Humanin (10mg)
Humanin is a mitochondrially-derived 24 amino acid peptide with cytoprotective properties. Reconstitute with 2mL bacteriostatic water for 5mg/mL.
Reviewed by the AllPeptides.eu Editorial Team·Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
⚠️ For informational/educational purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell any products. Self-treatment carries serious risks — consult a healthcare professional. Disclaimer
How It Works
Humanin is the first **mitochondrially-encoded peptide (MDP)**—encoded by the **16S rRNA gene** of the mitochondrial DNA. It was discovered in 2001 during a screen for factors that protect neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity. It acts through multiple mechanisms: **(1)** It binds to **IGFBP-3**, releasing IGF-1 and inhibiting IGFBP-3-dependent apoptosis. **(2)** It inhibits the **translocation of Bax** to the mitochondria, preventing the apoptotic cascade. **(3)** It activates **STAT3** signaling, improving cell survival and reducing inflammation. **(4)** It improves **insulin sensitivity** via AMPK activation in muscle cells. Endogenous Humanin levels significantly decline with age (~40% decrease per decade after 40), correlating it with aging, neurodegeneration, and metabolic dysfunction.
Quick Start
- Typical Dose: 1–5mg subcutaneously
- Frequency: 1x/day
- Storage: 2–8°C after reconstitution
Dosing Table — Humanin 10mg
Route: Subcutaneous injection | Frequency: 1x daily
| Week | Dose | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 1mg | 20 Units (0.20 mL) |
| 3–4 | 2mg | 40 Units (0.40 mL) |
| 5+ | 5mg | 100 Units (1.00 mL) |
Cycle: 4–8 weeks. Research peptide — dosing is based on preclinical data.
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- Clean the stoppers with an alcohol wipe.
- Withdraw 2mL of bacteriostatic water.
- Inject slowly down the side wall of the vial.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved.
- Store in the refrigerator (2–8°C).
Protocol Overview
- Humanin is a 24 amino acid peptide encoded by the mitochondrial DNA (16S rRNA gene)—the first mitochondrially-encoded peptide (MDP) discovered.
- Discovered in 2001 by Hashimoto in a screen for factors protecting against Alzheimer's disease.
- Acts as a cytoprotective agent—inhibits Bax-dependent apoptosis, protects mitochondria, improves insulin sensitivity.
- Endogenous Humanin levels decline with age—inversely correlated with aging and chronic diseases.
- Research peptide—primarily preclinical data but with impressive results in models of Alzheimer's, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Dosing Protocol
- Weeks 1–2: 1mg/day subcutaneously—introductory phase.
- Weeks 3–4: 2mg/day—intermediate dose.
- Weeks 5+: 5mg/day—full research dose.
- Cycle: 4–8 weeks, with a 4–6 week pause.
- Often combined with SS-31 (mitochondrial targeting) or MOTS-c (metabolic regulation) for synergistic action.
- Break between cycles: After the cycle (4–8 weeks), a pause of 4–6 weeks is recommended. Humanin regulates mitochondrial processes and IGFBP-3 signaling—the pause prevents tolerance and allows for restoration of endogenous production.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
After the cycle (4–8 weeks), a pause of 4–6 weeks is recommended. Humanin regulates mitochondrial processes and IGFBP-3 signaling—the pause prevents tolerance and allows for restoration of endogenous production.
Minimum wait period: 4 weeks
Storage Instructions
- Lyophilized powder: −20°C for long-term storage.
- Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 21 days.
- Do not freeze after reconstitution.
- Avoid exposure to light—denaturation.
Important Notes
- Research peptide—primarily preclinical data, no phase III clinical trials exist.
- Interacts with IGFBP-3 (binding), Bax (apoptosis inhibition), and STAT3 signaling.
- Endogenous levels are naturally increased by exercise, fasting, and cold exposure.
- Medical supervision is required due to limited safety data.
- The use of this protocol is for informational purposes only.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- Neuroprotection—reduces amyloid-beta toxicity in Alzheimer's models
- Cytoprotection—inhibits Bax-dependent apoptosis, protects mitochondria
- Improved insulin sensitivity—via AMPK and STAT3 activation
- Reduced oxidative stress—increases antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx)
- Cardioprotection—reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury in animal models
- Anti-aging action—restores mitochondrial function that declines with age
Potential Side Effects:
- Limited safety data in humans—primarily preclinical evidence
- Theoretically: mild injection site reaction (redness)
- Potential interaction with IGFBP-3 binding—may affect IGF-1 dynamics
- No serious side effects reported in animal models
⚠️ Serious Warnings & Long-Term Risks
The following warnings are based on published literature, FDA labels, and post-marketing surveillance. They do not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Anti-apoptotic action — potential tumor protection
Humanin inhibits apoptosis via Bax/IGFBP-3 interaction. May theoretically "protect" cancer cells from programmed death. Contraindicated in active neoplasia.
📄 J Biol Chem 2003; Trends Endocrinol Metab 2014References
- PNAS (2001) — Hashimoto Y, et al. A rescue factor abolishing neuronal cell death by a wide spectrum of familial Alzheimer's disease genes and Aβ.
View Source - PNAS (2003) — Ikonen M, et al. Interaction between the Alzheimer's survival peptide humanin and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3.
View Source - Sci Rep (2018) — Yen K, et al. Humanin prevents age-related cognitive decline in mice and is associated with improved cognitive age in humans.
View Source - GeroScience (2021) — Kim SJ, et al. Mitochondrial-derived peptides in aging and age-related diseases.
View Source - PLoS One (2009) — Muzumdar RH, et al. Humanin: a novel central regulator of peripheral insulin action.
View Source - Diabetes (2014) — Cobb LJ, et al. Naturally occurring mitochondrial-derived peptides are age-dependent regulators of apoptosis, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory markers.
View Source - Aging Cell (2020) — Benaki D, et al. Humanin analogue (HNG) reduces amyloid-β toxicity in vivo and protects against age-related mitochondrial decline.
View Source - FASEB J (2007) — Mamiya T, et al. Humanin derivative [Gly14]-humanin prevents glutamate-induced neuronal death.
View Source - Mol Psychiatry (2020) — Yen K, et al. The emerging role of the mitochondrial-derived peptide humanin in stress resistance. J Mol Med. 2020;98:915-924.
View Source - Biochem Biophys Res Commun (2012) — Guo B, et al. Humanin peptide suppresses apoptosis by interfering with Bax activation. Nature. 2003;423:456-461.
View Source
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External Sources & Regulatory Status
Regulatory Approvals
Research-only — Endogenous mitochondrial peptide
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
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