Humanin
Research OnlyA 24-amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) discovered in 2001 that shows cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies. Represents a novel class of signaling molecules encoded within mitochondrial DNA. Extensive academic research with emerging interest in aging, metabolic disease, and neurodegeneration, but no approved clinical applications.
HN · HNG · S14G-Humanin · HN peptide · Colivelin
10 human studies
- Preclinical
- 80%
- Clinical
- 20%
Based on 50 cited sources
Demonstrated effect magnitude — not a recommendation or safety claim.
Research Depth 49: highest human tier is controlled observational biomarker work (Ramanjaneya 2019 n=225, 31214116; multiple correlational MDP studies), no RCTs and no therapeutic trials (1A 22); best human evidence is correlational with high RoB for causal claims (1B 5); total human N in the low-hundreds (1C 7); human data are surrogate biomarkers in the right population but not direct therapeutic outcomes (1D 6); offset by an extensive, independently replicated 20+ year preclinical program across cell/mouse/rat neuro, metabolic and cardiac models (1E 9). Mechanism 87: named, validated targets — FPRL1/2 receptor signaling (ERK1/2, STAT3) and direct BAX binding with siRNA-knockdown functional confirmation (Guo 2003 Nature, 12732850) (2A 38); downstream pathway largely mapped (2B 24); dose-dependent HNG effect in vivo (Muzumdar 2010 cardiac I/R, 20651283) (2C 15); confirmed in mammalian in-vivo models (2D 10). Plausibility 72: mechanism->surrogate biomarker established, surrogate->human clinical benefit still inferred (3A 26); coherent with mitochondrial/apoptosis/aging biology (3B 22); strong class analogy from MOTS-c and SHLPs (Cobb 2016, 27070352) (3C 17); but claims span neuro, metabolic, cardiac and aging systems, lowering specificity (3D 7). Global Coverage 72: independently reproduced across Keio (Japan), USC/Einstein/Mayo (USA), China, Qatar and Italy groups (4A 28, 4B 22); >100 studies and still growing (4C 22); no regulatory recognition anywhere (4D 0). Community Experience 33: negligible documented real-world use confined to niche enthusiast circles (5A 7, 5B 7, 5C 8), no notable adverse signal over limited exposure (5D 11). Effectiveness not established: no quantified human efficacy estimate (all human data are correlational biomarkers, no therapeutic trials) and no meaningful community effect signal.
Humanin is a mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) discovered in 2001 through its ability to rescue cells from Alzheimer’s-related death. It represents a novel class of signaling molecules encoded within mitochondrial DNA.
How It Works (Simplified)
Humanin protects cells through multiple complementary mechanisms:
Binds FPRL1/2 receptors, activating ERK1/2 and STAT3 pathways that promote cell survival and inhibit apoptosis.
Directly binds pro-apoptotic BAX protein, preventing mitochondrial permeabilization and blocking the death cascade.
Improves mitochondrial function, reduces oxidative stress, and prevents cytochrome c release from damaged mitochondria.
Binds IGFBP-3 to modulate insulin-like growth factor signaling, with implications for metabolism and aging.
Key Research: Hashimoto Y et al. (2001) characterized humanin’s ability to rescue cells from familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) gene toxicity and amyloid-beta. PMID:11717357
Important Limitations
- No therapeutic trials — Despite 20+ years of research, no human treatment studies
- Complex biology — Multiple mechanisms complicate drug development
- Cancer question — Anti-apoptotic effects could theoretically promote tumor survival
- Delivery challenges — Peptide stability and pharmacokinetics not optimized
- All human data correlative — Biomarker studies, not cause-and-effect
Humanin binds FPRL receptors rapidly, activating ERK1/2 and STAT3 signaling within minutes. Anti-apoptotic effects are immediate in cellular models. In vivo distribution and kinetics not fully characterized.
PMID:11717357Preclinical studies typically administer humanin or HNG for days to weeks. Neuroprotective effects in AD models observed over weeks of treatment. Metabolic improvements in diabetic mice seen within weeks.
PMID:28731445Endogenous humanin levels decline with age (from higher levels in youth to lower in elderly). Long-term effects of exogenous supplementation are not characterized. No human chronic administration data available.
PMID:31214116Research-based observations
This timeline reflects observations from published clinical and preclinical studies. Individual responses may vary significantly. This is not a guarantee of effects or a dosing schedule. Consult qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance.
Good Signs (6 indicators)
Warning Signs (5 indicators)
Bad Signs (5 indicators)
For Research Evaluation Only
These quality indicators are general guidelines based on typical peptide characteristics. Professional laboratory testing (HPLC, mass spectrometry) provides definitive quality verification. This checklist is for initial visual evaluation only.
Mots-C
SynergisticBoth are mitochondria-derived peptides with complementary mechanisms. Humanin is cytoprotective while MOTS-c is metabolic. May provide synergistic longevity benefits through different pathways.
Ss-31
CompatibleBoth target mitochondrial function. SS-31 acts on cardiolipin while humanin signals through FPRL receptors. Non-overlapping mechanisms with potential complementary benefits.
Epithalon
CompatibleDifferent anti-aging mechanisms - humanin provides cytoprotection while epithalon targets telomerase. No known interactions.
BPC-157
CompatibleDifferent protective mechanisms - humanin acts on apoptosis pathways while BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis and tissue repair.
Cerebrolysin
CompatibleBoth have neuroprotective properties through different mechanisms. Humanin inhibits apoptosis while cerebrolysin provides neurotrophic factors.
Research Note: Interaction data is based on published literature, mechanistic understanding, and theoretical considerations. Most peptide combinations lack direct clinical study. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers.
Key Studies Cited
Full reference list available on request. All citations link to PubMed for verification.
This dossier synthesizes available evidence from peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, and clinical trial registries. Evidence strength ratings follow a modified GRADE approach.
For complete methodology details, see our Methodology page.
Important Disclaimer
This dossier is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.
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Compare Humanin
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Related Content
MOTS-c
Longevity · low evidence
SS-31
Longevity · high evidence
Epithalon
Longevity · low evidence
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