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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 with a typical study size of 602 participants.
Based on 9 studies · 602 total participants
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research momentum for Humanin, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed.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 Aug 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 8 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.
The commonly studied dose of Humanin is No validated human dose. Humanin and analogs are research tools; any grey-market injectable dosing is anecdotal and unsupported by human trials.. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
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.
Humanin should be used with caution — talk to a healthcare provider before taking it. The most commonly reported side effects are unknown human effects, injection-site reaction / infection. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Pregnancy / breastfeeding; Any non-research human use (no safety data).
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 9 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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