Humanin
Mitochondria-Derived Peptide · HN
Humanin was the first mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) discovered, originally cloned from the occipital lobe of an Alzheimer's patient. It is a 24-amino acid peptide encoded from the 16S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA with potent neuroprotective, cytoprotective, and anti-apoptotic properties. Research shows humanin levels decline with age but remain stable in long-lived species like naked mole-rats, and offspring of centenarians have significantly higher humanin levels.
Overview
Humanin was the first mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) discovered, originally cloned from the occipital lobe of an Alzheimer's patient. It is a 24-amino acid peptide encoded from the 16S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA with potent neuroprotective, cytoprotective, and anti-apoptotic properties. Research shows humanin levels decline with age but remain stable in long-lived species like naked mole-rats, and offspring of centenarians have significantly higher humanin levels.
Humanin exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. It interacts with cell surface receptors including FPRL1 and CNTFR, activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathways that promote cell survival. It blocks pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax, reduces beta-amyloid toxicity in neurons, protects against oxidative stress, and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis. These actions support healthy cellular aging at a fundamental level.
Research indications
What the compound has been studied for, grouped by body system. Effect size is the reported magnitude where it was measured — not a recommendation.
Originally discovered for its ability to protect against amyloid-β toxicity in neuronal cells.
Promotes mitochondrial biogenesis via PI3K/AKT signaling in PD models.
Broad neuroprotective effects against various neurotoxic insults.
Overexpression increases lifespan in C. elegans, dependent on daf-16/Foxo pathway.
HNG analog improves metabolic healthspan parameters in middle-aged mice.
Higher levels associated with longevity in centenarians and their offspring.
Protects various cell types from stress-induced damage and death.
Blocks pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax to prevent programmed cell death.
Promotes mitochondrial function and biogenesis.
A large effect in a weak study and a small effect in a strong one are different things. Effect size is never evidence of use in people.
- Class
- Mitochondria-derived peptide
- Chain length
- 24 residues
- Molecular weight
- 2687 Da
- Half-life
- ~30 min
- Typical dose
- 1-5 mg per injection (0.5-2 mg for HNG analog)
- Frequency
- 2-3 times weekly for sustained mitochondrial support
- Cycle length
- 8-12 weeks
- Storage
- Lyophilized: Room temperature. Reconstituted: 2-8°C, protect from light
Molecular data
- Type
- Mitochondria-derived peptide
- Molecular weight
- 2687 Da
- Chain length
- 24 residues
- Half-life
- 30 min
MAPRGFSCLLLLTSEIDLPVKRRADosing reference
Doses reported in the literature and by suppliers. These are a record of what has been used in research — reference, never instruction.
| Context | Route | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuroprotection | SubQ | 1-5 mg | 2-3x weekly |
| Longevity/Anti-aging | SubQ | 1-3 mg | 2x weekly |
| HNG analog | SubQ | 0.5-2 mg | 2x weekly |
Interactions
Both are mitochondria-derived peptides with complementary longevity and metabolic benefits.
Both target mitochondrial function; may have additive benefits for cellular health.
Different mechanisms; can be combined in longevity protocols.
Both support mitochondrial function and healthy aging.
Quality checklist
- ✓White to off-white lyophilized powder
- ✓Clear solution after reconstitution
- ✓Intact vacuum seal
- !Slight clumping that dissolves easily
- ×Discolored powder
- ×Cloudy or particulate solution
- ×Broken seal
What to expect
Safety
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue initially
- Headache (rare)
- Signs of allergic reaction
- Unusual persistent symptoms
- Active cancer (theoretical concern with anti-apoptotic effects)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Hypersensitivity to peptide components
FAQ
How is humanin different from the HNG analog?
HNG (with a glycine substitution at position 14) is approximately 1000-fold more potent than native humanin. Both work via the same mitochondrial pathways, but HNG requires much lower doses—typically 0.5-2mg versus 1-5mg for standard humanin.
Do humanin benefits show up quickly?
No. Humanin works at the cellular and mitochondrial level with slow-building benefits. Most users notice effects over weeks to months as the peptide accumulates in tissues and supports mitochondrial health. This is not a peptide for immediate results.
Is humanin safe for people with a family history of Alzheimer's?
Potentially beneficial. Humanin was originally discovered for its ability to protect against amyloid-beta toxicity. Offspring of centenarians have naturally higher humanin levels. Anyone concerned about neurodegenerative disease might consider humanin as part of a longevity protocol.
Can I combine humanin with other longevity peptides?
Yes. Humanin pairs well with MOTS-c (another mitochondrial-derived peptide), epitalon, and NAD+ precursors. These complement each other through different pathways targeting mitochondrial function, cellular aging, and neuroprotection.