Supplement Scholar
Mitochondrial / Longevity

Humanin

Research compound. This is not a dietary supplement. Unless it is identified as an approved prescription drug, it is not approved by the FDA for human use. This page summarizes published research for education only; we do not sell it or link to sellers.

Humanin. Mitochondrial-derived peptide with cytoprotective and metabolic signaling roles.

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

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Neuroprotective signaling (preclinical).

Hormonal impact. Effects on Insulin sensitivity, IGFBP-3 signaling, Inflammatory cytokines.

Side effects and interactions. 0 medication interactions listed. Serious: Limited human data.

Stacking. Pairs well with MOTS-c. Avoid combining with Unsupervised long-term use.

Common forms. Available as Subcutaneous injection (research).

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Humanin. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Humanin. Mitochondrial-derived peptide with cytoprotective and metabolic signaling roles.

Molecular structureC119H204N34O32S2 · 2687.2 g/mol

What it is

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

How it works

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

Effects

  • +Neuronal survival under stress supports
  • +Mitochondrial bioenergetics optimizes
  • ↑Insulin sensitivity (preclinical) increases

What the research supports

Neuroprotective signalingpreclinical
Mitochondrial / longevity research interestpreclinical

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Hormonal impact

↑Insulin sensitivityincreases
~IGFBP-3 signalingmodulates
↓Inflammatory cytokinesdecreases

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Injection-site reactions

Serious

  • Limited human data

No notable medication interactions listed.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • MOTS-cComplementary mitochondrial signaling.

Avoid combining

  • Unsupervised long-term useSafety profile not characterized.

Common forms

  • Subcutaneous injection (research)

Discussion

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