Humanin

Overview

Humanin is a small mitochondria-encoded peptide first identified as a factor that protects neurons from Alzheimer's-disease-related toxicity. Mechanistically it is well studied in cells and animals: it binds IGFBP-3 to modulate IGF-1 signaling, interacts with the pro-apoptotic protein BAX, and activates STAT3, producing broad cytoprotective and metabolic effects in models. Observational human studies show circulating humanin declines with age and tracks with metabolic and cognitive measures. However, there are no adequate interventional human efficacy trials of exogenous humanin, no established human dosing or pharmacokinetics, so its therapeutic value in people remains unproven. It is NOT FDA-approved.

Commonly Reported Uses

These are uses commonly discussed or marketed by users and vendors — not a list of proven or approved benefits, and not a recommendation.

• Neuroprotection / cognitive support (mechanistic and preclinical basis; no controlled human efficacy data)
• Longevity / metabolic and mitochondrial support (marketed claim; human data are observational, not interventional)
• Cardiometabolic protection (preclinical concept; not demonstrated in human trials)

What to Track

Data points you and your clinician might monitor. For observation only — not a diagnostic protocol.

• Subjective — daily cognition, energy, and mood check-ins over a baseline period
• WHOOP — recovery score, HRV, and sleep stages as general physiology context
• Labs — fasting glucose / HbA1c via clinician if metabolic effects are of interest
• Smart scale / InBody or DEXA — body composition trend if used for metabolic goals

Sources & References

1. [1]Humanin: a harbinger of mitochondrial-derived peptides? — PMC