Description
Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA (16S rRNA gene). The substance was identified in 2001 by research teams around Yuichi Hashimoto as an endogenous anti-apoptotic peptide protecting against Alzheimer-related neurotoxicity.
Per study reports Humanin binds to multiple receptors including the formyl peptide receptor 2 and IGFBP-3. Cellular action includes inhibition of apoptosis, protection against oxidative stress, improvement of insulin sensitivity, and neuroprotective effects especially in Alzheimer models.
Humanin levels decline with age - Humanin substitution is being investigated as aging-reverse strategy in preclinical research. In mouse studies extended median lifespan under chronic Humanin application was documented.
Pharmacokinetically limited data - the natural form has very short half-life; synthetic analogs (HNG, Humanin-Glycine-14) were developed for improved pharmacokinetics.
You can order Humanin as lyophilized peptide in 10-pack at 10mg per vial.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
Humanin is described as well tolerated per study reports. As an endogenous, mitochondrial-encoded peptide, the compound is associated in preclinical studies predominantly with cytoprotective effects.
Observed in research and user reports:
- Injection site: mild redness or pressure at the injection site is the most common local observation, typical for subcutaneously applied peptides.
- Very short half-life: the native form has a very short duration of action, which makes pharmacokinetics difficult to control. Synthetic analogs were developed for improvement.
- Metabolic effects: in animal models, Humanin has been associated with modulation of insulin sensitivity, a systemic metabolic effect beyond pure neuroprotection.
- No long-term data: the evidence comes predominantly from animal models, and robust long-term human studies do not exist.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- A rescue factor abolishing neuronal cell death by a wide spectrum of familial Alzheimer’s disease genes and Abeta - PNAS 2001, Hashimoto et al: first identification of Humanin as an endogenous rescue factor against Alzheimer-related neurotoxicity.
- Detailed Characterization of Neuroprotection by a Rescue Factor Humanin against Various Alzheimer’s Disease-Relevant Insults - Journal of Neuroscience 2001, Hashimoto et al: mechanistic characterization of Humanin neuroprotection against amyloid-beta and FAD gene insults.
- Interaction between the Alzheimer’s survival peptide humanin and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 regulates cell survival and apoptosis - PNAS 2003, Ikonen et al: identification of IGFBP-3 binding as the anti-apoptotic pathway of Humanin.
- Naturally occurring mitochondrial-derived peptides are age-dependent regulators of apoptosis, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory markers - Aging 2016, Cobb/Lee et al: Humanin and MOTS-c as age-dependent regulators of insulin sensitivity and inflammation.
- Humanin Prevents Age-Related Cognitive Decline in Mice and is Associated with Improved Cognitive Age in Humans - Scientific Reports 2018, Yen et al: Humanin delays cognitive age-related decline in mouse model, correlates with cognitive age in humans.
