Peptides›Cognitive›Humanin

Humanin

/ 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the MT-RNR2 gene

TIER 3 · PreclinicalN = 0 · TESTING PENDINGLAST REVIEW 2026·04·20

ALIAS · HN · MT-RNR2

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Research use onlyAny dose figures below describe what specific cited studies used, reported factually. Nothing on this page is guidance for human use.READ FIRST →

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§ A · Identity

Primary sequence— sequence not captured —

MW · —CLASS · 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the MT-RNR2 geneCATEGORY · Cognitive

Substantial mechanistic literature on mitochondrial stress response and neuroprotection. Human observational data links plasma levels to cognitive aging, but no therapeutic trials have been published.

§ B · Mechanism of action

Humanin is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the MT-RNR2 gene. It signals through a complex of CNTFR, WSX-1, and gp130, with reported effects on apoptosis suppression, inflammation, and metabolic adaptation to stress.

§ C · Human clinical evidence

Human plasma humanin levels have been associated with cognitive aging (Yen 2018). No therapeutic human trials of exogenous humanin have been published. Research interest is primarily academic.

§ D · Primary literature

DOI10.1038/s41598-018-32616-7Yen K et al. — Humanin prevents age-related cognitive decline in mice and is associated with improved cognitive age in humans · Scientific Reports · reviewMitochondrial-derived peptide Humanin associates with cognitive aging in humans and prevents cognitive decline in mouse models. Characterization of biological roles.Limitations: Observational human association; murine mechanistic work does not establish therapeutic efficacy.2018

§ F · Safety signal

No human safety data from exogenous administration. Endogenous humanin is a normal plasma constituent; therapeutic dosing is not characterized.

§ H · Regulatory status

Regulatory status

FDA status:: Not FDA-approved

§ I · Notable gaps and controversies

Humanin is a legitimate research target with growing academic literature on mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs), but no therapeutic trials justify the claims that circulate in peptide-marketing channels.