Humanin

HN · [Gly14]-Humanin

Rank#999
Anti AgingNot ApprovedAnimalResearchSubQ

Popular for:Cytoprotection, neuroprotection, metabolic health

513

Total Studies

299

Human Studies

Animal

Evidence Level

Not Approved

FDA Status

Overview

Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded by the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. Discovered in 2001 during Alzheimer's disease research, it is a 24-amino acid peptide with potent cytoprotective and neuroprotective effects.

Humanin is part of a family of mitochondrial-derived peptides (including MOTS-c and SHLPs) that act as retrograde signaling molecules from mitochondria to the rest of the cell and body. Circulating humanin levels decline with age and are inversely correlated with age-related diseases.

Mechanism of Action

Humanin exerts its cytoprotective effects through multiple mechanisms: it binds to IGFBP-3, modulating the IGF signaling axis; it interacts with BAX, preventing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis; and it activates the STAT3 signaling pathway. These combined actions protect cells from stress-induced death, particularly in neural tissue, cardiac tissue, and pancreatic beta cells.

Key Research Benefits

Potent cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effects
Studied for neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease models
Researched for improved insulin sensitivity
May support cardiovascular health through cardiac cell protection
Circulating levels correlate inversely with age-related disease

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

513

Total Studies

299

Human Studies

Not FDA-approved. Pre-clinical research compound. Discovered 2001. Active area of academic research in aging, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disease.

Key Studies / PubMed References

513 studies found on PubMed · showing top 25 by relevance

View all on PubMed

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

Review

Alqahtani SM, Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, et al. · European journal of pharmacology · 2025

PMID: 40090538

HUMANIN produced by human efferocytic macrophages promotes the resolution of inflammation.

Human Study

Maraux M, Vetter M, Zuffo LD, et al. · Cell death & disease · 2025

PMID: 40877234

[Gly14]-Humanin ameliorates high glucose-induced endothelial senescence via SIRT6.

Human Study

Li M, Liu Z, Cao X, et al. · Scientific reports · 2024

PMID: 39730568

Myeloid cells coordinately induce glioma cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic pathways for chemoresistance via GP130 signaling.

In Vitro

Cheng J, Li M, Motta E, et al. · Cell reports. Medicine · 2024

PMID: 39053460

Mitochondrial-derived peptides: Antidiabetic functions and evolutionary perspectives.

Review

Kal S, Mahata S, Jati S, et al. · Peptides · 2024

PMID: 38160808

Side Effects & Safety

Very limited human safety data
Research primarily in cell culture and animal models
Long-term effects not characterized
Injection site reactions

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for Humanin yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Humanin is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.