Side-by-side · Research reference

HumaninvsSelank

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

AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED14/52 cited

BHuman-MechanisticAUTO-DRAFTED11/40 cited

Humanin

Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide · Cytoprotective

24-AAPeptide lengthZhu 2022

mtDNAEncoded originZhu 2022 Shahzaib 2026

Bax/BimPrimary targetZhu 2022 Morris 2021

SQ · Experimental

Selank

Anxiolytic + Cognitive · Russian Pharma

150–300 mcg/doseIntranasalZaderej 2014

HumanMechanisticZaderej 2014 Medvedev 2007

~30 minOnset

Intranasal · 2–3×/day during stress / cognitive demand

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Humanin

Selank

Primary target

Intracellular: Bax, Bim, tBid (pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family). Extracellular: FPRL1/2 G-protein-coupled receptorsZhu 2022 Lue 2021

Monoamine system (serotonin / GABA modulation) + immunomodulation via tuftsin domainZaderej 2014

Pathway

Humanin binds Bax/Bim → inhibits mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) → blocks cytochrome c release → prevents caspase activation → cell survival

Tuftsin-derived immune signaling + CNS monoamine modulation → reduced anxiety + improved mood / cognitionMedvedev 2007

Downstream effect

Suppression of apoptosis, mitochondrial stabilization, reduced oxidative stress, preservation of germ cells and neurons under stressZhu 2022 Lue 2021 Velentza 2024

Anxiolytic + cognitive enhancement; immunomodulation via increased IL-6 + IFN-γMedvedev 2007 Zaderej 2014

Feedback intact?

Not applicable — peptide acts as anti-apoptotic signal, not hormonal axis

No GABA-receptor binding; no dependence reportedMedvedev 2007

Origin

Encoded by short open reading frame in mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene (MTRNR2). 24-28 amino acids. 13 homologous variants (MTRNR2L1-L13) identified.Zhu 2022 Shahzaib 2026

Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from human tuftsin (immune-system tetrapeptide)Zaderej 2014

Antibody development

Not reported in animal models

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02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Humanin

Selank

Standard experimental dose (HNG)

4 mg/kg IP (rat)

Most common dose in rodent models.

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Ex vivo bone culture

1 µg/mL

Protective against venetoclax-induced bone growth retardation.

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Frequency

Daily (IP)

2–3× per day during stress

Duration

8–12 weeks in animal studies

10–14 day cycles, repeated as needed

Evidence basis

Animal models (rat, mouse)Huang 2025 El 2022 Velentza 2024

Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007

Human data

None — no clinical trials reported

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Analog (HNG)

Gly[14]-humanin — more potent variant

Substitution at position 14 enhances cytoprotective activity.

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Standard dose

—

150–300 mcg / dose intranasalZaderej 2014

Lower / starter dose

—

75 mcg / dose

Reconstitution

—

Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water

Timing

—

Morning + early afternoon preferred

Half-life

—

Short (minutes plasma); CNS effect lasts ~3 hr

03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence

Parameter

Humanin

Selank

Direct fat loss evidence

None

—

Mechanism overlap

Mitochondrial health may indirectly influence metabolic efficiency, but no quantified effect

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04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Humanin

Selank

Animal model safety

Well-tolerated in rat and mouse studies at 4 mg/kg for 8–12 weeks

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Human safety data

None — no clinical trials

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Theoretical fibrillation risk

Induces amyloid-like fibrillation of Bax/BID. Long-term sequelae unknown.

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Injection site reaction

Not reported in animal studies (IP route)

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Reproductive safety

Protective in POI model (cyclophosphamide-induced), no adverse effects on fertility notedHuang 2025

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Nasal irritation

—

Mild burning or congestion (transient)

Sedation

—

None — distinct from benzodiazepinesMedvedev 2007

Dependence / withdrawal

—

None reported in clinical useZaderej 2014

Cognitive impairment

—

None — opposite effect (enhancement)

Allergic reaction

—

Rare hypersensitivity

Long-term safety

—

Limited Western RCT data

Pregnancy / OB

—

Avoid — insufficient data

Absolute Contraindications

Humanin

·Unknown — no human data

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·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Hypersensitivity to peptide

Relative Contraindications

Humanin

·Active malignancy (theoretical risk of anti-apoptotic effect on tumour cells)

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·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Humanin

Selank

1. Route (experimental)

Intraperitoneal (IP) in animal models. Subcutaneous route untested. No human protocols exist.

Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.

2. Reconstitution

Synthetic peptide reconstituted in sterile saline or PBS. No commercial formulation available.

Intranasal — 1–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.

3. Timing

Daily administration in animal studies. Optimal timing not characterized.

Morning + early afternoon for cognitive demand; PRN for acute anxiety.

4. Storage

Lyophilised powder: -20 °C. Reconstituted: 4 °C, use within 7 days. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Refrigerate after reconstitution; ≤30 days. Light-protected.

5. Human use

No FDA approval, no IND, no clinical trials. Experimental research tool only.

Avoid co-administration with strong sedatives or other anxiolytics initially.

06Stack Synergy

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

Selank

— no documented stacks