Humanin
Also known as: HN, HNG, Humanin G, HN-24
Mitochondria-Derived Peptide | HN
Overview
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.
Key benefits
- Potent neuroprotection against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's pathology
- Extended lifespan in animal models (C. elegans)
- Improved metabolic healthspan parameters
- Reduced inflammatory markers
- Cytoprotective effects across multiple cell types
- Anti-apoptotic activity
- Mitochondrial optimization and biogenesis
- Protection against oxidative stress
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.
Molecular data
- Type
- Mitochondria-derived peptide
- Half-life
- ~30 minutes (mice), >4 hours (rats)
Sequence
Met-Ala-Pro-Arg-Gly-Phe-Ser-Cys-Leu-Leu-Leu-Leu-Thr-Ser-Glu-Ile-Asp-Leu-Pro-Val-Lys-Arg-Arg-Ala
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Neuroprotection
Alzheimer's Disease Protection
EffectiveOriginally discovered for its ability to protect against amyloid-β toxicity in neuronal cells.
Parkinson's Disease Support
ModeratePromotes mitochondrial biogenesis via PI3K/AKT signaling in PD models.
General Neuroprotection
EffectiveBroad neuroprotective effects against various neurotoxic insults.
Longevity
Lifespan Extension
EffectiveOverexpression increases lifespan in C. elegans, dependent on daf-16/Foxo pathway.
Healthspan Improvement
EffectiveHNG analog improves metabolic healthspan parameters in middle-aged mice.
Anti-Aging
ModerateHigher levels associated with longevity in centenarians and their offspring.
Cellular Protection
Cytoprotection
EffectiveProtects various cell types from stress-induced damage and death.
Anti-Apoptosis
EffectiveBlocks pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax to prevent programmed cell death.
Mitochondrial Support
EffectivePromotes mitochondrial function and biogenesis.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Injectable
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.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Preparation
You will need
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC)
- Insulin syringes (0.5-1 mL)
- Alcohol swabs
- Peptide vial
- Sterile work surface
Steps
- Clean work area and hands thoroughly
- Calculate required BAC water volume
- Draw BAC water into syringe
- Inject slowly down vial side (not directly onto powder)
- Gently swirl until dissolved (never shake)
- Store in refrigerator, protect from light
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
MOTS-c
SynergisticBoth are mitochondria-derived peptides with complementary longevity and metabolic benefits.
SS-31
SynergisticBoth target mitochondrial function; may have additive benefits for cellular health.
Epitalon
CompatibleDifferent mechanisms; can be combined in longevity protocols.
NAD+
SynergisticBoth support mitochondrial function and healthy aging.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- Week 1-2
Subtle; peptide begins working at cellular level
- Week 2-4
Improved energy and reduced fatigue may begin
- Week 4-8
Enhanced cellular resilience and stress response
- Week 8-12
Cumulative benefits in mitochondrial function and healthspan markers
- Long-term
Potential longevity and neuroprotective benefits
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue initially
- Headache (rare)
Rare side effects
- Allergic reactions
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- Signs of allergic reaction
- Unusual persistent symptoms
Contraindications
- Active cancer (theoretical concern with anti-apoptotic effects)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Hypersensitivity to peptide components
Monitoring
- Limited human clinical data available
- Research peptide - medical supervision recommended
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- White to off-white lyophilized powder
- Clear solution after reconstitution
- Intact vacuum seal
Warning signs
- Slight clumping that dissolves easily
Stop signs — don't use
- Discolored powder
- Cloudy or particulate solution
- Broken seal
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
The mitochondrial derived peptide humanin is a regulator of lifespan and healthspan
Aging · 2020
Humanin overexpression extends lifespan in C. elegans; HNG treatment improves metabolic healthspan in middle-aged mice; levels higher in centenarian offspring.
Neuroprotective Action of Humanin and Humanin Analogues
Biology (MDPI) · 2023
Comprehensive review of humanin's neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease models.
Mitochondria-derived peptides in aging and healthspan
Journal of Clinical Investigation · 2022
Review of mitochondria-derived peptides including humanin and their roles in aging and metabolic health.
Original Discovery of Humanin
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 2001
Hashimoto et al. cloned humanin from Alzheimer's patient brain; demonstrated protection against amyloid-β toxicity.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.