Direct Answer
Dihexa is a synthetic angiotensin IV-derived peptide studied in preclinical models for procognitive and synaptogenic effects via the HGF/c-Met system.
Summary Table
Evidence Level
Preclinical
AI Summary
Dihexa is a synthetic, metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV-derived peptide developed in academic research as a candidate procognitive agent. The evidence base is preclinical: cell and animal studies describe synaptogenic and procognitive effects reported to depend on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) / c-Met system, and reviews discuss angiotensin IV analogs for neurodegenerative disease. There are no controlled human trials, and it is not approved by any regulator. Effects are framed as studied in laboratory and animal models, not established in humans.
Key Information
Classification
Key Takeaways
- Dihexa is a synthetic angiotensin IV-derived peptide studied for procognitive effects
- Reported effects depend on the HGF/c-Met system and come from cell and animal models
- It is not approved by any regulator, and there are no human trials
Scientific Overview
In Plain English
Dihexa is a lab-made peptide based on a fragment of angiotensin (a signaling molecule). Animal and cell studies suggest it may support connections between brain cells, working through a growth-factor system (HGF/c-Met). It has not been tested in controlled human trials and is not an approved medicine.
Scientific Details
Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6)-aminohexanoic amide) is a synthetic angiotensin IV analog designed for metabolic stability and central activity. Preclinical studies report procognitive and synaptogenic effects that are dependent on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met system, and it has been discussed among small-molecule angiotensin IV analogs for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease research. The evidence is cell- and animal-based; no controlled human trials are available.
How It Works
Dihexa is described in research as an angiotensin IV-derived peptide associated with synaptogenic and procognitive effects that depend on activation of the HGF/c-Met signaling system in laboratory and animal models. These mechanisms are characterized preclinically and are not confirmed in humans.
Mechanism of Action
HGF/c-Met-dependent synaptogenesis
animal
Cell and animal studies associate dihexa's procognitive and synaptogenic effects with activation of the hepatocyte growth factor / c-Met system.
Evidence Level
Human Evidence
No controlled human trials are available; dihexa is studied as a preclinical research compound.
Animal Evidence
Rodent studies describe procognitive and synaptogenic effects.
Cell Evidence
In vitro studies describe HGF/c-Met-dependent synaptogenic signaling.
Limitations
The literature is entirely preclinical; there are no controlled human efficacy or safety trials, and it is not an approved medicine.
Why This Grade
Graded preclinical: procognitive and synaptogenic effects are described in cell and animal models only, with no human trials.
References
- The procognitive and synaptogenic effects of angiotensin IV-derived peptides are dependent on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor/c-met system. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.Animal Studydoi:10.1124/jpet.114.218735 →
- The development of small molecule angiotensin IV analogs to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Progress in Neurobiology.Reviewdoi:10.1016/j.pneurobio.2014.11.004 →
Alternative Names
- N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide
- PNB-0408
- Angiotensin IV analog
Risks & Safety
- Human safety and efficacy are entirely uncharacterized; there are no human trials
- Research-chemical-vendor material is not quality-controlled and may be mislabeled or contaminated
- Effects on growth-factor (HGF/c-Met) signaling raise theoretical concerns that have not been evaluated for safety in humans
Claim Boundaries
ION BLUE is an educational research aggregator. This content summarizes published scientific literature. It is not medically reviewed, is not medical advice, and is not a recommendation to use any substance. Several peptides discussed are research chemicals not approved for human use. Consult a licensed healthcare provider. This entry does not assert that dihexa is safe or effective in humans and is not a recommendation to obtain or use it.
This page summarizes published research and is for informational purposes only; it is not medical advice.