Moderate ResearchCognitiveLongevity

Humanin

Mitochondria-Derived Peptide | HN

Half-life

~30 minutes (mice), >4 hours (rats)

Chain length

24 amino acids

Reference frequency

2-3 times weekly for sustained mitochondrial support

Research overview

DoseGear research brief

Humanin was the first mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) discovered, originally cloned from the occipital lobe of an Alzheimer's patient. It is a 24-amino acid peptide encoded from the 16S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA with potent neuroprotective, cytoprotective, and anti-apoptotic properties. Research shows humanin levels decline with age but remain stable in long-lived species like naked mole-rats, and offspring of centenarians have significantly higher humanin levels.

Mechanism of action

Humanin exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. It interacts with cell surface receptors including FPRL1 and CNTFR, activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathways that promote cell survival. It blocks pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax, reduces beta-amyloid toxicity in neurons, protects against oxidative stress, and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis. These actions support healthy cellular aging at a fundamental level.

Compound background

Development & research timeline

Study windows describe what researchers measured, not when an individual should expect a result.

Origin & development

Mitochondrial-associated peptide originally identified in Alzheimer-related brain research.

What it is researched for

Cell-survival, metabolic, and neurodegeneration research involving receptor signaling and apoptosis-related proteins.

Research observation window

Not reported in the reviewed compound-specific evidence.

Reference data

Lyophilized vial injectable protocols

Not personalized dosing instructions

Only injectable vial references are shown. Nasal, topical, and unsupported non-vial schedules are excluded.

Research context	Amount	Frequency	Route
Neuroprotection	1-5 mg	2-3x weekly	SubQ
Longevity/Anti-aging	1-3 mg	2x weekly	SubQ
HNG analog	0.5-2 mg	2x weekly	SubQ

Reference cycle

8-12 weeks

Reference storage

Lyophilized: Room temperature; Reconstituted: 2-8°C, protect from light

Safety context

Reported side effects

Injection site reactions
Mild fatigue initially
Headache (rare)

Contraindications & cautions

Active cancer (theoretical concern with anti-apoptotic effects)
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Hypersensitivity to peptide components

Scientific references

01
The mitochondrial derived peptide humanin is a regulator of lifespan and healthspan
Scientific citationThe mitochondrial derived peptide humanin is a regulator of lifespan and healthspan. Aging (2020).
02
Neuroprotective Action of Humanin and Humanin Analogues
Scientific citationNeuroprotective Action of Humanin and Humanin Analogues. Biology (MDPI) (2023).
03
Mitochondria-derived peptides in aging and healthspan
Scientific citationMitochondria-derived peptides in aging and healthspan. Journal of Clinical Investigation (2022).
04
Original Discovery of Humanin
Scientific citationOriginal Discovery of Humanin. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2001).

This DoseGear profile combines published scientific literature with lyophilized-vial protocol references. Citations are provided for independent review.

Related research profiles

Longevity