Humanin
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.
Compare Prices🧬Key Characteristics
- 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.)
Overview
Core Benefits
Key AdvantagesThese are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.
Humanin Results Timeline
ProgressionTimeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.
How It Works
Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide — NeuroprotectantTarget → Anti-Apoptosis → Neuroprotection → Outcomes
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dosing Protocol
Longevity / NeuroprotectionEducational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.
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.
Diagrams
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Humanin Pricing
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5 mg / vial
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Reconstitution calculator
Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.
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How to Reconstitute Peptides
Handling
Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.
- Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year ✓
- Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months ✓
- Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
- MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
- 4-week maximum shelf life
- NEVER freeze after reconstitution
- Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose
Storage & Handling Guide
Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.
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.
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Scientific Sources
The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:
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