New — Free Peptide Starter Guide (2026): 13 chapters, 34 cited studies

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ToolsCompareDermorphin vs Humanin

Dermorphin vs Humanin

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Recovery & Repair
Dermorphin
Anti-Aging & Longevity
Humanin
Summary
Dermorphin is a naturally occurring heptapeptide opioid isolated from the skin of South American phyllomedusine frogs. It is one of the most potent endogenous mu-opioid receptor agonists known, approximately 30-40 times more potent than morphine by weight. Explored for pain management and fatigue modulation.
Humanin is a mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded in the 16S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome. It protects neurons and other cells from apoptosis, improves insulin sensitivity, and declines significantly with age. HNG (S14G-Humanin) is a synthetic analog with 1000x greater potency.
Half-Life
Estimated 30-60 minutes (longer than endorphins due to D-Ala)
~4–8 hours (HNG)
Admin Route
Subcutaneous (research), Intrathecal (research), Intranasal (research)
SubQ
Research
Typical Dose
Not established for human use; research doses vary widely
2–8 mg
Frequency
Not established
3–5 times per week
Key Benefits
  • Potent analgesia superior to morphine on a per-weight basis
  • May reduce perception of fatigue in high-intensity activity
  • Longer-lasting than endogenous opioids due to D-amino acid substitution
  • Research tool for mu-opioid receptor pharmacology
  • Potential therapeutic application in refractory pain
  • Neuroprotection against amyloid-beta toxicity (Alzheimer's relevance)
  • Inhibits cellular apoptosis
  • Improves insulin sensitivity
  • Reduces cardiovascular risk markers
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Correlates with longevity in centenarian studies
  • Protects against ischemic injury
  • Potential cancer cell apoptosis sensitization
Side Effects
  • High addiction and dependence potential (mu-opioid agonism)
  • Respiratory depression at high doses
  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation
  • Sedation and cognitive impairment
  • +2 more
  • Injection site irritation
  • Limited human safety data available
Stacks With