Humanin vs GHK
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- 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.
- GHK is the natural tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) released from human albumin that activates tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and anti-aging gene expression. The copper-free form is the biological signaling molecule; it chelates copper in tissue to form GHK-Cu but also has independent biological activity.
- Half-Life
- ~4–8 hours (HNG)
- Extremely short as free peptide; tissue binding extends local effects
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, Topical, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 2–8 mg
- 100–500 mcg
- Frequency
- 3–5 times per week
- Daily or 5x per week
- Key Benefits
- 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
- Stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis
- Activates tissue repair gene expression programs
- Anti-aging: reverses 57% of age-related gene changes
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Wound healing and skin barrier repair
- Improves skin laxity, texture, and radiance
- Neuroprotective (stimulates NGF, BDNF)
- Anti-fibrotic in liver and lung models
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Limited human safety data available
- Excellent safety profile (naturally occurring peptide)
- Rare: mild injection site reaction (SC)
- No significant adverse effects identified in research
- Stacks With
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