Humanin

What people use it for

• Longevity and healthy ageing (popular interest)
• Alzheimer's, metabolic and heart disease (animal research)

What Humanin does in the body

Encoded by mitochondrial DNA, like MOTS-c. It helps cells resist stress and programmed cell death, and in animals it improved insulin sensitivity and protected brain and heart cells. Blood levels fall with age.

Strength of evidence

Very weak: cell and animal studies plus observational human data; no treatment trials.

Look up the evidence

• Reviews on PubMed: Summaries of the published research
• Clinical trials on PubMed: Published studies in people
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Registered trials, past and ongoing

Live searches of official databases. New to the terms? See the glossary.

Reported side effects & risks

• Unknown in humans

Who should avoid it or take extra care

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Under 18

Not a complete list. Check with a doctor or pharmacist about your own health and medicines.

Regulatory status

Not approved.

How it's taken

Route: Injection (popular use)

How long it lasts (half-life): Not established in humans

Storage

Unreconstituted (powder) vials are usually kept refrigerated or frozen and away from light. Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated and do not freeze; follow the supplier's stated beyond-use date.