Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. One of the first identified 'mitochondrial-derived peptides.'
Mechanism. Cytoprotective effects against apoptosis, oxidative stress, and amyloid-beta toxicity. Acts via FPRL1 receptor and direct mitochondrial pathways.
Use case: Studied for neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's models), cardioprotection, and metabolic health. Plasma humanin declines with age and is lower in metabolic disease. Therapeutic use is investigational; analogs like HNG (S14G-humanin) are far more potent.
Caveats: Research-stage compound. Reliable sourcing is difficult. No standardized dosing protocols in humans yet.