Humanin

A mitochondria-derived peptide with cytoprotective properties, studied for neuroprotection, metabolic regulation, and anti-aging effects.

EmergingLimited Data

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What is Humanin?

Humanin is a 24-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It was first discovered in 2001 during research into Alzheimer's disease and has since been studied for its broad cytoprotective effects. Humanin levels naturally decline with age, and supplementation is explored for neuroprotection, metabolic health, and longevity.

Why People Talk About It

Neuroprotection against Alzheimer's pathology

Emerging

Improved insulin sensitivity

Emerging

Protection against oxidative stress

Emerging

Anti-apoptotic effects in stressed cells

Moderate

How It Works

Humanin acts as a cellular guardian, protecting cells from stress and programmed death. It communicates between mitochondria and the rest of the cell, helping maintain cellular health as we age.

Common Questions

Safety Information

Important Safety Notes

Common Side Effects

Generally well-tolerated in studiesInjection site reactions possible

Cautions

• Not FDA-approved
• Limited human dosing data
• Endogenous peptide — exogenous effects may differ

What We Don't Know

Optimal dosing, long-term safety, and interactions with other therapies are not established in humans.

Published Research

33 studies

Humanin and Its Pathophysiological Roles in Aging: A Systematic Review.

Systematic ReviewPMID: 37106758

Redox-sensitive miRNAs and Humanin could mediate effects of exercise and astaxanthin on oxidative stress and inflammation in type 2 diabetes

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 41249265

Neuron-derived extracellular vesicles in blood reveal effects of exercise in Alzheimer's disease

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 37730689

Acute endurance exercise stimulates circulating levels of mitochondrial-derived peptides in humans

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 34351816

Humanin skeletal muscle protein levels increase after resistance training in men with impaired glucose metabolism

Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 27923980

Protective Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Cognitive Function in Patients with Vascular Dementia

Clinical TrialPMID: 31134827

Epigenome-Wide Association Study Indicates Hypomethylation of MTRNR2L8 in Large-Artery Atherosclerosis Stroke

Clinical TrialPMID: 31084332

Humanin G (HNG) protects age-related macular degeneration (AMD) transmitochondrial ARPE-19 cybrids from mitochondrial and cellular damage

Clinical TrialPMID: 28726777

Impact of Radiation Therapy on Serum Humanin and MOTS-c Levels in Patients with Lung or Breast Cancer

Observational StudyPMID: 38314601

The neuroprotective role of Humanin in Alzheimer's disease: The molecular effects

ReviewPMID: 40090538

A Review on the Potential Role of Humanin Peptide and its Analogs in the Regulation of Autophagy Pathways for Therapeutic Application in Metabolic Disorders

ReviewPMID: 39950467

Neuroprotective Action of Humanin and Humanin Analogues: Research Findings and Perspectives

ReviewPMID: 38132360

Roles of humanin and derivatives on the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases and cognition

ReviewPMID: 35104624

Humanin and Alzheimer's disease: The beginning of a new field

ReviewPMID: 34626746

The role of humanin in the regulation of reproduction

ReviewPMID: 34626748

The Molecular Structure and Role of Humanin in Neural and Skeletal Diseases, and in Tissue Regeneration

ReviewPMID: 35372353

Cardio-protective role of Humanin in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion

ReviewPMID: 34896254

Humanin and diabetes mellitus: A review of in vitro and in vivo studies

ReviewPMID: 35432758

The role of humanin in natural stress tolerance: An underexplored therapeutic avenue

ReviewPMID: 34626747

Humanin: A mitochondrial-derived peptide in the treatment of apoptosis-related diseases

ReviewPMID: 33130077

The emerging role of mitochondrial derived peptide humanin in the testis

ReviewPMID: 34534645

Role of humanin, a mitochondrial-derived peptide, in cardiovascular disorders

ReviewPMID: 32680738

Mechanisms of protection of retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidant injury by humanin and other mitochondrial-derived peptides: Implications for age-related macular degeneration

ReviewPMID: 32768357

Mitochondrial-derived peptide humanin as therapeutic target in cancer and degenerative diseases

ReviewPMID: 30582721

Endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial crosstalk: a novel role for the mitochondrial peptide humanin

ReviewPMID: 28250736

Potential Roles of Humanin on Apoptosis in the Heart

ReviewPMID: 26667157

Humanin: Functional Interfaces with IGF-I

ReviewPMID: 27082450

Protective effects of Humanin and calmodulin-like skin protein in Alzheimer's disease and broad range of abnormalities

ReviewPMID: 24969584

Humanin and age-related diseases: a new link?