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Last reviewed: March 2026Sources: PubMed, FDA, WADA Prohibited List

Evidence graded using the PeptideScholar A-D system

Humanin

CPreclinical
50
Fair Credibility
1 cited studyy · Evidence level C

Mitochondrial-derived peptide (16S rRNA-encoded) · 24 amino acids

Not FDA Approved

Humanin is the first discovered mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP), identified in 2001 as a secreted factor that protects neurons from Alzheimer's disease-related insults. It is encoded within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and has cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, and metabolic regulatory effects.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to the tripartite receptor complex of gp130, WSX1, and CNTF receptor alpha, activating the STAT3 signaling pathway. Also interacts with Bax and IGFBP3 to inhibit apoptosis. Reduces oxidative stress, improves mitochondrial function, and regulates glucose metabolism. Circulating levels decline with age.

Benefits

  • Neuroprotective against amyloid-beta and other neurotoxic insults[1]
  • Cytoprotective across multiple cell types (neurons, cardiomyocytes, RPE cells)[1]
  • Improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity
  • Anti-apoptotic via Bax inhibition and IGFBP3 modulation
  • Circulating levels correlate with longevity in human populations
Not Medical Advice — Research-Reported Information Only

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Humanin — Dosing in Published Research

Reported Routes: Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal
No established human dosing. Animal studies used intraperitoneal or intracerebroventricular administration. Human circulating levels are in the picogram range. Exogenous dosing is experimental.

The dosing information above is sourced from published research literature and clinical trials. These are not recommendations. Individual responses vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before considering any peptide-based therapy.

Side Effects

  • Limited human safety data for exogenous administration
  • Unknown long-term effects
  • Not approved for human use

Considering Peptide Research?

Humanin is not FDA-approved. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before considering any peptide.

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Research & Evidence

In VitroProc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2001

A rescue factor abolishing neuronal cell death by a wide spectrum of familial Alzheimer's disease genes and Abeta.

Humanin was identified as a secreted factor that protected neurons from cell death induced by familial Alzheimer's disease mutations and amyloid-beta

PMID: 11371646

References

  1. 1. A rescue factor abolishing neuronal cell death by a wide spectrum of familial Alzheimer's disease genes and Abeta.. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2001. “Humanin was identified as a secreted factor that protected neurons from cell death induced by familial Alzheimer's disease mutations and amyloid-beta” [PMID: 11371646]

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Research Supplies

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1mL Insulin Syringes (28G)

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Sharps Disposal Container (1 Qt)

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Humanin FAQ

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice based on information found on this site.

No claims of therapeutic efficacy are made for substances that are not FDA-approved for the discussed indications. Research citations reflect published findings and do not imply endorsement.

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