Molecule derived from angiotensin IV proposed as a cognitive enhancer for Alzheimer's. There are only animal studies and one of its key papers was retracted in 2025; no human trial exists.
Regulatory status
Not approved
Family
Angiotensin IV analog (modulator of the HGF/c-Met system)
FDA (US): Not approved (no published human trials)
EMA (EU): Not approved
Dose
There is no established dose in humans.
Safety
There are no safety data in humans. Because it stimulates a cell-growth pathway (HGF/c-Met) linked to cancer, there is a theoretical, unstudied concern. It is sold without oversight: use outside of research is not recommended.
Effect by goal · level of evidence
Memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's
improvesLowpreclinical (A)animals / laboratory
In APP/PS1 mice, oral dihexa improved spatial learning and reduced glial activation and inflammatory cytokines; the effect was blocked when the PI3K/AKT pathway was inhibited.
It was proposed to enhance the action of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on its c-Met receptor, which would promote synapse formation. Part of the evidence for this mechanism comes from a retracted article (PMID 25187433).
What the evidence says
In people
There are no published trials in people.
In animals or the laboratory
Memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. In APP/PS1 mice, oral dihexa improved spatial learning and reduced glial activation and inflammatory cytokines; the effect was blocked when the PI3K/AKT pathway was inhibited. PubMed 34827486