Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived micro-peptide that protects cells from apoptosis and oxidative stress, supporting brain, heart, and metabolic health. Endogenous levels decline with age (~30% by 40 years). Approximate half-life is ~30 minutes.
Humanin
Also known as: Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MDP)
Overview
Benefits
- Neuroprotection
- Cardiovascular health
- Metabolic enhancement
- Anti-aging support
- Muscle and eye health
Consider This Peptide If You Want To
- Support cognitive function and neuroprotection
- Enhance mitochondrial health and cellular longevity
Dosage & Administration
Dosage Guidelines
Recommended Dosage
• Amount:1 mg
• Frequency:daily
• Duration:4 weeks
• Rest Period:4 weeks
• Time of Day:morning
• Ingestion:subcutaneous
Administration Routes:Subcutaneous
Research Findings on Dosage:
• Subcutaneous Injection:
◦ Commonly Reported Dosage: 1 mg daily OR .04 mg/kg
◦ Duration: 30 days
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism of Action
How this peptide works in the body
Anti-Apoptotic Activity:
Humanin inhibits mitochondrial-induced apoptosis by blocking the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bid, which prevents cytochrome c release and caspase activation. This protects neurons, cardiomyocytes, and other cells from programmed cell death, supporting cellular longevity and function.
Cytoprotection:
By activating the PI3K/Akt and STAT3 signaling pathways, Humanin enhances cellular survival under stress conditions such as oxidative damage, serum starvation, and hypoxia. This helps maintain mitochondrial integrity and reduces inflammatory and oxidative damage in aging tissues.
Neuroprotection:
Humanin reduces beta-amyloid toxicity by modulating ERK1/2 and JAK/STAT pathways, which enhance synaptic plasticity and neuronal resilience. It also attenuates neuroinflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and inhibits tau protein hyperphosphorylation, slowing neurodegenerative progression in Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders.
Cardiovascular Support:
Humanin improves endothelial function by enhancing nitric oxide (NO) production, reducing arterial stiffness and improving vascular flexibility. It also mitigates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, protecting the heart from age-related decline.
Metabolic Regulation:
By activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), Humanin enhances insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial energy efficiency. This contributes to better glucose metabolism, reduced fat accumulation, and improved metabolic health in aging individuals.
Consider Stacking With
- MOTS-c
- BPC-158
- TB-4
- TA-1
- KPV
- SS-31
- LL-37
Side Effects & Cautions
Common Side Effects
- Injection site redness, itchiness, swelling
Research & References
Research Highlights
Alzheimer's Disease: Shown to reduce beta-amyloid toxicity and enhance cognitive outcomes in animal models.
Cardiovascular Function: Demonstrated improvements in vascular health and myocardial recovery in preclinical trials.
Mitochondrial Efficiency: Enhances cellular energy balance and stress resistance, promoting metabolic health.
Immune Modulation: Modulates histamine degradation and reduces inflammation-related fatigue.
References
Yen, K., et al. "Humanin as a mitochondrial-derived peptide that enhances cellular stress resistance." Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2003
Lee, C., et al. "The emerging role of mitochondrial-derived peptides in aging and age-related diseases." Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 2020
Hashimoto, Y., et al. "Neuroprotective mechanisms of Humanin and its derivative in Alzheimer's disease models." Trends in Molecular Medicine, 2009
Cobb, L.J., et al. "Humanin peptide and mitochondrial homeostasis in metabolic health." Aging Cell, 2016