Humanin Overview, Dosing & Safety | Peptide Database

Humanin (HN)

Mitochondria-Derived Peptide | HN

Community Research

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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.

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.

Molecular Data

Methionine

Position 1

Alanine

Position 2

Proline

Position 3

Arginine

Position 4

Glycine

Position 5

Phenylalanine

Position 6

Serine

Position 7

Cysteine

Position 8

Leucine

Position 9

Position 10

Position 11

Position 12

Threonine

Position 13

Position 14

Glutamic Acid

Position 15

Isoleucine

Position 16

Aspartic Acid

Position 17

Position 18

Position 19

Valine

Position 20

Lysine

Position 21

Position 22

Position 23

Position 24

Research Indications

Originally discovered for its ability to protect against amyloid-β toxicity in neuronal cells.

Promotes mitochondrial biogenesis via PI3K/AKT signaling in PD models.

Broad neuroprotective effects against various neurotoxic insults.

Overexpression increases lifespan in C. elegans, dependent on daf-16/Foxo pathway.

HNG analog improves metabolic healthspan parameters in middle-aged mice.

Higher levels associated with longevity in centenarians and their offspring.

Protects various cell types from stress-induced damage and death.

Blocks pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax to prevent programmed cell death.

Promotes mitochondrial function and biogenesis.

Dosing Protocols

Subcutaneous or intravenous injection. Benefits are slow-building and cellular, typically felt over weeks to months as the peptide supports mitochondria and reduces oxidative stress. The more potent analog HNG (glycine substitution at position 14) is 1000-fold more potent than native humanin.

Neuroprotection

1-5 mg

2-3x weekly

SubQ

Longevity/Anti-aging

1-3 mg

2x weekly

HNG analog

0.5-2 mg

Reconstitution Instructions

Bacteriostatic water (BAC)

Insulin syringes (0.5-1 mL)

Alcohol swabs

Peptide vial

Sterile work surface

1 Clean work area and hands thoroughly

2 Calculate required BAC water volume

3 Draw BAC water into syringe

4 Inject slowly down vial side (not directly onto powder)

5 Gently swirl until dissolved (never shake)

6 Store in refrigerator, protect from light

Interactions

What to Expect

Side Effects & Safety

Common Side Effects

Injection site reactions

Mild fatigue initially

Headache (rare)

Stop Signs - Discontinue if:

Signs of allergic reaction

Unusual persistent symptoms

Contraindications

Active cancer (theoretical concern with anti-apoptotic effects)

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Hypersensitivity to peptide components

Quality Checklist

Good Signs

White to off-white lyophilized powder

Clear solution after reconstitution

Intact vacuum seal

Warning Signs

Slight clumping that dissolves easily

Bad Signs

Discolored powder

Cloudy or particulate solution

Broken seal

Frequently Asked Questions

How is humanin different from the HNG analog?

HNG (with a glycine substitution at position 14) is approximately 1000-fold more potent than native humanin. Both work via the same mitochondrial pathways, but HNG requires much lower doses—typically 0.5-2mg versus 1-5mg for standard humanin.

Do humanin benefits show up quickly?

No. Humanin works at the cellular and mitochondrial level with slow-building benefits. Most users notice effects over weeks to months as the peptide accumulates in tissues and supports mitochondrial health. This is not a peptide for immediate results.

Is humanin safe for people with a family history of Alzheimer's?

Potentially beneficial. Humanin was originally discovered for its ability to protect against amyloid-beta toxicity. Offspring of centenarians have naturally higher humanin levels. Anyone concerned about neurodegenerative disease might consider humanin as part of a longevity protocol.

Can I combine humanin with other longevity peptides?

Yes. Humanin pairs well with MOTS-c (another mitochondrial-derived peptide), epitalon, and NAD+ precursors. These complement each other through different pathways targeting mitochondrial function, cellular aging, and neuroprotection.

References

Humanin overexpression extends lifespan in C. elegans; HNG treatment improves metabolic healthspan in middle-aged mice; levels higher in centenarian offspring.

Comprehensive review of humanin's neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease models.

Review of mitochondria-derived peptides including humanin and their roles in aging and metabolic health.

Hashimoto et al. cloned humanin from Alzheimer's patient brain; demonstrated protection against amyloid-β toxicity.

Related Peptides

Both are mitochondria-derived peptides with complementary longevity and metabolic benefits.

Both target mitochondrial function; may have additive benefits for cellular health.

Different mechanisms; can be combined in longevity protocols.

Both support mitochondrial function and healthy aging.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.