Peptide Knowledge Base · Longevity
Humanin: what it is, what the evidence says, and its real status
A mitochondrial-DNA-encoded cytoprotective peptide studied in aging and metabolic stress, research-stage.
Short version: a peptide your mitochondria encode themselves, studied for cell protection and aging. The science is young; it completes the mitochondrial set alongside MOTS-c. Education and waitlist only.
Can you actually get it?
Plain-English verdict: Education only.
Regulatory status: Research-only · Education only.
Not offered, education only. Humanin is a research-stage mitochondrial-derived peptide with no approved use and no human clinical dosing. We track it as part of the mitochondrial science, not as a product.
How does Humanin work?
A small peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA that signals cytoprotection and may buffer metabolic and oxidative stress.
What it does — and what it does not do
What it does: Studied for cell-protective and metabolic-stress responses in aging models.
What it does not do: It is not a proven therapy, has no approved use, and is not available to prescribe.
How honest is the evidence?
Evidence grade D — preclinical / early; mechanism interesting, human outcomes unestablished. Read our grading methodology for what each grade means.
What we still don't know: Human evidence is minimal; therapeutic effects and safety are unestablished.
WADA status: Not prohibited.
How it is taken
No established human clinical dosing; research-stage.
Who should not take it
Not characterized in humans; no established safety profile.
Sources
Lee et al., humanin / mitochondrial-derived-peptide literature
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. We keep two signals separate and never collapse them: whether you can get something, and what the rule currently says. See the live FDA Peptide Tracker or the knowledge base.
Last reviewed 2026-08-11 · Peptós.LIFE · Not medical advice.