library.onepin.app/humanin Peptide Education Library
Education only, not medical advice 21+ Every dose is an example to finalize with a licensed provider

OnePin Peptide Library · Mitochondrial

Mitochondrial Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) Not FDA-approved · investigational

Humanin

HN Peptide · Humanin S14G

Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)Cytoprotective / anti-apoptotic peptideSTAT3 pathway activatorNeuroprotective signaling peptide

Humanin is a 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded by the 16S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. It was originally discovered in 2001 from surviving neurons in Alzheimer's disease brain tissue, suggesting a role in cellular survival under stress. Humanin is cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective, activating the STAT3 signaling pathway through a trimeric receptor complex (CNTFR/WSX-1/gp130). Along with MOTS-c, Humanin represents a class of signaling peptides that communicate mitochondrial health status to the rest of the cell and to distant tissues. Humanin levels decline with age, correlating with increased cellular vulnerability.

Quick Start
Route
SubQ injection
Start low
1-5 mg daily
Frequency
Daily or specific days
Timing
No fasting required

Any time of day. No fasting required. Mitochondrial-derived peptide.

Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.

Tiered Protocols · lowest first
Quick Start
Conservative start
1-5 mg daily · SubQ injection · Daily or specific days
Lowest starting point. Hold about a week to assess tolerance before stepping up.
1-5 mg daily
Daily or specific days
Intermediate
Mitochondrial Derived Protection
1-2 mg · SubQ · Every other day
human study · Yen et al. 2013 (J Mol Endocrinol, Vol 50 Issue 1)
1-2 mg
Every other day
Reconstitution CalculatorU-100
050100u
Draw to
units
01

How it works

Humanin binds to a trimeric receptor complex (CNTFR/WSX-1/gp130), activating JAK-STAT3 signaling which upregulates anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl-2 family) and suppresses pro-apoptotic signals (Bax, caspases). It also binds intracellularly to IGFBP-3 and Bax, directly blocking apoptotic cascade initiation. Humanin provides cellular stress resistance by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing ROS production, and preventing cytochrome c release. As an MDP, it functions as a retrograde signal from mitochondria to nucleus, communicating mitochondrial health status and activating protective gene expression programs.

Humanin binds to a trimeric receptor complex (CNTFR/WSX-1/gp130), activating JAK-STAT3 signaling which upregulates anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl-2 family) and suppresses pro-apoptotic signals (Bax, caspases). It also binds intracellularly to IGFBP-3 and Bax, directly blocking apoptotic cascade initiation. Humanin provides cellular stress resistance by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing ROS production, and preventing cytochrome c release. As an MDP, it functions as a retrograde signal from mitochondria to nucleus, communicating mitochondrial health status and activating protective gene expression programs.

02

What to expect

Early
Days 1–7

Days 1-14: No perceptible changes. Cellular signaling initiated.

Mid
Weeks 2–4

Weeks 2-6: Cumulative protective effects.

Later
Weeks 4–12

Weeks 6+: Long-term cellular resilience. Best assessed through biomarkers.

03

Evidence

HumanPresent
AnimalModerate
In-vitroPresent
2020The mitochondrial derived peptide humanin is a regulator of lifespan and healthspan · Yen K, Wan J, Mehta HH, et al, Aging ↗peer reviewed
2018Chronic treatment with the mitochondrial peptide humanin prevents age-related myocardial fibrosis in mice · Klein LE, Cui L, Gong Z, et al, American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology ↗peer reviewed
2016Naturally occurring mitochondrial-derived peptides are age-dependent regulators of apoptosis, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory markers · Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al, Aging ↗peer reviewed
2023Humanin and Its Pathophysiological Roles in Aging: A Systematic Review · Coradduzza D, Congiargiu A, Chen Z, et al, Biology ↗review
04

The honest take

Neuroprotection in Alzheimer's

Originally discovered in surviving AD neurons. Animal models show protection. Not a validated AD treatment.

Anti-apoptotic

Mechanistically confirmed. STAT3 and Bax binding well-characterized. Direct cellular protection.

05

Interactions & stacking

What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.

Safe & synergistic

BPC-157Non-overlapping mechanisms
GHK-CuNon-overlapping mechanisms
GHKNon-overlapping mechanisms
SemaxHumanin neuroprotection + Semax cognitive

Keep separate

CJC-1295 with DACDAC maleimide reactivity.
06

Side effects & safety

Commonly reported

  • Well tolerated (endogenous peptide)
  • Mild injection site irritation

Less common & notes

  • Very limited adverse event data.
  • Endogenous peptide suggesting good tolerability.
  • Long-term data not available.
07

Pharmacokinetics

Illustrative plasma concentration · 24 h
Half-life
0.5h
Peak · Tmax
0.25h
Elimination
2.5h
Activity
6-12 hours (cytoprotective signaling)

Storage. Standard BAC water 2-8C. Stable for 28 days. Protect from light.

08

Regulatory status

Not FDA-approved. Available as research peptide. WADA status not listed.

Put it to work

Calculate, log & track

Open Humanin straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.

Open Humanin in the app →

Go deeper

The guide & community

The complete Humanin walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.

Join the community ↗
Open in app Community