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Humanin peptide therapy
Anti-Aging & LongevityModerate Evidence

Humanin Peptide Therapy

Benefits, Side Effects, Cost & Protocols

Humanin peptide molecular structure diagram from PubChem

Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 16S rRNA gene. It has cytoprotective properties against various cellular stresses and has been studied for neuroprotection, metabolic regulation, and anti-aging effects. It is one of the first mitochondrial-derived peptides discovered.

ByChris Riley(CFA)&Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA(PharmD, MBA)|Updated

Clinically Reviewed

Reviewed by Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA · Updated May 2026

Evidence-Based

Sourced from FDA, PubMed & ClinicalTrials.gov · View sources

FDA Status
Research Only Not currently approved for human use in the US. Available as a research compound. Not eligible for compounding.
Evidence
Moderate Evidence
Category
Anti-Aging & Longevity

How Humanin Works

Acts through multiple pathways including STAT3 signaling, insulin/IGF-1 pathways, and FPRL receptors. Protects cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis, particularly in neurons.

Humanin FAQ

What is HUMANIN?

Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) discovered in 2001, researched for its neuroprotective and cytoprotective effects. It represents a class of peptides produced by mitochondrial DNA.

How does HUMANIN work?

Acts through multiple pathways including STAT3 signaling, insulin/IGF-1 pathways, and FPRL receptors. Protects cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis, particularly in neurons.

Is HUMANIN legal to buy?

HUMANIN is sold as a research chemical for laboratory use only. It is not approved for human use by the FDA. Regulations vary by jurisdiction.

Where can I buy HUMANIN?

HUMANIN is available as a research compound from verified online vendors. Always verify third-party testing before purchasing.

What category does HUMANIN belong to?

HUMANIN is primarily classified as a anti-aging & longevity peptide. Peptides studied for longevity, cellular senescence, telomere biology, and general anti-aging effects.

What are the research benefits of HUMANIN?

HUMANIN has been studied for: Neuroprotection, Mitochondrial support, Anti-apoptotic effects, Metabolic regulation, Longevity research. First identified mitochondrial-derived peptide; significant research in Alzheimer's and aging.

Key Studies

540 total on PubMed0

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

Delgado-Peraza F, Nogueras-Ortiz C, Simonsen AH et al

Alzheimers Res Ther · Alzheimers Res TherRCT

Exercise increased neuroprotective proteins in neuron-derived extracellular vesicles, especially in APOE ε4 carriers.

Exercise increased neuroprotective proteins in neuron-derived extracellular vesicles, especially in APOE ε4 carriers

Abnormal levels of mitochondrial proteins in plasma neuronal extracellular vesicles in major depressive disorder

Goetzl EJ, Wolkowitz OM, Srihari VH et al

Mol Psychiatry · Mol Psychiatry

MDD patients showed significantly lower humanin/MOTS-c levels that normalized with SSRI response but not in non-responders.

MDD patients showed significantly lower humanin/MOTS-c levels that normalized with SSRI response but not in non-responders

The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance

Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG et al

Cell Metab · Cell MetabAnimal

MOTS-c treatment prevented age-dependent and diet-induced insulin resistance and obesity in mice

Mitochondria‑derived peptides: Promising microproteins in cardiovascular diseases (Review)

Humanin Compound Data

Humanin peptide chemical structure and molecular formula from PubChem
Molecular Formula
C119H204N34O32S2
Molecular Weight
2687.2 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(4S)-5-[[(1S,2S)-1-[[(1S)-2-[[(1S)-1-[(2S)-2-[[(1S)-1-[[(1S)-5-amino-1-[[(1S)-1-[[(1S)-1-[[(1S)-1-carboxyethyl]carbamoyl]-4-guanidino-butyl]carbamoyl]-4-guanidino-butyl]carbamoyl]pentyl]carbamoyl]-2-methyl-propyl]carbamoyl]pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl]-3-methyl-butyl]amino]-1-(carboxymethyl)-2-oxo-ethyl]carbamoyl]-2-methyl-butyl]amino]-4-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2R)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-1-[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoyl]amino]propanoyl]pyrrolidine-2-carbonyl]amino]-5-guanidino-pentanoyl]amino]acetyl]amino]-3-phenyl-propanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxy-propanoyl]amino]-3-sulfanyl-propanoyl]amino]-4-methyl-pentanoyl]amino]-4-methyl-pentanoyl]amino]-4-methyl-pentanoyl]amino]-4-methyl-pentanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxy-butanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxy-propanoyl]amino]-5-oxo-pentanoic acid
View full compound on PubChem

Humanin Articles & Guides

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FOXO4-DRI Senolytic Peptide: What the Latest Anti-Aging Research Reveals in 2026

FOXO4-DRI senolytic peptide selectively kills zombie cells to reverse aging. Explore 2026 research on vascular health, hormonal decline, and preclinical breakthroughs in anti-aging science.

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Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptide therapies have not been evaluated by the FDA for most listed indications.All prices shown are estimates based on publicly available data and may not reflect current pricing — providers and brands set their own prices and can change them at any time. Always verify pricing directly with the provider before purchasing. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.

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