3.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience ↗ - [03]
Wright, J. W., Kawas, L. H., & Harding, J. W. (2015). The development of small molecule angiotensin IV analogs to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Progress in Neurobiology, 125, 26–46.
Progress in Neurobiology ↗ - [04]
Wells, R. G. et al. (2024). Effects of an Angiotensin IV Analog on 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Huntington's Disease-Like Symptoms in Rats. Journal of Huntington's Disease, 13(1), 55–66.
Journal of Huntington's Disease ↗
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