What it is
Humanin is a small mitochondrial-derived peptide — one of the first shown to be encoded inside mitochondrial DNA rather than the cell nucleus. Researchers study it for cell survival, mitochondrial function, and aging biology. The HNG analog (position-14 amino-acid swap) is more stable and reportedly more potent, so nearly all published animal protocols use HNG rather than native humanin.
Evidence boundary
Preclinical research only. Research use is limited to laboratory and education contexts.
Trial evidence
- A large preclinical literature covers humanin/HNG cytoprotective signaling (receptor-mediated survival pathways) in neurological, cardiac, and metabolic models.
Preparation and measurement
Reconstitution: 20 mg vial + 2 mL BAC = 10 mg/mL.
Concentration matches.
Reference schedule
| Phase | Dose | Draw / measure | Frequency | Weekly total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative start | 500 mcg | 5 U (0.05 mL) | 3× weekly | 1.5 mg/week |
| Standard research | 1 mg | 10 U (0.1 mL) | 3× weekly | 3 mg/week |
Conservative start
- Dose
- 500 mcg
- Draw / measure
- 5 U (0.05 mL)
- Frequency
- 3× weekly
- Weekly total
- 1.5 mg/week
Standard research
- Dose
- 1 mg
- Draw / measure
- 10 U (0.1 mL)
- Frequency
- 3× weekly
- Weekly total
- 3 mg/week
Weekly totals apply only during the active phase.
Titration rules
- Research-planning dose around 1 mg per session, 3 times per week, gives 20 sessions from a 20 mg vial.
- Common cycle structures: 4 weeks, 6–8 weeks, and 12 weeks, with an off period of similar length.
- Animal protocols have used continuous multi-month dosing; long-term human safety is not characterized.
- Start at 500 mcg to check tolerance, then move to 1 mg per session.