Side-by-side · Research reference

HumaninvsThymalin

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-DRAFTED12/40 cited

Humanin

Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide · Cytoprotective

24-AAPeptide lengthZhu 2022

mtDNAEncoded originZhu 2022 Shahzaib 2026

Bax/BimPrimary targetZhu 2022 Morris 2021

SQ · Experimental

Thymalin

Immune restorer · Russian peptide bioregulator

5–10 mgPer cycle doseKhavinson 2002

HumanMechanisticKhavinson 2002

HoursHalf-life (est)

IM · Daily for 5–10 days · 1-2×/year

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Humanin

Thymalin

Primary target

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

T-cell precursors + thymus-axis maturation pathwayKhavinson 2002

Pathway

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

Modulation of T-cell differentiation + thymic hormone restoration in age-involuted thymusKhavinson 2002

Downstream effect

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

Restored T-cell populations, improved immune surveillance, reduced infection rates in elderlyKhavinson 2002

Feedback intact?

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

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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

Polypeptide fraction isolated from calf thymus extractKhavinson 2002

Antibody development

Not reported in animal models

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02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Humanin

Thymalin

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)

Once daily during cycle

Duration

8–12 weeks in animal studies

5–10 day cycles, 1–2× per year

Evidence basis

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

Russian clinical + in vitroKhavinson 2002

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

—

5–10 mg / day IM × 5–10 daysKhavinson 2002

Lower / starter dose

—

2.5 mg / day

Reconstitution

—

Saline or bacteriostatic water

Timing

—

Morning preferred

Half-life

—

Hours (estimated)

03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence

Parameter

Humanin

Thymalin

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

Thymalin

Animal model safety

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

—

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)

Mild erythema at IM site

Reproductive safety

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

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Allergic reaction

—

Rare hypersensitivity to bovine-derived polypeptide

Autoimmune flare

—

Theoretical risk in active autoimmune disease

Long-term safety

—

Limited Western data

Pregnancy / OB

—

Avoid

Absolute Contraindications

Humanin

·Unknown — no human data

Thymalin

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Bovine protein hypersensitivity

Relative Contraindications

Humanin

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

Thymalin

·Active autoimmune disease
·Concurrent immunosuppressant therapy

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Humanin

Thymalin

1. Route (experimental)

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

Add 1–2 mL saline or bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial.

2. Reconstitution

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

Intramuscular — deltoid or gluteal. Rotate sites.

3. Timing

Daily administration in animal studies. Optimal timing not characterized.

Morning preferred during cycle.

4. Storage

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

Lyophilised: refrigerate, light-protected. Reconstituted: use immediately.

5. Human use

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

23–25G, 25–38 mm IM needle.

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

Thymalin

+ Thymosin α-1

Moderate

View Thymosin α-1 →

Thymalin is a polypeptide complex; Thymosin α-1 is a single purified peptide. Both target the thymus-axis but at different levels — Thymalin restores broad thymic signaling; Tα-1 provides a specific molecular activator. Anecdotally combined for elderly immune support.

Thymalin: 5–10 mg IM · daily × 7 days
Thymosin α-1: 1.6 mg SQ · 2× weekly during the cycle
Primary benefit: Broad thymic restoration + targeted immune activation

Khavinson 2002 Camerini 2001