Dihexa vs AHK-Cu
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Dihexa is a potent experimental oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV that dramatically enhances synaptogenesis. Preclinical research shows cognitive enhancement orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF — it is considered one of the most powerful nootropic compounds in research, but has very limited human safety data.
- AHK-Cu is a copper tripeptide composed of alanine, histidine, and lysine chelated to copper. Distinct from GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu exhibits strong affinity for hair follicle receptors and demonstrates potent hair growth stimulation alongside wound healing and skin regeneration properties.
- Half-Life
- Unknown (limited pharmacokinetic data)
- Hours (topical, variable by formulation)
- Admin Route
- Oral, SubQ, Topical
- Topical, Scalp application, Subcutaneous (research)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5–10 mg
- 0.01–0.1% concentration
- Frequency
- Daily
- Once or twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Dramatically increases synapse formation (potentially 10 million× more potent than BDNF in animal models)
- Enhances memory and learning
- May reverse cognitive decline
- Improves neuroplasticity and executive function
- Long-lasting cognitive benefits from short courses
- Potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's
- Stimulates hair follicle growth and reduces shedding
- Increases dermal papilla cell proliferation
- Promotes wound healing and skin regeneration
- Antioxidant protection via superoxide dismutase activation
- Improves skin elasticity and firmness
- Supports collagen and elastin production
- Side Effects
- Headache
- Irritability
- Brain fog during washout period
- Unknown long-term effects (insufficient data)
- Generally well-tolerated topically
- Mild scalp irritation or redness in sensitive individuals
- Possible temporary hair shedding phase at treatment initiation
- Copper accumulation with excessive systemic use (rare)
- Stacks With
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