The term “exotic compound” is commonly used to describe nootropics, which may occasionally be derived from herbal extracts but typically not from anything found in nature.
On the other hand, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly seeking inspiration from a source much closer to home: the human body. Work is currently being done to create a new generation of nootropics derived from the body’s hormones.
Dihexa is an example of such nootropics. Angiotensin is a naturally occurring peptide hormone responsible for vasoconstriction (the temporary constriction of the blood vessels) and an increase in blood pressure. Dihexa is derived from angiotensin.
Nootropics communities are keeping an eye on it as a potential brain-boosting supplement while it is currently being evaluated for its ability to prevent or reverse Alzheimer’s disease.
Table of Contents
What is Dihexa?
Dihexa is a nootropic drug that has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its cognitive-enhancing effects. It is a synthetic derivative of Angiotensin, a naturally occurring peptide hormone responsible for vasoconstriction. It is believed to function as a brain-boosting supplement, raising the synaptic activity in the brain. Memory, concentration, and overall cognitive performance may all improve [1].
Dihexa Benefits
It is believed that dihexa has the following benefits [1]:
- Improved memory
- Increased focus and concentration
- Enhanced cognitive performance
- Improved mood and motivation
- Reduced anxiety and stress
Dihexa Side Effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Agitation
What Do the Studies Say About Dihexa?
Initial research conducted on mice suggests that dihexa possesses synaptogenic activity [1]. This means that it prompts the brain to produce more synapses and connections between brain cells. This was seen to occur specifically in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that is in charge of transforming short-term memories into long-term memories.
According to the findings of yet another study, Dihexa boosts the effects of the hormone known as a hepatocyte growth factor, which plays a role in the expansion and proliferation of cells throughout the body [2,3]. The effects were found to appear to promote synaptogenesis, as the study once again demonstrated.
The neurotrophic effects of dihexa are seven times more powerful than those of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, abbreviated as BDNF [4]. This does not necessarily imply that, if you take it, you will experience a growth in synapses that is one million times greater than what you would typically experience. However, despite taking a lower dose of dihexa, you will still experience an increase in the number of synapses your brain produces in response to BDNF.
Despite its apparent ability to promote cell growth, Dihexa has not yet shown any signs of toxicity or cancer promotion, as stated in the patent [5]. This is although Dihexa has been studied extensively. It is safe, at least for the time being.
However, all of the studies that have been carried out to date have only been conducted over relatively short periods and on mice, which normally only live for about two years. Studies on humans won’t begin for at least a few more years, and it’ll be even longer before we know whether dihexa is safe for long-term use in people. As a result, we do not recommend that any of our readers use dihexa; instead, we provide our research on the substance to those interested in learning more about it.
Dihexa Dosage
Dihexa has not been tested on humans, and up to this point, the only humans who have used it are those who use it as a nootropic, even though it is not approved for that use. Because of this, it is necessary to derive the human dosage from the dosage for mice.
On the other hand, we are not going to recommend dosage because we will only suggest using this compound once the quality of the research has improved.
Within one week of receiving 2 mg/kg/day of dihexa, mice with Alzheimer’s disease that were used in a study showed cognitive improvement after receiving the drug [2]. So would humans take 2 mg/kg/day? It is essential that this be made clear.
The doses given to mice are approximately 12.3 times higher than the doses given to humans when calculated on a per-unit-of-body-weight basis [6]. Therefore, the human equivalent dose would be 2/12.3, which is 0.16 mg/kg/day. This translates to anywhere between 7 and 20 milligrams daily for most humans, depending on their body weight. In addition, it has yet to be decided whether or not the dosage ought to be proportional to the size of the brain or the body.
Supplement companies that sell dihexa as a research chemical typically recommend a dosage in the range of 10 to 20 mg per day, if they do recommend a dosage at all. This is in line with the research findings; however, it is important to keep in mind that the long-term safety of Dihexa for humans has yet to be determined.
Consequently, the safest daily dose for healthy individuals is between 5 and 10 mg. Another possible recommendation is that it be cycled, which means that it should be taken for a period of several months at a time, followed by a break of several months.
Nevertheless, it is necessary to emphasize that studies on humans conducted over extended periods have yet to be performed to determine the toxicity of this chemical, and we are not providing dosage recommendations. Instead, we will discuss the most recent findings from research on the appropriate dosage of dihexa.
Since the half-life of dihexa is greater than one week, it is reasonable to assume that the medication does not require administration daily.
Dihexa: Precautions and Risks
The synaptogenic activity of Dihexa would most likely be harmful to people who have autism spectrum disorder, have a history of autism in their family, or struggle with issues such as difficulties multitasking. Keep in mind that it is possible to have an excessive number of synapses, so this is something to consider [7].
Autism has been linked to this, which is likely why people with autism are more prone to information overload than the general population. One subfield of autism research focuses on finding ways to lessen the overall number of synapses found in the brain.
Dihexa should be taken in a daily dosage of 10 to 20 milligrams, and this amount should be split up into several smaller doses. It is essential to begin treatment with a lower dose and then gradually increase it to avoid side effects. Taking dihexa for longer than eight weeks at a time is not recommended because of the potential for tolerance and dependence to develop [8].
Is Dihexa FDA Approved?
The experimental drug dihexa was developed in the early 2000s with the intention of treating Alzheimer’s disease. It was never approved for use for this purpose because of the likelihood that it would be abused. As a result of the cognitive-enhancing effects that it is said to have, it has recently seen a surge in popularity as a nootropic. It is currently being sold as a dietary supplement; however, the FDA has yet to determine whether it is safe and effective.
Dihexa Cost
Dihexa should be purchased from a highly reputed seller. The average cost of dihexa powder ranges from 81.78$ to 129.48$ [9].
Bottomline: Dihexa Uses, Benefits, & Side Effects
Dihexa may be useful for people with insufficient synapses. In the absence of a particular neurological disorder, this would refer to people who are in their later years. Therefore, Dihexa is also great for counteracting the neurodegenerative effects of aging long before dementia develops as a result of the effects of aging. However, given the current state of research, those who are younger and in better health should exercise extreme caution when using it or steer clear of it altogether.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- McCoy, A. T., Benoist, C. C., Wright, J. W., Kawas, L. H., Bule-Ghogare, J. M., Zhu, M., Appleyard, S. M., Wayman, G. A., & Harding, J. W. (2013). Evaluation of metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV analogs as procognitive/antidementia agents. The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 344(1), 141–154. https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.112.199497
- Benoist, C. C., Kawas, L. H., Zhu, M., Tyson, K. A., Stillmaker, L., Appleyard, S. M., Wright, J. W., Wayman, G. A., & Harding, J. W. (2014). The procognitive and synaptogenic effects of angiotensin IV-derived peptides are dependent on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor/c-met system. The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 351(2), 390–402. https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.114.218735
- 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 : JAD, 45(4), 985–1000. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-142814
- Washington State University. (2012, October 11). Prospective Alzheimer’s drug builds new brain cell connections, improves cognitive function of rats. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 4, 2023 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121011090653.htm
- US9475854B2 – Lead compound for otoprotection: targeting HGF signaling with dihexa – Google Patents. (2014, May 23). US9475854B2 – Lead Compound for Otoprotection: Targeting HGF Signaling With Dihexa – Google Patents. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US9475854B2/en
- Nair, A. B., & Jacob, S. (2016). A simple practice guide for dose conversion between animals and human. Journal of basic and clinical pharmacy, 7(2), 27–31. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-0105.177703
- Children with Autism Have Extra Synapses in Brain. (2014, August 21). Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/children-autism-have-extra-synapses-brain
- 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2014.11.004
- Dihexa Powder – Nootropics Unlimited. (2022, November 29). Nootropics Unlimited. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://nootropicsunlimited.com/product/dihexa-powder/
