Anti-Aging & Longevity
Humanin
cytoprotective mitochondrial peptide
What it is
Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide encoded inside mitochondrial DNA (like MOTS-c). Discovered in 2001 in brain cells of Alzheimer's patients that surprisingly survived. Levels decline with age. Has broad cytoprotective and metabolic effects.
How it works
Protects cells from apoptosis (programmed cell death) by inhibiting Bax. Improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammatory signaling, and protects neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity. Crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Benefits
- Neuroprotection — particularly against Alzheimer's-type damage
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Cardioprotective effects
- Reduced inflammatory markers
- Cellular longevity support
Timeline
- Week 1–4
- Subtle — mostly preventive/protective effects.
- Month 2–3
- Cumulative metabolic and neuroprotective benefits.
Dosing & titration
Standard dose100–500 mcg subQ, 3–7x per week
Cycle length8–12 weeks
TimingAM
When to titrate upLimited human dose-response data. Start at low end and assess.
Side effects & risks
- Generally well tolerated
- Limited human safety data outside academic settings
- Mild injection site reactions
Heavily research-focused compound. Most effects shown in animal/cell models. Human dose-response data is limited.
Typical price
$200–$400/mo2–5 mg vial; limited availability.
Studies
- Hashimoto Y et al. A rescue factor abolishing neuronal cell death by a wide spectrum of familial Alzheimer's disease genes and Aβ — Original discovery paper. PubMedPNAS, 2001
- Yen K et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide humanin in metabolism and aging — Modern review. PubMedTrends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2020
- Search PubMed for humanin — PubMed searchLive PubMed search
Educational reference only. Not medical advice.