Humanin
Humanin (HN, mitochondrial-derived peptide)
Mitochondrial peptide — neuroprotective + longevity
About
A 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide. Sister molecule to MOTS-c. Strong preclinical data for Alzheimer protection, ischemia recovery, and cellular longevity.
Mechanism
Binds the IGFBP-3 / FPR2L receptor complex; activates JAK/STAT3 survival signaling, inhibits Bax-mediated apoptosis, and reduces ER stress.
Dosage
Draw to 100 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
10 mg · 2 mL BAC
When to take: Morning preferred for cognitive effects; any time is fine.
Reconstitution
Vial size (mg): 10 mg · BAC water (mL): 2 mL · Concentration: 5 mg/mL
Stable peptide. Standard reconstitution protocol.
Benefits
- Neuroprotection (Alzheimer models)
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Reduced cellular apoptosis
- Cardioprotective effects
- Mitochondrial biogenesis
Side effects
- Generally very well tolerated
- Rare: mild fatigue at start
- No serious side effects reported in animal studies
Gender notes
Cautions
- Pregnancy (no research)
- Active cancer (caution — survival signaling could theoretically protect tumor cells)
Research
- Hashimoto Y et al: Humanin protects against Alzheimer-related cell death
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 2001
Landmark 2001 study discovering humanin via screening for Alzheimer-protective peptides.
- Yen K et al: Humanin levels decline with age and disease
GeroScience · 2020
Circulating humanin drops significantly with aging and accelerates in Alzheimer patients.