Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Dihexa | MOTS-c | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 10-20 mg daily via oral or sublingual administration. | Research indicates 5-10 mg administered 3-5 times per week via subcutaneous injection. |
| Timing | Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food (orally active). | Morning administration preferred. Can be dosed pre-workout for enhanced exercise performance. |
| Cycle Duration | 2-4 week cycles with equal rest periods. Long-term safety data is extremely limited. | 8-16 week cycles. |
| Evidence Level | animal_plus_anecdotal | Emerging (strong preclinical) |
Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6)-aminohexanoic amide) is an orally active, blood-brain barrier-permeable oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV. It binds hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with high affinity, inhibiting HGF dimerization and synergistically promoting c-Met receptor phosphorylation and signaling. Activation of HGF/c-Met drives procognitive effects through increased dendritic arborization, spinogenesis, and synaptogenesis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Research indicates it is approximately 10 million times more potent than BDNF for new synapse formation.
Research indicates 10-20 mg daily via oral or sublingual administration.
Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food (orally active).
2-4 week cycles with equal rest periods. Long-term safety data is extremely limited.
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 12S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. It primarily acts through the folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway: by regulating the folate cycle and de novo purine biosynthesis, it increases AICAR accumulation, which phosphorylates and activates AMPK. This enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and mimics exercise-mediated physiological responses. Skeletal muscle MOTS-c levels increase 11.9-fold in response to acute exercise in young men.
Research indicates 5-10 mg administered 3-5 times per week via subcutaneous injection.
Morning administration preferred. Can be dosed pre-workout for enhanced exercise performance.
8-16 week cycles.
Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations based on your health goals, current stack, and biomarkers.
Get Your Free Protocol →or take the assessment →