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Humanin

Last reviewed: April 18, 2026 by The Peptide Catalog Team

A neuroprotective peptide for brain health and cognitive longevity. Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) with potent cytoprotective and neuroprotective effects. It protects cells from stress-induced death, improves insulin sensitivity, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Studied for Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and aging-related conditions.

CategoryLongevity & Mitochondrial Peptides
Classmitochondrial
GoalLongevity
Overview

Core Benefits

Key Advantages
Cellular survival peptide
Inhibits apoptosis through BAX inhibition and STAT3.
Neuroprotection research
Protects neurons from amyloid and oxidative damage.
Insulin sensitivity
Improves insulin signaling and glucose tolerance in research.
Mitochondrial-derived peptide
Encoded within mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene.
Stress resilience
Cellular stress response support over 4–8 week cycles.
Research peptide
Protocols vary — preliminary human data, mostly preclinical.

These are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.

Humanin Results Timeline

Progression
1
Week 1–2
Physical Changes
Subtle improvements in energy and vitality
Performance & Recovery
Cytoprotective effects beginning at cellular level
Other Benefits
Neuroprotective signaling pathways activating
2
Week 3–4
Physical Changes
Improved recovery from daily stressors
Performance & Recovery
Improved cellular stress resilience
Other Benefits
Anti-apoptotic effects (BAX inhibition), STAT3 activation
3
Month 2–3
Physical Changes
Better metabolic markers, improved blood sugar regulation
Performance & Recovery
Potential cognitive clarity, neuroprotection
Other Benefits
Improved insulin sensitivity possible (research area)
4
Long-term
Physical Changes
Sustained cellular health, slower aging markers
Performance & Recovery
Cellular protection and metabolic support
Other Benefits
Research peptide — protocols vary; often cycled 4-8 weeks on/off

Timeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.

Read the full Humanin results timeline →

Evidence at a glance

Two parallel grades per outcome — clinical RCT depth and real-world community adoption. See the Research Overview below for citations and detail.

OutcomeClinical EvidenceCommunity Evidence
Neuroprotection against AD-relevant insults (preclinical)ModeratePreliminary
Endogenous humanin levels and cardiometabolic diseasePreliminaryPreliminary
Therapeutic use in Alzheimer's disease (humans)PreliminaryPreliminary
How It WorksMitochondrial-Derived Peptide — Neuroprotectant

Target → Anti-Apoptosis → Neuroprotection → Outcomes

1
Target

FPRL1/FPRL2 Receptors + BAX (Apoptosis Regulator)

Humanin is encoded in mitochondrial DNA (like MOTS-c) and targets formyl peptide receptors and the pro-apoptotic protein BAX. By blocking BAX, Humanin prevents programmed cell death in stressed cells — particularly neurons.

2
Cellular Signal

Anti-Apoptosis + STAT3 Activation → Cell Survival

Humanin blocks BAX-mediated apoptosis, keeping stressed cells alive. It also activates STAT3 signaling, promoting cell survival and reducing oxidative stress. The HNG analog is 1000x more potent than native Humanin.

3
Systemic Effect

Neuroprotection + Metabolic Support + Longevity

Protects neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity (relevant to Alzheimer's). Improves insulin sensitivity. Reduces oxidative stress across tissues. Like MOTS-c, Humanin levels decline with age, potentially contributing to age-related neurodegeneration.

4
What You Notice

Subtle — Neuroprotection + Metabolic Support

Effects are primarily protective rather than immediately noticeable. Improved cognitive resilience and metabolic markers develop over weeks to months. This is a longevity and neuroprotection peptide — benefits are long-term and preventive.

What Makes This Peptide Different

Humanin is the second major mitochondrial-derived peptide alongside MOTS-c. While MOTS-c targets metabolic pathways (AMPK/exercise mimetic), Humanin targets cell survival (anti-apoptosis/neuroprotection). Together they represent two complementary aspects of mitochondrial signaling that decline with age.

Research overview

Outcome-by-outcome look at what the evidence actually supports for Humanin, including human vs. animal study counts and our editorial take on each.

Neuroprotection in Alzheimer's models

Clinical:ModerateCommunity:Preliminary

Hashimoto 2001 showed humanin antagonizes neurotoxicity from familial AD mutations (V642I APP, K595N/M596L APP, M146L-PS1, N141I-PS2) and Aβ peptides in cell culture. Subsequent work confirmed receptor binding (FPRL1, ciliary neurotrophic receptor complex) and downstream STAT3/Akt signaling. As of 2026 no human therapeutic trial has been completed.

0 human studies · 8 animal studies

Key findings & citations
  • Antagonizes multiple familial AD mutations and Aβ neurotoxicity in vitro.
  • Receptor-mediated mechanism via FPRL1 / CNTFRα-WSX-1-gp130 complex.
  • Endogenous humanin levels decrease with age in humans — possible biomarker.
  • Zero human therapeutic trials.

Our take

Mechanistically interesting, clinically untested. The Alzheimer's translation almost certainly will not be as clean as cell-culture experiments make it look.

What Humanin doesn't do

Claims that current evidence does not support. Worth knowing before you set expectations.

Humanin Vendors

No offers available at this time.

Dosing ProtocolLongevity / Neuroprotection

Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Vial Size
5 mg
Reconstitution
2 ml BAC water
Dose
1-2 mg
Timing
AM
Frequency
5 days on, 2 days off
Duration
8 weeks on, 8 weeks off
Protocol Notes
Mitochondrial-derived peptide. HNG analog is 1000x more potent than native Humanin.

Why This Dosing Protocol

Why the HNG analog? Native Humanin is relatively weak. The HNG (S14G substitution) analog is ~1000x more potent, allowing much lower doses for the same neuroprotective effect.

Why 5 on / 2 off? Standard peptide cycling approach to prevent pathway desensitization while maintaining protective effects.
Full Dosing GuideReconstitution CalculatorCycle Cost Calculator

Storage & Handling

Storage at a glance

Proper storage temperatures, shelf life, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.

Powder: Freezer
1+ year at -20°C
Reconstituted: Fridge
4 weeks max at 2-8°C
View Complete Storage Guide

Handling specifics

Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.

Powder storage (very stable)
  • Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year
  • Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months
  • Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
Reconstituted storage (fragile)
  • MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
  • 4-week maximum shelf life
  • NEVER freeze after reconstitution
  • Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose
Molecular Structure

Humanin sequence

Click any residue to see its properties.

HydrophobicPolarAcidic (−)Basic (+)Special

Sequence-derived properties

Length
24 residues
Molecular weight
2687.3 Da
backbone only
Avg hydrophobicity
0.34
Kyte–Doolittle scale

Residue classes

Hydrophobic: 11 (46%)Polar: 3 (13%)Acidic (−): 2 (8%)Basic (+): 4 (17%)Special: 4 (17%)

Net charge distribution

Positive4 (17%)
Neutral18 (75%)
Negative2 (8%)

Amino acid frequency

L×5R×3A×2P×2S×2C×1D×1E×1F×1G×1

Modifications

  • 24-residue peptide encoded in mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene

Sequence and properties provided for educational reference. Not for clinical dosing decisions.

  • Length: 24 amino acids
    (Encoded in mtDNA 16S rRNA.)
  • Origin: Mitochondrial
    (First discovered MDP.)
  • Mechanism: Multi-pathway
    (STAT3, IGFBP-3, BAX inhibition.)
  • Primary Use: Neuroprotection
    (Also metabolic + cardioprotective.)
Peptide sequence
MAPRGFSCLLLLTSEIDLPVKRRA
Humanin protects cells by binding to BAX (blocking apoptosis), activating STAT3 signaling, and interacting with IGFBP-3. Levels decline with age, correlating with age-related diseases.
Key takeaway: Humanin is the founding member of mitochondrial-derived peptides, with broad cytoprotective effects. Research focuses on Alzheimer's, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and aging.

FAQ

How does Humanin relate to MOTS-c and other mitochondrial peptides?

Humanin was the first mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) discovered in 2001, opening a new field of research. MOTS-c was discovered later in 2015. Both are encoded in mitochondrial DNA and have cytoprotective effects, but work through different mechanisms: Humanin primarily blocks apoptosis via BAX inhibition and STAT3 activation, while MOTS-c focuses on AMPK and metabolic regulation.

Why is Humanin studied for Alzheimer's disease?

Humanin was originally discovered in the brain of an Alzheimer's patient who had survived longer than expected. It protects neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity — the protein that forms plaques in Alzheimer's brains. Humanin levels are lower in Alzheimer's patients, and research shows it can reduce neuronal cell death caused by various AD-related insults.

Does Humanin have effects beyond neuroprotection?

Yes, Humanin has broad cytoprotective effects. It improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism (studied for diabetes), protects heart cells from ischemia damage (cardioprotection), reduces oxidative stress, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It's being researched for multiple age-related conditions beyond just neurodegeneration.

Why do Humanin levels decline with age?

Humanin is produced by mitochondria, and mitochondrial function declines with age. Lower Humanin levels correlate with age-related diseases including Alzheimer's, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Some researchers consider Humanin a biomarker of mitochondrial health and biological aging. Restoring Humanin levels is being studied as a potential anti-aging intervention.

What is HNG (Humanin analog) and why is it used in research?

HNG (S14G-Humanin) is a modified version of Humanin with a serine-to-glycine substitution at position 14. This single change makes HNG approximately 1000x more potent than native Humanin. Most research studies use HNG because it's more effective at lower doses, making it practical for experimental and potential therapeutic applications.

How long does reconstituted peptide last?

Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.

Is this peptide legal to purchase?

Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

New to peptides?

Take our Peptide Match tool to find the best peptide for your goals. You can also read our Complete Guide to Peptides to learn the basics.

Scientific Sources

The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:

Humanin Research Articles

dosing

Humanin Dosage Chart: 0.5-2mg HNG Daily Protocol

Native humanin is 1,000x weaker than HNG — the analog choice matters most. Covers HNG dosing, 8-12 week cycling, and longevity stacking.

results

Humanin Results: Week-by-Week Timeline

Cytoprotective signaling begins within hours, but cognitive and metabolic effects need months. Full humanin timeline from day 1 to month 6.

benefits

Humanin: Neuroprotection From Your Own DNA

Neuroprotection has the deepest data, but humanin's cardiovascular effects surprised researchers. 5 research-backed benefits with cited studies.

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