Cortexin vs Humanin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Cortexin
Cortexin is a polypeptide complex derived from pig brain cortex, used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for neurological conditions including stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline.
Full details →Humanin
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide with potent cytoprotective effects. Discovered in 2001, it has shown promise in protecting against age-related diseases including Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cortexin | Humanin |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 10 mg–20 mg | 100 mcg–500 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 1–2 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Route | intramuscular | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Contains a mixture of neuropeptides and amino acids that support neuronal metabolism, provide neuroprotection, and enhance synaptic transmission. Specific mechanisms not fully characterized. | Binds to IGFBP-3 and BAX, inhibiting apoptosis. Activates STAT3 signaling and enhances cellular survival under stress. Protects mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical protocols: 10mg intramuscularly once daily for 10-20 days. May be repeated after 3-6 month interval. | Research protocols vary widely. Studies have used doses from micrograms to milligrams depending on the analog and route. HNG (S14G-Humanin) is a more potent analog. |
| Administration | Intramuscular injection. Comes as lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution. Treatment given in courses rather than continuously. | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research. Various analogs exist with different potencies and stabilities. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions or mild allergic responses in sensitive individuals. | Limited human data. Generally well-tolerated in animal studies. May affect glucose metabolism. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Cortexin, Humanin are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Cortexin:
Unique to Humanin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | Cortexin | Humanin |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Performance | medium | medium |
Key Studies
Cortexin
- [Cortexin in the comprehensive therapy of alcoholic encephalopathy].
Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova, 2026
- Cortexin modulates OPG/RANK/RANKL and TRPC1 expression in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Neurological research, 2026
- Neurotropic Effects of Cortexin on Models of Mental and Physical Developmental Delay.
Biomedicines, 2025
Humanin
- Humanin Mitigates Aβ-Induced Retinal Pigment Epithelium Injury via AMPK-Beclin1-Dependent Mitophagy.
Aging cell, 2026
- HUMANIN produced by human efferocytic macrophages promotes the resolution of inflammation.
Cell death & disease, 2025
- The neuroprotective role of Humanin in Alzheimer's disease: The molecular effects.
European journal of pharmacology, 2025
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