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Peptide Encyclopedia / Humanin

Encyclopedia

Humanin

Humanin is an endogenous mitochondrial-derived peptide of 24 amino acids, with cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic signaling documented in lab and animal models. It has no FDA approval and no established human safety profile, selling as a research chemical. Below you'll find reported dosing, reconstitution, safety, and legal status. Educational only, not medical advice.

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CategoryLongevity / Anti-aging
Regulatory statusNot FDA-approved; research chemical / gray-market when sold for human use.

Mechanism

An endogenous mitochondrial-derived peptide (24 amino acids) encoded within the 16S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. It is cytoprotective/anti-apoptotic: intracellularly it binds pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bid, BimEL) and IGFBP-3; extracellularly it signals via receptors including the CNTFR/WSX-1/gp130 complex (STAT3) and FPRL1 (ERK), with documented neuroprotective and metabolic effects in models.

Half-life

uncertain / limited human pharmacokinetic data; native peptide is short-lived, and more stable potent analogs (e.g., HNG, S14G) are used in research. No validated human therapeutic PK.

Regulatory status

Not FDA-approved; research chemical / gray-market when sold for human use. Not an approved drug in any jurisdiction; studied as an endogenous peptide and drug candidate rather than a marketed product.

Safety

No established human safety profile as a therapeutic. As an endogenous peptide it is well tolerated in animal models, but exogenous dosing in humans is uncharacterized. Gray-market product identity/purity unverified.

Evidence

Relatively robust basic-science literature (peer-reviewed PubMed-indexed studies on mechanism, neuroprotection, metabolism, and aging), but evidence is largely preclinical; human therapeutic trials are lacking. Stronger scientific basis than the Khavinson bioregulators, though still not a proven human therapeutic.

Sources

  1. Yen K, Mehta HH, Kim SJ, et al. The mitochondrial derived peptide humanin is a regulator of lifespan and healthspan. Aging (Albany NY). 2020;12(12):11185-11199. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32575074/
  2. Muzumdar RH, Huffman DM, Calvert JW, et al. Acute humanin therapy attenuates myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury in mice. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 2010;30(10):1940-1948. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20651283/
  3. Muzumdar RH, Huffman DM, Atzmon G, et al. Humanin: a novel central regulator of peripheral insulin action. PLoS One. 2009;4(7):e6334. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19623253/
  4. Moreno Ayala MA, Gottardo MF, Zuccato CF, et al. Humanin promotes tumor progression in experimental triple negative breast cancer. Scientific Reports. 2020;10:8542. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32444831/
  5. Hashimoto Y, Kurita M, Aiso S, Nishimoto I. Humanin inhibits neuronal cell death by interacting with a cytokine receptor complex or complexes involving CNTF receptor alpha/WSX-1/gp130. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 2009;20(12):2864-2873. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19386761/
  6. Kuliawat R, Klein L, Bhatt RS, et al. Potent humanin analog increases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion through enhanced metabolism in the beta cell. FASEB Journal. 2013;27(12):4890-4898. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23995290/
  7. Sharp TE, Lefer DJ, et al. Efficacy of a novel mitochondrial-derived peptide in a porcine model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. JACC: Basic to Translational Science. 2020;5(7):699-714. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32760857/

PepWise is an informational and educational tracking tool, not medical advice and not a medical device. Humanin may be experimental, restricted, or prescription-only; many research peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol. Operated by STC Consulting, Inc.