Humanin
Protects brain cells from age-related decline
- Longevity
- Cardiovascular Improvement
- Neuroprotection
No human safety trials have been conducted - all safety data is extrapolated from animal studies and in vitro research In vitro evidence suggests humanin may promote chemoresistance in glioblastoma cells - avoid use in cancer patients until further research clarifies this risk Elevated humanin levels observed in breast cancer patients - clinical significance unknown
Mechanism of Action
Humanin is a 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. It exerts cytoprotective effects primarily through anti-apoptotic signaling, binding to BAX to prevent mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, and activating pro-survival pathways including STAT3 and PI3K/AKT. Additionally, humanin suppresses inflammatory cascades by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and reduces oxidative stress by modulating antioxidant enzyme activity. Key Pathways: BAX-mediated apoptosis inhibition, TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling suppression, PI3K/AKT and STAT3 pro-survival activation, Mitochondrial oxidative stress modulation By blocking apoptotic cell death and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, humanin may protect neurons from degeneration, cardiac tissue from ischemic damage, and metabolic organs from dysfunction. These mechanisms align with observed benefits in animal models of diabetic encephalopathy, myocardial infarction, and airway inflammation, as well as human exercise studies showing increased humanin in neuron-derived vesicles correlating with neuroprotective responses.
Common Dose Reference Ranges
Educational reference ranges only — discuss actual dosing with a qualified healthcare provider.
Full Humanin protocols — frequency, timing, cycle length, reconstitution & research
- Potential promotion of chemoresistance in cancer cells
- Blood glucose modulation
- Elevated serum levels in disease states