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Specimen Atlas of Research Peptides81 plates · MIT
Side-by-side · Research reference

CartalaxvsHumanin

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED10/32 cited
BAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED14/52 cited
Cartalax
Bioregulator Peptide · Khavinson School
CartilagePrimary tissuePovorozniuk 2007
MSC → ChondrocyteDifferentiation axisLinkova 2023
BMD ↑Bone density effectPovorozniuk 2007
SQ · Protocol Unspecified
Humanin
Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide · Cytoprotective
24-AAPeptide lengthZhu 2022
mtDNAEncoded originZhu 2022Shahzaib 2026
Bax/BimPrimary targetZhu 2022Morris 2021
SQ · Experimental

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter
Cartalax
Humanin
Primary target
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergoing chondrogenic differentiationLinkova 2023
Intracellular: Bax, Bim, tBid (pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family). Extracellular: FPRL1/2 G-protein-coupled receptorsZhu 2022Lue 2021
Pathway
Modulation of WNT, ERK-p38, and Smad 1/5/8 signaling pathwaysLinkova 2023
Humanin binds Bax/Bim → inhibits mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) → blocks cytochrome c release → prevents caspase activation → cell survival
Downstream effect
Upregulation of chondrogenic genes (COL2, SOX9, ACAN); increased bone mineral density; osteoprotective effects in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosisLinkova 2023Povorozniuk 2007
Suppression of apoptosis, mitochondrial stabilization, reduced oxidative stress, preservation of germ cells and neurons under stressZhu 2022Lue 2021Velentza 2024
Feedback intact?
Not applicable — peptide acts as anti-apoptotic signal, not hormonal axis
Origin
Derived from cartilaginous tissue extracts (Khavinson bioregulator methodology)Povorozniuk 2007
Encoded by short open reading frame in mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene (MTRNR2). 24-28 amino acids. 13 homologous variants (MTRNR2L1-L13) identified.Zhu 2022Shahzaib 2026
Antibody development
Not reported in animal models

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter
Cartalax
Humanin
Animal model dose
Unspecified (cartilaginous tissue extract protocol)
Rat study; extract preparation details not indexed in available abstracts.
Human dosing
Not established in PubMed-indexed literature
Russian-tradition protocols exist but lack peer-reviewed Western validation.
Evidence basis
Animal mechanistic studies only
Animal models (rat, mouse)Huang 2025El 2022Velentza 2024
Standard experimental dose (HNG)
4 mg/kg IP (rat)
Most common dose in rodent models.
Ex vivo bone culture
1 µg/mL
Protective against venetoclax-induced bone growth retardation.
Frequency
Daily (IP)
Duration
8–12 weeks in animal studies
Human data
None — no clinical trials reported
Analog (HNG)
Gly[14]-humanin — more potent variant
Substitution at position 14 enhances cytoprotective activity.

03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence

Parameter
Cartalax
Humanin
Fat loss evidence
None — primary target is cartilage and bone tissue, not adipose
Direct fat loss evidence
None
Mechanism overlap
Mitochondrial health may indirectly influence metabolic efficiency, but no quantified effect

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter
Cartalax
Humanin
Documented adverse effects
None reported in indexed animal studies
Human safety data
Not available in PubMed-indexed literature
None — no clinical trials
Animal model safety
Well-tolerated in rat and mouse studies at 4 mg/kg for 8–12 weeks
Theoretical fibrillation risk
Induces amyloid-like fibrillation of Bax/BID. Long-term sequelae unknown.
Injection site reaction
Not reported in animal studies (IP route)
Reproductive safety
Protective in POI model (cyclophosphamide-induced), no adverse effects on fertility notedHuang 2025
Absolute Contraindications
Cartalax
  • ·Unknown due to lack of human clinical trial data
Humanin
  • ·Unknown — no human data
Relative Contraindications
Cartalax
  • ·Active malignancy (theoretical; peptide bioregulators may influence cell proliferation pathways)
Humanin
  • ·Active malignancy (theoretical risk of anti-apoptotic effect on tumour cells)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter
Cartalax
Humanin
1. Route
Subcutaneous injection typical for Khavinson bioregulators; specific protocols not detailed in indexed literature.
Intraperitoneal (IP) in animal models. Subcutaneous route untested. No human protocols exist.
2. Frequency
Russian-tradition protocols often employ 10-day cycles; precise frequency unspecified in available abstracts.
Synthetic peptide reconstituted in sterile saline or PBS. No commercial formulation available.
3. Storage
Lyophilised peptide bioregulators typically stored at 2–8 °C, light-protected. Reconstitution details not indexed.
Daily administration in animal studies. Optimal timing not characterized.
4. Storage
Lyophilised powder: -20 °C. Reconstituted: 4 °C, use within 7 days. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
5. Human use
No FDA approval, no IND, no clinical trials. Experimental research tool only.

06Stack Synergy

Cartalax
— no documented stacks
Humanin
+ MOTS-c
Multi-pathway
View MOTS-c

Both are mitochondrial-derived peptides. MOTS-c enhances metabolic efficiency and insulin sensitivity via AMPK activation, while humanin prevents mitochondrial apoptosis. Combined, they address mitochondrial function (MOTS-c) and survival signaling (humanin), supporting cellular resilience under metabolic and oxidative stress.

Humanin
4 mg/kg IP · daily (animal model)
MOTS-c
5 mg/kg IP · daily (animal model)
Frequency
Once daily
Primary benefit
Mitochondrial health, metabolic efficiency, anti-apoptotic signaling