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Humanin (mitochondrial-derived peptide)
A mitochondrial-derived peptide (a sibling of MOTS-c) studied for cytoprotection, neuroprotection, and metabolic effects. Honest appraisal: the evidence is almost entirely cell-culture and animal work plus human biomarker associations — there are no human efficacy trials of administered humanin. Research-use-only.
Research peptide — not a dietary supplement
Humanin is a research compound, not a regulated dietary supplement. It is typically administered by injection and sold “for research use only.” The evidence below is largely preclinical (animal and in-vitro) or early-stage, so no evidence score is assigned. This page is provided for transparency and education — it is not a recommendation to use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider, and be aware that purity, dosing, and legal status vary by jurisdiction.
What the evidence says
Most Humanin studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from medium-quality studies published 2001–2026.
Based on 18 studies
Confidence
Low confidenceBy outcome
Humanin's cytoprotective, neuroprotective, and metabolic effects are demonstrated almost exclusively in cell and animal models, with human data limited to biomarker associations; there are no human efficacy trials of administered humanin, so the evidence is preclinical-only.
1 trial ongoing or recruiting · 1 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
Registered trials show research momentum for Humanin, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Nov 2026
Humanin is a small peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene — one of the 'mitochondrial-derived peptides' (MDPs) that also includes MOTS-c.
It was first identified as a factor that protects neurons against amyloid-beta and familial Alzheimer's mutations in vitro, and has since been studied for cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, neuroprotective, and insulin-sensitizing effects in cell and animal models.
Circulating humanin levels decline with age and have been associated, in human observational studies, with metabolic and cardiovascular status — which is why it is discussed as a longevity/biomarker peptide.
The honest evidence picture is that essentially all functional data come from in-vitro systems and rodent models (often using the more potent analog HNG), while human data are limited to correlational biomarker studies; there are no published randomized controlled trials of administered humanin for any indication.
It is not an approved drug or a regulated dietary supplement — grey-market 'humanin' is sold as a research peptide with the usual sourcing, purity, and sterility risks of any injectable from that market, and its long-term safety in humans is unknown.
The score reflects mechanistically interesting but preclinical-only and biomarker-level evidence.
Humanin binds pro-apoptotic factors (e.g., BAX) and engages a cell-surface receptor complex to suppress stress-induced apoptosis in cell models — the basis of its proposed neuroprotection.
As a peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA, humanin is part of a retrograde signaling system that helps preserve mitochondrial function under stress.
In rodent models humanin and analogs improve insulin sensitivity and glucose handling, suggesting metabolic roles that remain unconfirmed in humans.
How Humanin works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Avoid — no human safety data.
Caution — a cytoprotective/anti-apoptotic peptide of unknown effect on tumor cells in humans.
Research-use-only; not validated or recommended for human use.
Tip: No human safety data; effects are unquantified.
Tip: Inherent to grey-market self-injected peptides; sterility unverified.
The current evidence for Humanin is insufficient to assign an evidence score, based on 18 indexed studies. A mitochondrial-derived peptide (a sibling of MOTS-c) studied for cytoprotection, neuroprotection, and metabolic effects. Honest appraisal: the evidence is almost entirely cell-culture and animal work plus human biomarker associations — there are no human efficacy trials of administered humanin. Research-use-only. Representative study: PMID 11717357.
Dosing for Humanin: No validated human dose. Humanin and analogs are research tools; any grey-market injectable dosing is anecdotal and unsupported by human trials.
Timing is flexible for Humanin — consistent daily use matters more than the time of day. No validated human dosing or schedule; research-use-only peptide.
No consumer dose of Humanin is endorsed, so there is no dose at which it can be called safe. Talk to a healthcare provider before taking it. Reported side effects include unknown human effects, injection-site reaction / infection. How often they occur is not established for all of them. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Pregnancy / breastfeeding; Any non-research human use (no safety data).
Semaglutide
Too few graded studiesAn FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist (Ozempic/Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy for chronic weight management) with genuinely strong, large-RCT evidence for glycemic control and substantial weight loss, plus a cardiovascular-outcomes benefit. Honest appraisal: this is a real prescription medicine with real efficacy AND real risks — a US FDA boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors, pancreatitis and gallbladder risk, very common GI side effects, and growing concern about grey-market/compounded versions. It is a prescription drug, not a supplement, and is never auto-recommended.
Tirzepatide
Too few graded studiesAn FDA-approved prescription medication (Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, Zepbound for obesity and obstructive sleep apnea), not a dietary supplement. Honest appraisal: in head-to-head phase-3 trials it is the most effective approved weight-loss drug to date — up to ~21% body-weight loss over 72 weeks and superior to semaglutide — but it is a real medicine with real risks: a US FDA boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors, common GI side effects, and pancreatitis/gallbladder signals. Do not source or use it outside a prescription.
Dihexa
Mostly mechanism / observationalA synthetic angiotensin-IV-derived peptide developed as a procognitive/anti-dementia research compound, promoted online as a potent nootropic. Honest appraisal: all efficacy data are in rodents and cell culture — there are no published human trials. Research-use-only.
CoQ10
Likely helpsA lipid-soluble antioxidant central to mitochondrial energy production, with the strongest trial support for fertility/IVF outcomes and heart failure.
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 18 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
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