Humanin

Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide / Cytoprotective

Also known as: HN · Human Apoptosis Inhibitor Peptide

A 21-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial 16S rRNA with cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, & insulin-sensitizing properties linked to longevity & Alzheimer's protection.

Typical Dose

1–5 mg, 3–5x per week

Route

Subcutaneous injection

Cycle

8–12 weeks

Half-life

Unknown in humans

Storage

Lyophilized: 2–8°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 30 days.

Overview

Humanin is a 21-amino-acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, discovered through its ability to rescue neurons from Alzheimer's-associated cell death. It is secreted from mitochondria in response to cellular stress & acts both intracellularly (binding pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, IGFBP-3) & extracellularly (via CNTF receptor signaling).

Circulating Humanin levels decline with age & are inversely correlated with Alzheimer's risk & insulin resistance in human epidemiological studies. Exogenous Humanin treatment improves glucose metabolism via AMPK pathway, reduces neuronal apoptosis, & prolongs lifespan in C. elegans & mouse models.

Quick Start Guide

Reconstitute with 1 mL BAC water per 5 mg vial.

Inject 1–5 mg subcutaneously 3–5x per week.

Research Indications

Neuroprotection (Alzheimer's, aging)

Moderate

Prevents Alzheimer's peptide-induced neuronal apoptosis in animal models. Epidemiological correlation with cognitive decline & Humanin levels in humans.

Insulin sensitivity / metabolic health

Moderate

Activates AMPK in liver & skeletal muscle. Improves glucose tolerance in high-fat-diet animal models.

Longevity

Research Only

Overexpression extends lifespan in C. elegans. Levels correlate inversely with biological aging markers in humans.

Research Protocols

Longevity / neuroprotection protocol

8–12 weeks

Dose

1–5 mg

Frequency

3–5x per week SubQ

Route

SubQ abdomen

Peptide Interactions

MOTS-cCompatible

Both mitochondria-derived peptides. MOTS-c targets AMPK/metabolism; Humanin targets anti-apoptotic/neuroprotection. Complementary.

SS-31Compatible

Full mitochondrial protection stack: SS-31 (cardiolipin) + MOTS-c (AMPK) + Humanin (anti-apoptotic).

Side Effects & Safety

Common

Injection site redness
Mild fatigue

Uncommon

Headache

When to Stop

Signs of allergic reaction

How to Reconstitute

Wipe stopper. Add 1 mL BAC water. Swirl gently. Refrigerate.

Dosing math: 1 mL BAC water per 5 mg = 5000 mcg/mL. For 2.5 mg: 0.5 mL.

Quality Indicators

Good — use as normal

Clear, colorless solution

Acceptable

Very faint tint

Discard immediately

Cloudiness
Particulate

What to Expect

Week 1–4

Metabolic improvements may be measurable (blood glucose, energy). Neuroprotective effects are not experientially measurable.

Week 5–12

Cumulative cytoprotective & metabolic benefits. Best used as a long-term longevity intervention.

Community Insights

Self-reported. Reflects user experience, not clinical outcomes.

Research References

Humanin: a new mitochondrial peptide that reduces risk for Alzheimer's disease & metabolic syndrome

Aging & Disease · 2019

Comprehensive review covering Humanin's discovery, mechanisms, & clinical correlations with aging, Alzheimer's risk, & metabolic disease.

Verify what you have

Information on this page applies to pharmaceutical-grade peptides. Purity & identity of research-grade products vary. Certipep provides independent ESI-TOF-MS & HPLC analysis with a signed analytical report.

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