Humanin
Peptide ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived cytoprotective peptide first characterized in neuroprotection research. It is not FDA-approved, and human supplementation or injection protocols lack adequate clinical evidence. Most claims for longevity, insulin sensitivity, and neuroprotection are preclinical or observational.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.
This safety record covers a controlled, investigational, or otherwise out-of-scope substance. It remains available for reference, but it is not part of NutriStack's public supplement publication set.
What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Humanin is a peptide most often used for neuroprotection research, anti-apoptotic cellular stress signaling, metabolic and aging biology. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as insufficient. A typical adult dose is No FDA-approved human dose; research dosing is model-specific, commonly taken as not recommended for human use; research reagent only. This profile indexes 3 sources.
The bottom line
Evidence rating insufficient. Most-documented uses: neuroprotection research, anti-apoptotic cellular stress signaling, metabolic and aging biology. 3 sources indexed (2001–2020), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Humanin and analogs appear to reduce apoptosis through interactions with BCL-2 family proteins, IGFBP-3, and receptor complexes involving CNTFR, WSX-1, and gp130, with downstream JAK/STAT and survival signaling. It has broad cytoprotective activity in models of Alzheimer-related toxicity, metabolic stress, and cardiovascular injury. These pathways are not a validated basis for self-administered peptide therapy.1,2
Dosing & protocol.
Peptides are generally not reliably orally bioavailable unless a specific studied oral formulation is used. Human use of research-grade products is not appropriate.
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Laboratory Research Reagent.
Research-market pricing is not a dosing recommendation; human use is not FDA-approved unless specifically stated. Updated 2026-06-04.
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Unknown human adverse-effect profile
- Injection-site reaction
- Possible glucose changes
- Headache
- Unknown cancer biology implications
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Reviews & position papers
1- 1Mitochondrial-derived peptide humanin as therapeutic target in cancer and degenerative diseasesZuccato CF et al. · Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets · 2019
Cytoprotective pathways reviewed
Mechanistic & preclinical
2- 2The mitochondrial derived peptide humanin is a regulator of lifespan and healthspanMuzumdar RH et al. · Aging · 2020
Humanin biology associated with aging markers
- 3Detailed characterization of neuroprotection by a rescue factor humanin against various Alzheimer disease-relevant insultsHashimoto Y et al. · Journal of Neuroscience · 2001
Humanin protected cells from Alzheimer-related insults
Common questions.
Quick answers about Humanin, drawn from the data on this page.
What is Humanin?
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived cytoprotective peptide first characterized in neuroprotection research. It is not FDA-approved, and human supplementation or injection protocols lack adequate clinical evidence. Most claims for longevity, insulin sensitivity, and neuroprotection are preclinical or observational.
What is Humanin used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Humanin include: Neuroprotection research; Anti-apoptotic cellular stress signaling; Metabolic and aging biology; No FDA-approved indication. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as insufficient.
What is a typical dose of Humanin?
A typical adult dose of Humanin is No FDA-approved human dose; research dosing is model-specific. The commonly recommended form is Not recommended for human use; research reagent only. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Humanin?
Reported side effects include unknown human adverse-effect profile, injection-site reaction, possible glucose changes, headache, unknown cancer biology implications. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Humanin?
NutriStack rates this as Insufficient, meaning the body of evidence reviewed in NutriStack's tiering framework. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
Use this with your stack
Humanin in NutriStack.
Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.