Anti-Aging

Humanin

HN · Mitochondrial Peptide Humanin

Humanin (HN) is a cutting-edge Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MDP) encoded directly within mitochondrial DNA, functioning as an absolute biological shield against programmed cell death (apoptosis). Discovered relatively recently in the brains of Alzheimer's patients who mysteriously evaded neural decay, Humanin is aggressively deployed in advanced cognitive protocols to protect the brain against neurotoxic insults, severe ischemic strokes, and age-related Beta-Amyloid plaque buildup, ensuring total neuronal survival under extreme oxidative stress.

Not FDA-approved - research chemical
Reviewed by CalcMyPeptide Editorial Team
Last updated: August 2026Evidence: Low3 peer-reviewed citations
Typical research dose
1-5 mg/day (research)
Frequency
1× daily
Half-life
~20 minutes (endogenous)
Common vials
5 mg
CAS
330798-55-5
Molecular weight
~2.8 kDa

Use-case scores

0–10 against the evidence we have, not a gym ranking. Hidden domains do not apply here.

  • Longevity / aging2.5/10

    Cohen-lab MDP. Cell-survival papers. Not a human longevity RCT.

Compound card

Class
Mitochondrial ORF peptide (MDP; 24 aa)
Formula
C121H207N39O38S1
Status
Not FDA-approved · research use
Dose it
5 mg + 2 mL BAC water → 2.5 mg/mL · 1000 mcg ≈ 40 units (U-100)
Open in calculator

How it works

Humanin (HN) is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP), encoded by the 16S ribosomal RNA gene in mitochondrial DNA. It is the founding member of the mitokine family alongside MOTS-c and SHLPs (Small Humanin-Like Peptides).

Humanin exerts potent cytoprotective effects: it blocks apoptosis by binding IGFBP-3 and BAX (pro-apoptotic proteins), activates STAT3 signaling for cell survival, and provides neuroprotection against β-amyloid toxicity (Alzheimer's disease models). It also improves insulin sensitivity and reduces systemic inflammation through IL-6 modulation. Circulating humanin levels decline ~40% per decade after age 20, correlating with increased susceptibility to metabolic and neurodegenerative disease. Higher humanin levels in centenarians suggest its role in extreme longevity.

Source: PMID: 11555613

Background & History

Humanin is a 21-amino-acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) discovered in 2001 by Nishimoto et al. (BBRC) while screening a human brain cDNA library for factors protecting against Alzheimer's-related neuronal death. It is encoded in the 16S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA - like MOTS-c - making both of these peptides part of the emerging class of "mitokines" (mitochondria-derived signaling peptides). Circulating humanin levels decline with age and predict metabolic and cognitive health outcomes.

Research Use Cases

  • ✓Identity: 16S rRNA MDP vs MOTS-c vs SS-31
  • ✓Alzheimer-discovery context is not an Alzheimer NDA
  • ✓Not a chemo-gonadal or diabetes protocol on this site

Dosing

PhaseDoseFrequencyNotes
Research Protocol1 - 5 mg2-3x per week (SC)Humanin is still in early research stages for human dosing. Based on animal studies and emerging human data. Start at 1 mg and titrate.

Administration

Route / form
Subcutaneous injection
Timing
Morning. No fasting required.
Empty stomach?
No - Food timing is not critical.

Timeline

Week 1-4
Preclinical data suggests improved insulin sensitivity markers and reduced oxidative stress.
Month 1-3
Neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic effects. Limited human timeline data available.

Who it is for

Neuroprotection / Alzheimer's Prevention

Low

Strong evidence in animal models for β-amyloid protection. Human data is preliminary.

Longevity / Mitochondrial Health

Low

Centenarian data suggests correlation with extreme longevity. Mechanism is well-characterized.

Metabolic Health

Low

Improves insulin sensitivity in animal models. Human dosing protocols are not yet established.

Reconstitution

VialWaterConcentrationExample dose
5 mg lyophilized2 mL BAC2.5 mg/mLResearch-only. Confirm mg on the COA; MDP doses are not standardized.

Change vial size or water volume? Open the reconstitution calculator.

Safety & Considerations

Endogenous mitochondrial peptide. Limited human clinical data - research peptide status. Favorable preclinical safety profile. May affect insulin sensitivity; monitor if diabetic. Use with medical supervision.

Regulatory & Legal Status

FDA Status (US)
Research Only
WADA Status (2026)
Not Listed

Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change - verify before competition.

Classification

Research Chemical

US Compounding: Not eligible / not available

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.

Limits of current evidence

  • HNG is a more potent analog SKU. Do not paste HNG doses onto humanin.
  • This site will not treat Alzheimer disease from a humanin page.

Verdict

Humanin is a 24-aa mitochondrial ORF peptide. Cytoprotection papers exist. It is not MOTS-c, not SHLP2, and not a dementia drug.

Interactions & Contraindications

Limited human safety data. IGF-1 receptor signaling involvement - potential theoretical interaction with IGF-1 LR3. No significant drug interactions documented in available research. Injectable form preferred (oral stability uncertain).

Synergies & Common Stacks

+ MOTS-c →

Two MDPs. Overlapping cytoprotection papers. Not a core mitochondrial stack with a US indication.

+ SS-31 →

Cardiolipin-targeted tetrapeptide vs a mitokine paper trail. Complementary mitochondrial marketing is not a protection protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Humanin related to MOTS-c?▼
Both are mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) encoded in mitochondrial DNA. MOTS-c activates AMPK for metabolic regulation, while Humanin blocks apoptosis and provides neuroprotection. They represent different arms of mitochondrial stress signaling.
Why do Humanin levels decline with age?▼
Mitochondrial DNA copy number and mitochondrial function both decline with age. Since Humanin is encoded in mtDNA, its production decreases ~40% per decade. This decline correlates with increased susceptibility to age-related neurodegeneration and metabolic disease.

References

  1. Hashimoto Y et al. “"Humanin: A Novel Neuroprotective Factor".” Science (2001). PMID: 11239415
  2. Hashimoto Y, et al. “Humanin is a neuroprotective mitochondrial-derived peptide.” Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (2001). PMID: 11481436
  3. Yen K, et al. “Humanin and age-related diseases.” Biochim Biophys Acta (2013). PMID: 23291260

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