What the human research shows
Dramatic rodent neuroscience — some of the most potent synaptogenic activity reported — with a complete absence of human data. Being powerful in a dish or a mouse is exactly where the risk lies when a molecule jumps straight to unmonitored human use.
Evidence profile0–5
- Metabolic & weight—0.0
- Cardiovascular—0.0
- Muscle & growth—0.0
- Healing & repair—0.0
- Neuro & sleepD0.0
- Immune & inflammation—0.0
- Sexual & hormonal—0.0
- Skin & appearance—0.0
- Ageing & longevity—0.0
| Outcome | Grade | Effect size | Human studies | Where the evidence comes from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognition / synapse formation | DNo human evidence | Not measurable | 0 controlled | Dihexa promotes synaptogenesis and improves memory in rodent models, including models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. No human trial has tested it. |
| Safety in humansadverse | DNo human evidence | Not measurable | None | No human dosing study exists. A molecule that drives new synapse formation this potently has an obvious theoretical concern — uncontrolled growth signalling — that has never been evaluated in people. |
Literature searched to 3 September 2026. Human studies only; animal and cell work informs the mechanism section and nothing else.
What it is
Dihexa is a metabolically stabilised analogue of angiotensin IV, engineered by academic researchers to reach the brain and activate the hepatocyte growth factor / c-Met system that builds synapses.
It is sold as an oral 'nootropic' research chemical. Its entire evidence base is preclinical.
How it is thought to work
It is thought to potentiate hepatocyte growth factor signalling at the c-Met receptor, driving the formation of new synaptic connections in the brain — demonstrated in rodents. Whether that is beneficial, useless or harmful in a human is entirely unknown.
What is still unknown
- Whether it does anything in a person.
- Whether potent synaptogenic and growth signalling is safe in humans.
- Dose, route and pharmacology in people — none established.
The molecule and how long it lasts
- Formula
- C27H44N4O5
- Molecular weight
- 504.7 g/mol
- CAS number
- 1401708-83-5
- PubChem
- CID 129010512
PubChem record, read 23 September 2026.
- Route
- Oral or topical as sold; no human study
- Half-life
- No human pharmacokinetic data
No pharmacokinetic study in people.
Regulatory status
No marketing authorisation in any member state. Supplying it for human use is an offence under national medicines law; a 'research use only' label does not change that.
Not an approved drug and not a dietary-supplement ingredient. Sold as a 'research chemical' outside the medical system; the FDA has warned against several compounds in this class.
Not licensed by the MHRA. Selling or supplying it for human use is an offence under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
Not on the ARTG. Supply without a prescription is unlawful; imports are seized.
No Drug Identification Number; selling it for human use is illegal.
As a non-approved substance, dihexa falls under WADA class S0 (non-approved substances) and is prohibited in and out of competition.
Questions people actually ask
Does dihexa improve memory in people?
Is dihexa safe?
One page per claimed effect
- DDoes Dihexa help with cognition / synapse formation?0 controlled
- DHow common is safety in humans with Dihexa?None
References
- 1McCoy AT, et al. Evaluation of metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV analogs as pro-cognitive/anti-dementia agents (dihexa).J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 2013;344:141–154The rodent synaptogenesis work.
Change log
- 2026-09-03Initial publication. Grade D on absence of any human trial.