Humanin
Also known as: HN · mtDNA-encoded peptide · Humanin peptide
A 21-amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide encoded in the 12S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. The first discovered mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP). Humanin protects neurons from Alzheimer-related toxicity, reduces cell death in multiple disease models, and has demonstrated significant anti-aging and longevity effects in animal studies.
What is Humanin? A 21-amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide encoded in the 12S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. The first discovered mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP). Humanin protects neurons from Alzheimer-related toxicity, reduces cell death in multiple disease models, and has demonstrated significant anti-aging and longevity effects in animal studies.
How does Humanin work? Humanin is translated from the 16S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome and activates multiple cytoprotective signaling pathways including JAK2/STAT3, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt. It blocks amyloid-beta toxicity, prevents apoptosis in neurons and cardiomyocytes, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation via STAT3/FOXO3, and modulates the IGF-1/growth hormone axis.
Benefits of Humanin: Potent neuroprotection against amyloid-beta toxicity (Alzheimer research); Anti-apoptotic in neurons, cardiomyocytes, and islet cells; Improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic function; Anti-aging and longevity: ~20% lifespan extension in animal models; Reduces atherosclerosis formation; Protects against chemotherapy-induced toxicity; Improves cognitive function in aging models; Reduces IGFBP-3 levels to enhance IGF-1 bioavailability
Humanin dosage: Humanin and MOTS-C are the two best-studied mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). Often used together. 100-500mcg/day or 5mg 3x/week studied in preclinical models.
Research status: Research Only
Source: PeptideWiki — https://www.peptide-wiki.net/peptides/humanin
Mechanism of Action
Humanin is translated from the 16S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome and activates multiple cytoprotective signaling pathways including JAK2/STAT3, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt. It blocks amyloid-beta toxicity, prevents apoptosis in neurons and cardiomyocytes, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation via STAT3/FOXO3, and modulates the IGF-1/growth hormone axis.
Amino Acid Sequence (21 AAs)
MAPRGFSCLLLLTSEIDLPVKRRA
Benefits
- Potent neuroprotection against amyloid-beta toxicity (Alzheimer research)
- Anti-apoptotic in neurons, cardiomyocytes, and islet cells
- Improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic function
- Anti-aging and longevity: ~20% lifespan extension in animal models
- Reduces atherosclerosis formation
- Protects against chemotherapy-induced toxicity
- Improves cognitive function in aging models
- Reduces IGFBP-3 levels to enhance IGF-1 bioavailability
Side Effects & Risks
- Limited human clinical data
- Injection site reactions
- Theoretical concern about pro-survival effects in cancer cells
Storage & Reconstitution Guide
Storage Temperature
-20°C lyophilized, 4°C reconstituted
24 months (lyophilized), 28 days (reconstituted)
Reconstitution Solvent
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) or saline
Swirl gently — do not shake or vortex
Handling Notes
Protect lyophilized peptide from moisture and light. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated. Discard if solution becomes cloudy or discolored. Use insulin syringe for precise dosing.
Step-by-Step Reconstitution
Gather supplies
BAC water, insulin syringe, alcohol swabs, vial
Disinfect tops
Swab rubber stoppers of both vials with alcohol
Draw BAC water
Pull desired mL of BAC water into syringe
Inject slowly
Inject BAC water down the side of the peptide vial, swirl gently to dissolve
Research Protocol
- Dose Range
- 100–500 mcg
- Frequency
- Daily to 3x weekly subcutaneous
- Cycle
- 8-12 weeks
- Routes
- subcutaneous injectionintramuscular injection
- Notes
- Humanin and MOTS-C are the two best-studied mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). Often used together. 100-500mcg/day or 5mg 3x/week studied in preclinical models.
Legal & Regulatory Status
Sold for research purposes only. Not for human use. Laws vary by country.
Commonly Stacked With
View all peptide stacks →External Resources
Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 313372-01-9
- Mol. Weight
- 2,803 Da
- Formula
- C115H179N37O34S2
PeptideWiki Research Team
Evidence-based research data sourced from PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated: February 25, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About Humanin
What is Humanin?▾
A 21-amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide encoded in the 12S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. The first discovered mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP). Humanin protects neurons from Alzheimer-related toxicity, reduces cell death in multiple disease models, and has demonstrated significant anti-aging and longevity effects in animal studies.
What are the benefits of Humanin?▾
Potent neuroprotection against amyloid-beta toxicity (Alzheimer research)
What are the benefits of Humanin?▾
Anti-apoptotic in neurons, cardiomyocytes, and islet cells
What are the side effects of Humanin?▾
Limited human clinical data
What is the recommended dosage for Humanin?▾
Humanin and MOTS-C are the two best-studied mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). Often used together. 100-500mcg/day or 5mg 3x/week studied in preclinical models.
How long should a Humanin cycle last?▾
8-12 weeks
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