Epitalon
Epithalon · pineal tetrapeptide
Synthetic pineal tetrapeptide. Not FDA-approved; evidence is largely preclinical.
Also known as · Mitochondrial-derived peptide
Humanin
Endogenous mitochondrial-derived peptide. Not FDA-approved; evidence is preclinical.
What it is
Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial DNA of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. It is one of the family of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs), discovered in 2001 by researchers studying neuroprotective factors in Alzheimer disease.
The discovery of humanin and related peptides showed that mitochondria produce signaling peptides, in addition to their traditional role as energy producers. Humanin is not FDA-approved for any use in the United States.
Mechanism of action
Proposed mechanisms come from laboratory and animal research:
- Cytoprotective effects: in laboratory (cell) studies, humanin has been reported to reduce cell death from stressors including oxidative damage, ER stress, and apoptosis triggers
- Anti-apoptotic activity: laboratory studies have reported inhibition of the BAX-mediated apoptotic pathway through direct binding to BAX
- Insulin signaling: changes in insulin action have been reported in cellular and animal models
- Cardiac effects: reduced cardiomyocyte injury in preclinical models of ischemia has been reported
- Decline with age: observational studies report that circulating humanin levels decline with age
Clinical evidence
Humanin research is largely preclinical. In animal studies, humanin has been associated with effects in models of Alzheimer disease, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and ischemic injury. Human clinical trials are lacking, and its effectiveness and safety in people have not been established.
Why we don’t prescribe it at The Tide
Humanin is not FDA-approved, and there is not sufficient human evidence to establish its effectiveness or safety. This entry is provided for educational purposes only.
Side effects and contraindications
Human safety has not been established, and long-term effects are unknown. Because of its reported cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, theoretical concerns have been raised regarding malignancy; concerns also apply in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Products sold outside regulated channels may vary in purity, dose, and sterility.