LongevityResearch profile

Humanin

HN · Humanin Peptide · Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide HN

Think of it as your cells' personal bodyguard.

Humanin is a tiny protein that acts like a shield for your cells, especially when they're under stress. Scientists first found it in the brain of an Alzheimer's patient, and it's since been studied for its protective role across various types of cellular stress.

This peptide helps cells survive by interfering with the usual pathways that lead to cell death. Imagine it as a bodyguard stepping in to protect your cells in high-risk situations, like when they're exposed to harmful substances or metabolic stress. It’s like giving your cells an extra layer of armor against the challenges they face, which might be why researchers are interested in its potential to help with age-related health issues.

Interestingly, the levels of humanin naturally drop as we age, which has sparked curiosity about its role in aging and longevity. Researchers are exploring how maintaining its levels might support healthier aging, at least in animal models so far.

Who it's for

People interested in cutting-edge longevity research
Biohackers looking to explore cellular health
Individuals curious about age-related wellness
Those intrigued by mitochondrial function

Probably not for you if…

Anyone uncomfortable with experimental peptides
Individuals looking for quick fixes or guaranteed results
People who prefer well-established supplements

Editorial summary for research context · Not medical advice

Mechanism of Action

Humanin is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 16S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA, originally identified in brain samples from an Alzheimer's patient by Hashimoto and colleagues and subsequently characterized by the Pinchas Cohen lab. Research suggests cytoprotective effects against multiple apoptotic stressors via binding to the formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1) and the heterotrimeric receptor composed of CNTFR/WSX-1/gp130, modulating BAX, and supporting STAT3 signaling. Preclinical research contexts include Alzheimer's-relevant amyloid-beta toxicity models, cardiovascular ischemia-reperfusion, and metabolic stress. Circulating levels decline with age.

Researched Benefits

Cellular cytoprotection (preclinical)

In vitro research suggests protection against amyloid-beta and other apoptotic stressors in neuronal culture models.

[Hashimoto et al. 2001]

Metabolic and endothelial markers

Preclinical cardiovascular and metabolic models suggest modulation of insulin signaling and endothelial stress response.

[Muzumdar et al. 2009]

Age-associated decline

Circulating humanin declines with age in both humans and preclinical models; supplementation in rodents has been explored in healthspan contexts.

[Lee et al. 2013]

Research Protocols

The following dosing ranges have appeared in published research protocols. Presented for informational purposes only — not a recommendation for human use.

Research protocol

Dosage: 5 mg
Frequency: daily
Timing: morning
Cycle: 4 weeks

Research protocols commonly use low-mg daily subcutaneous dosing. Human pharmacokinetic data remains limited and protocols are largely extrapolated from rodent studies.

Pulsed research

Dosage: 10 mg
Frequency: 3x weekly
Timing: morning
Cycle: 6 weeks

Higher per-dose, less frequent schedule used in some research contexts.

Reported Side Effects

Injection-site irritation
Transient fatigue reported anecdotally
Long-term human safety data is not established

Contraindications

Pregnancy and lactation
Active malignancy (theoretical concern due to anti-apoptotic activity)
Concurrent immunosuppressive therapy

Stacking Partners

Peptides commonly paired with Humanin in published research and protocol write-ups.

longevity

Vendor Pricing

72
Limitless Biotech
Best $/mg
Size5mg
Total$75.99
/ mg$15.20/mg
In stock
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Gear + Companions

Reconstitution supplies and research-backed supplement companions for Humanin. Editorial picks only — we earn a commission through Amazon on the click, no sponsorship.

Gear you'll need

· Reconstitution + storage essentials

Bacteriostatic Water 30mL (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol)
Empower Pharmacy / generic medical supply
Reconstitutes every lyophilized peptide. 28-day viability refrigerated.
View at Pantheon →
Insulin Syringes 31G × 5/16" × 0.5mL (100 count)
EasyTouch
31G × 0.5mL insulin syringes — the default size for sub-0.25mL peptide doses.
Buy on Amazon →
Alcohol Prep Pads (Sterile, 200 count)
Dynarex
Sterile 70% IPA prep pads — one per vial stopper + one per injection site.
Buy on Amazon →
1-Quart Sharps Disposal Container
BD / Becton Dickinson
FDA-cleared sharps container — pharmacies won't accept improvised disposal.
Buy on Amazon →

Stacks well with

· Supplement companions — independent evidence, not sponsored

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) 500mg × 60 caps
Double Wood
Oral NAD+ precursor — cheaper daily stack-mate for injectable NAD+ and natural fit alongside Epithalon + MOTS-c longevity protocols.
Buy on Amazon →
Trans-Resveratrol 500mg (120 capsules)
Double Wood
Sirtuin-activating polyphenol — SIRT1 needs NAD+ as its cofactor. Classic NAD+/sirtuin stack.
Buy on Amazon →

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Research Papers

A rescue factor abolishing neuronal cell death by a wide spectrum of familial Alzheimer's disease genes and Abeta
Hashimoto Y, Niikura T, Tajima H, et al. · PNAS · 2001
PubMed 11371634 →
Humanin: a novel central regulator of peripheral insulin action
Muzumdar RH, Huffman DM, Atzmon G, et al. · PLoS ONE · 2009
PubMed 19536269 →
The mitochondrial-derived peptide humanin in aging and age-related disease
Lee C, Yen K, Cohen P · Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2013
PubMed 23402768 →

Humanin

Mechanism of Action