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evidence · mechanism · dose
Experimental/Mitochondrial / LongevityResearch peptide

Humanin

Mitochondrial-derived peptide with cytoprotective and metabolic signaling roles.

Educational explainer of a research peptide. Profiles in this section deliberately omit clinical-trial citations, dosing protocols, and purchase links. Not FDA-approved as a supplement; not a recommendation to use.

Overview

Humanin is a small peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, identified for its protective effects against Alzheimer-related neurotoxicity.

Source
  • Endogenously produced from mitochondrial DNA
  • Synthesized for research
Forms
  • Subcutaneous injection (research)

Mechanism of action

Binds formyl peptide receptor-like 1 and IGFBP-3 to suppress apoptosis pathways and improve mitochondrial bioenergetics under stress.

Pathways
  • · BAX inhibition (anti-apoptotic)
  • · IGFBP-3 binding
  • · Insulin sensitivity

How it acts on the body

Humanin sits in a small but growing family of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MOTS-c is another) that act as signaling molecules between mitochondria and the rest of the cell. Its best-known effect is protecting neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity, which was the context of its discovery.

Beyond neuroprotection, humanin improves insulin sensitivity, modulates inflammation, and declines with age in human plasma — a pattern shared with several other longevity-related peptides. Whether replacement is meaningful in humans is still being explored.

Hormonal & endocrine impact

How this peptide is reported to shift specific hormones and signaling molecules. Directionality reflects research literature and preclinical models, not clinical prescribing data.

Projected hormonal trajectory
Illustrative curves derived from reported direction of effect. Not measured patient data.

Curves are schematic shapes (sigmoid for increases/decreases, damped oscillation for modulation/stabilization) anchored to a 100% baseline. They communicate direction and tempo of change reported in research literature — not absolute hormone concentrations.

Insulin sensitivityIncreases
Improved peripheral glucose handling in animal models.
IGFBP-3 signalingModulates
Directly binds IGFBP-3, influencing IGF-1 free-fraction dynamics.
Inflammatory cytokinesDecreases
Anti-inflammatory in neuro and metabolic models.

Effects on the body

Supports
Neuronal survival under stress
Optimizes
Mitochondrial bioenergetics
Increases
Insulin sensitivity (preclinical)

Organ system effects

Brain & CNS

Neuroprotection against amyloid-beta toxicity.

Endocrine

Insulin sensitivity and IGFBP-3 modulation.

Reported effects

Drawn from preclinical research, anecdote, and small-scale clinical observation. No evidence grades are assigned — most peptides on this page lack rigorous human trials.

  • Neuroprotective signaling
  • Mitochondrial / longevity research interest

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Injection-site reactions
Rare
  • · Mild fatigue
Serious
  • · Limited human data

Drug interactions

No notable interactions reported.

Pairing context

Often combined with
  • MOTS-c
    Complementary mitochondrial signaling.
Avoid combining with
  • Unsupervised long-term use
    Safety profile not characterized.
Important. Research peptides described here are not FDA-approved supplements. Supplement Scholar does not endorse, recommend, or link to any source for purchase. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any peptide therapy.