Peptide Academy · Longevity

Humanin

Also known as Mitochondrial-derived cytoprotective peptide

Educational research summary, not medical advice. Many compounds here are not approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician before making any health decision.

The Peptide Academy is free to read. Members also get the research protocols for Humanin, dose and vial tracking, and an AI Advisor with cited sources. Try it all free for 7 days, no card needed.

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What is Humanin?

A 24-aa mitochondrial peptide with cytoprotective effects studied in Alzheimer's and metabolic disease models.

How it works

Signals through gp130/WSX1/CNTFR and formyl-peptide receptors to suppress apoptosis and improve insulin sensitivity.

What it has been studied for

Neuroprotection
Insulin sensitivity improvement
Anti-apoptotic effects
Cardiovascular protection
Longevity marker upregulation

These are effects reported or investigated in research, much of it preclinical. They are not proven outcomes or health claims.

Published research

Extensive preclinical neuroprotection and metabolism literature
Circulating levels decline with age in humans

Half-life

Short — minutes to hours (mitochondrial-derived peptide)

Cautions

No human clinical trials completed.

Side effects & fixes

Common side effects

—Human side-effect data is limited or absent for this compound
—Injection-site redness, itching or soreness is the most commonly reported effect for injected research peptides

Histamine reactions

Possible at the injection site, as with most injected peptides.

Common fixes

Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) and stay at least an inch from the last spot.
Let the alcohol swab dry fully, let the solution reach room temperature, and inject slowly with a fresh needle.
A cold compress for 5–10 minutes eases a red or itchy welt; it should fade within a day.
For mild itching, redness or flushing, a non-drowsy over-the-counter antihistamine (such as cetirizine or loratadine) is commonly used — check with a pharmacist first, especially if you take other medicines.
Start low, change one thing at a time, and keep a log of how you feel.

Stop and get help

Any unexpected or severe symptom — stop and contact a doctor.
Stop and get emergency help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, widespread hives, chest pain or fainting.

Basis: Limited data; general experience with injected peptides. Educational only, not medical advice.

Medication concerns

Theoretical: no human interaction studies

Diabetes medicines
MOTS-c and related compounds act on glucose metabolism and may add to glucose-lowering effects. Check sugars if you take diabetes medicine.
Everything else you take, including supplements
Bring a full list of medicines and supplements to your pharmacist or clinician before starting.

Basis: No interaction studies; elamipretide's label lists no drug interactions. Educational only, not medical advice. Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without your prescriber.

Protocols & tracking are members-only

Members see the research protocols for Humanin, plan schedules, track every dose and vial, and ask the AI Advisor questions with cited sources. Try every Researcher feature free for 7 days, no card needed.

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