--- title: "Humanin" canonical_url: https://bestpeptidecalculator.app/library/humanin description: "A 24-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene and one of the first mitochondrial-derived peptides described. It has been studied for cytoprotective signalling, particularly resistance to apoptosis and to oxidative and amyloid stress, and for effects on insulin sensitivity. Circulating concentrations decline with age, which drives much of the interest in it. Research use only, with no human interventional trials and no FDA-approved use." updated: 2026-09-06 publisher: Peptide Library notice: "Research and educational use only. Not medical advice." --- # Humanin Humanin (also called HN or MT-RNR2-derived peptide) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide in the Mitochondrial Peptide class. Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene, one of the first described mitochondrial-derived peptides. It acts through two routes. A 24-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene and one of the first mitochondrial-derived peptides described. It has been studied for cytoprotective signalling, particularly resistance to apoptosis and to oxidative and amyloid stress, and for effects on insulin sensitivity. Circulating concentrations decline with age, which drives much of the interest in it. Research use only, with no human interventional trials and no FDA-approved use. Also known as: HN, MT-RNR2-derived peptide. Categories: Cognitive, Longevity, Experimental. ## Classification - Type: Mitochondrial-derived peptide / research - Mechanism class: Mitochondrial Peptide - Development stage: Research only - Regulatory class: Research compound, not FDA-approved ## Mechanism Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene, one of the first described mitochondrial-derived peptides. It acts through two routes. Intracellularly it binds Bax and prevents its translocation to the mitochondrial membrane, blocking a key step in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, and it interacts with IGFBP-3. Extracellularly it is secreted and binds a receptor complex comprising CNTFR, WSX-1 and gp130, and also the formyl peptide receptor FPRL1, activating STAT3 signalling. Reported effects in models include cytoprotection against oxidative and amyloid stress and improved insulin sensitivity. Circulating concentrations decline with age. Human interventional data does not exist. Targets: FPRL1, IGFBP-3, Bax (indirect). Origin: Mitochondrial-derived peptide. ## Properties - Sequence: Met-Ala-Pro-Arg-Gly-Phe-Ser-Cys-Leu-Leu-Leu-Leu-Thr-Ser-Glu-Ile-Asp-Leu-Pro-Val-Lys-Arg-Arg-Ala - Length: 24 - Molecular formula: C119H204N34O32S2 - Molecular weight: 2,687.3 g/mol - CAS number: 330276-69-8 - Half-life: ~2-4 hours ## Evidence - Evidence level: Insufficient Evidence - Highest documented: None documented - Human trials: 0 - Controlled human trials: 0 - Preclinical sources: 0 No human dose is established for this compound. Each step shows whether the sources Peptide Library has reviewed include that kind of research. Counts are reviewed sources, not every study ever published. Reviews and programme summaries that describe human use are shown as "reported", not as trials, and registered trials without published results are listed but not counted. A higher step means research has progressed further; it does not mean a compound works better or is safer. Compounds whose evidence has not been reviewed yet show "Not reviewed" instead of a guess. ### Studies 1. [Gly14]-humanin exerts a protective effect against D-galactose-induced primary ovarian insufficiency in mice. Reprod Biomed Online. 2024. 2024. Preclinical: animal or lab study. Population: Mice. Improved ovarian morphology and oestrous cycle, more follicles and litters, higher oestrogen and AMH, reduced oxidative stress and granulosa cell apoptosis. Research on a related compound, not this one. Limitations: Studied an analog, not Humanin itself; Lab or animal research: not evidence of a human effect or dose. [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38163419/) 2. Ameliorative effects of Gly[14]-humanin on cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian insufficiency and underlying mechanisms. Reprod Biomed Online. 2025. 2025. Preclinical: animal or lab study. Population: Female rats, plus the human COV434 granulosa cell line in vitro. Restored oestrous cycle and sex hormone concentrations, reduced follicular depletion and apoptosis. Research on a related compound, not this one. Limitations: Studied an analog, not Humanin itself; Lab or animal research: not evidence of a human effect or dose. [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40639309/) 3. Humanin ameliorates diazepam-induced memory deficit in mice. Neuropeptides. 2017. 2017. Preclinical: animal or lab study. Population: Mice. Reversed the diazepam-induced deficit in object recognition, with no change in anxiety markers or locomotor activity. Research on a related compound, not this one. Limitations: Studied an analog, not Humanin itself; Lab or animal research: not evidence of a human effect or dose. [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27814910/) ## Safety Side effects: Unknown human therapeutic window. Risks: Research-only. Contraindications: Cancer history. Human safety basis: No controlled human safety data Key limitations: No established human dosage.; No controlled human trial results in the reviewed sources.; Not approved by the FDA for any use.. ## Regulatory status Humanin is not an FDA-approved product. It is sold for laboratory research and has no approved medical use. - FDA status: Not Approved - Availability: Research-Only ## Frequently asked questions ### What is Humanin? A 24-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene and one of the first mitochondrial-derived peptides described. It has been studied for cytoprotective signalling, particularly resistance to apoptosis and to oxidative and amyloid stress, and for effects on insulin sensitivity. Circulating concentrations decline with age, which drives much of the interest in it. Research use only, with no human interventional trials and no FDA-approved use. ### How does Humanin work? Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene, one of the first described mitochondrial-derived peptides. It acts through two routes. ### Is Humanin FDA approved? No. Humanin is not approved by the FDA for any indication and is categorised as research-only. It has not been reviewed for safety or efficacy as a medicine, and published research should be read as investigation rather than established use. ### What is the half-life of Humanin? Reported half-life for Humanin is ~2-4 hours. Half-life describes how long the compound persists in circulation, not how long any effect lasts, and published figures vary with route of administration, formulation and the population studied. ### What is the amino acid sequence of Humanin? Humanin has the sequence Met-Ala-Pro-Arg-Gly-Phe-Ser-Cys-Leu-Leu-Leu-Leu-Thr-Ser-Glu-Ile-Asp-Leu-Pro-Val-Lys-Arg-Arg-Ala, giving a chain of 24 amino acids. Its molecular formula is C119H204N34O32S2. ### What peptides are similar to Humanin? Compounds most often compared with Humanin include MOTS-C, Humanin-G (HNG), SS-20 and Elamipretide (SS-31). They are grouped by shared mechanism or research area rather than by equivalence, and their regulatory status and evidence base differ. ## References - [Humanin and Its Pathophysiological Roles in Aging: A Systematic Review — Biology (Basel), 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37106758/) - [Neuroprotective Action of Humanin and Humanin Analogues: Research Findings and Perspectives — Biology (Basel), 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38132360/) - [Humanin and Alzheimer's disease: The beginning of a new field — Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34626746/) - [Cardio-protective role of Humanin in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion — Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34896254/) - [The role of humanin in the regulation of reproduction — Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34626748/)