Humanin vs Melanotan 1
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & Longevity
HumaninSkin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1- 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.
- Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of α-MSH that selectively stimulates melanogenesis (tanning) through MC1R activation. It provides UV-independent skin pigmentation and is FDA/EMA-approved under the name SCENESSE for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and vitiligo.
- Half-Life
- ~4–8 hours (HNG)
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 2–8 mg
- 0.5–1 mg
- Frequency
- 3–5 times per week
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- 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
- Induces skin pigmentation/tanning without UV exposure
- Provides photoprotection in photosensitivity conditions (EPP)
- FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria (SCENESSE)
- Approved in EU for EPP treatment
- Anti-inflammatory via MC1R
- Mild libido enhancement
- Potential skin cancer prevention through melanin protection
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Limited human safety data available
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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