Humanin
Mitochondrial-derived peptide with neuroprotective and metabolic benefits
Clinical Research Score: 3/5 — Supported by a solid base of preclinical research and some human biomarker studies, but no clinical trials of the peptide as a therapy.
Categories: Anti-Aging / Longevity, Mental / Cognitive
What is Humanin?
Humanin is one of those fascinating discoveries that changed how scientists think about aging. It's a peptide made by your own mitochondria — and it was first discovered because it protected brain cells from Alzheimer's-related damage. But it turns out it does much more.
People report improved cognitive clarity, better metabolic health, enhanced resilience to physical and emotional stress, and a general sense of cellular vitality. It's subtle — you won't feel a dramatic shift — but the protective effects operate continuously at the cellular level, shielding your cells from the accumulated damage of aging.
Like MOTS-c and NAD+, Humanin levels decline naturally with age, and this decline correlates strongly with the diseases of aging. Supplementing it is part of a growing strategy to restore the protective signals your body produced abundantly when you were younger. It's a foundational anti-aging peptide — not flashy, but quietly essential.
How Humanin works
Humanin works by binding to specific receptors that activate cellular survival pathways. It activates the STAT3 pathway (which promotes cell survival), inhibits apoptosis (programmed cell death), reduces reactive oxygen species (the cellular waste products that damage DNA and proteins), and improves insulin sensitivity. It also interacts with IGFBP-3 to modulate growth factor signaling. The net effect is cells that survive longer, function better, and resist the damage that accumulates with aging.
Scientific overview
Humanin is a 24-amino acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome. It was first discovered for its neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's disease-related cellular toxicity. Subsequent research has revealed its roles in metabolic regulation, cardioprotection, and stress response. Humanin levels decline with age, correlating with increased susceptibility to age-related diseases.
Dosing
- Starting dose: 1 mg per day
- Common dosage range: 1-5 mg per day
- Administration: Subcutaneous
- Half-life: ~30 minutes
- Frequency: 1x daily