Mitochondrial peptideEditorially reviewed · 30. Mai 2026

Humanin

Also known as Humanin, HN, HNG (Analog) et al.

not approvedEvidence · preclinical2 studies cited

Structure · schematic

Peptide chain of 24 amino acids · Mitochondriales Peptid

Sequence

MAPRGFSCLLLLTSEIDLPVKRRA

Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid (shown truncated).

Research areas*

Anti-aging
Cognition
Metabolism

* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.

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Mechanism of action

  • Humanin is a short, mitochondrially encoded peptide (mitochondrial-derived peptide, MDP) originating from a reading-frame region of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA.
  • It is credited with cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic properties, partly via interactions with receptor complexes and Bcl-2-associated signalling.
  • In preclinical models humanin has been investigated in the context of neuronal protection, insulin sensitivity and aging processes.
  • The synthetic analog HNG shows enhanced activity.
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Research status

  • Humanin is investigated mainly in basic research and preclinical models.
  • Reviews describe humanin as a regulator of lifespan and healthspan and the signalling pathways involved (ERK1/2, AKT, STAT3).
  • Controlled human clinical studies on therapeutic administration are largely lacking.
  • The findings derive predominantly from cell and animal models.

Evidence level

PreclinicalEarly clinicalEstablished
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Cited studies

  1. 2016
    The mitochondrial-derived peptide humanin activates the ERK1/2, AKT, and STAT3 signaling pathways
  2. 2020
    The mitochondrial derived peptide humanin is a regulator of lifespan and healthspan
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Known risks

  • 01No controlled human studies — safety profile not established
  • 02Long-term effects on metabolism and cell growth unknown
  • 03Interactions not characterised
  • 04Product quality cannot be verified from unapproved sources
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Frequently asked questions

What is Humanin?

Humanin is a short, mitochondrially encoded peptide (mitochondrial-derived peptide, MDP) originating from a reading-frame region of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA.

What type of peptide is Humanin?

Humanin belongs to the Mitochondrial peptide class.

Is Humanin legal in Germany?

Humanin is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.

Where can I buy Humanin?

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Humanin is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

Is Humanin banned in sport (WADA)?

Humanin is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.

What are the known risks of Humanin?

Documented risks include: No controlled human studies — safety profile not established; Long-term effects on metabolism and cell growth unknown. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.

How well researched is Humanin?

The evidence is classified as “preclinical”. 2 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of Humanin?

Humanin has a molar mass of about 2687.2 Da.

Which peptides are related to Humanin?

Closely related entries: MOTS-c, SS-31. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

Related entries

Legal status

Germany

not approved

Austria

not approved

Switzerland

not approved

EU

not approved

USA

not approved

Canada

not approved

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

Sources & methodology

  • 2 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
  • Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature. PubChem CID 16131438
  • Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.

Last editorially reviewed: 30 May 2026

Legal assessment

Humanin is not approved as a medicine and is used solely in research. Not on the WADA Prohibited List. Obtaining it as a research chemical outside research carries quality and safety risks.

Important notice

This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.

This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.

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Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.