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Humanin

Mitochondrial Support

Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) with potent cytoprotective and neuroprotective functions. It interacts with IGFBP-3 and activates AMPK, PI3K/Akt, STAT3, and FOXO pathways to enhance mitochondrial metabolism, reduce apoptosis, and combat oxidative stress. Humanin shows promise in aging-related conditions, including Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction. It is used in longevity protocols to support brain function, mitochondrial stability, and glucose regulation in both in vitro and rodent models.

Reconstitute
2 mL BAC + 5mg vial
25 mcg/unit
Daily Range
0.5–2 mg Subcutaneous (SQ)
daily
Standard Dose
1 mg
Cycle
4–8 weeks
then reassess
neuroprotectivemitochondrialanti-aging

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

In animal studies, Humanin has been administered via injection at 0.1–1 mg/kg. No approved dosing exists for clinical use.

Standard / Gradual Approach

5mg Vialstandard
PhaseDoseVolume
Weeks 1–20.5 mg SQ daily20 units (0.20 mL)
Weeks 3–61 mg SQ daily40 units (0.40 mL)

Protocol Summary

Subcutaneous (SQ): daily · Dose range 0.5–2 mg with gradual titration
Intravenous (IV): weekly · Dose range 0.4–1.2 mg with gradual titration
Cycle Length: 4–8 weeks typical; reassess before extending

Frequency & Cycling

SubQ Injection

Common protocol is 1 mg SubQ daily or 3–5x per week for 4–6 weeks. For neuroprotection and longevity, longer continuous use (up to 12 weeks) has been reported in clinical protocols. Cycling every 3 months with breaks is advised to reduce potential mitochondrial adaptation.

Intravenous

Used less frequently; 0.8–1.2 mg IV once weekly or as part of practitioner-guided therapies. May be employed post-SS-31 or NAD+ protocols for neurovascular restoration.

🧪 Quick Start

Vial Size
5 mg
BAC Water
2 mL
Concentration
2500 mcg/unit

Potential Benefits & Use Cases

Humanin is a mitochondrial research peptide not approved for human or veterinary use.
Shown to reduce neuronal apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease models
Supports mitochondrial function and cellular energy metabolism
Studied for anti-aging signaling via IGF and AMPK pathways
Investigated for insulin sensitivity in metabolic disease models
May play a role in oxidative stress resistance
Clinical data Strong preclinical Limited data

Mechanism of Action

→Binds to IGFBP-3, preventing neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress-induced cell death
→Activates AMPK and PI3K/Akt pathways, enhancing mitochondrial health, insulin sensitivity, and cellular energy production
→Reduces beta-amyloid toxicity, implicated in Alzheimer’s disease progression
→Suppresses cell death from hypoxia and serum starvation via STAT3
→Enhances mitochondrial metabolism through increased complex I and ATP output
→Activates SIRT1 and FOXO3 pathways for longevity and cell resilience

Lifestyle & Optimization

timing

Consistent dosing schedule.

diet

Support mitochondrial health with CoQ10, PQQ, and NAD+ precursors (NMN/NR). Limit environmental toxins and alcohol.

exercise

Regular aerobic exercise (Zone 2 cardio, 150+ min/week) stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis synergistically.

sleep

Prioritize sleep for mitochondrial repair.

Peptide Research & Preclinical Studies

Evidence-Based Research Findings

Study TitleType
Neuroprotective effects of humanin peptide in Alzheimer's disease modelReference
Neuroprotective role of HumaninReview
Humanin improves mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivityReference
IGFBP-3 binding and Humanin longevity effectsReference

Side Effects & Safety

Common Side Effects

• Mild flushing
• Headache
• Transient fatigue
• Occasional gastrointestinal discomfort

Contraindications & Warnings

• Limited data on long-term use; cycling is recommended
• May interact with insulin-regulating compounds

Long-Term Safety Data

• Potential unknown long-term immune effects

🧮 Dose Calculator

Concentration
25.0
mcg/unit
Draw Volume
20
units (0.200 mL)
For a 500 mcg dose, draw 20 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
🧬

Bioavailability & Absorption

SubQ Injection
High bioavailability due to direct bloodstream entry.
Oral Administration
Very low, affected by enzymatic degradation in the gut.
Half-Life
4 hours
Degradation
Metabolized by proteases in blood and tissues.
Tissue Specificity
Brain, muscle, and liver.
⚗️

Peptide Details

Molecular Weight
2687.2
Formula
C87H138N24O26S2
Sequence
MAPRGFSCLLLLTSEIDLPVKRRA
⚖️

Legal Status & Regulatory

RegionStatus
FDANot Approved
EUNot Approved
AustraliaNot Approved
CanadaNot Approved

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized (Powder)
Store at -20°C or 2–8°C. Protect from light.
Reconstituted (Mixed)
Refrigerate at 2–8°C. Use within 3–4 weeks.