Human Growth Hormone (HGH) vs MOTS-c vs SHLP2
A three-way comparison to help you find the right peptide for your research goals.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Human Growth Hormone (somatropin) is a 191-amino acid protein identical to naturally produced GH. FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and other conditions. Widely used off-label for anti-aging and performance.
Full details →MOTS-c
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that plays a key role in metabolic regulation and has emerged as a significant longevity research target.
Full details →SHLP2
SHLP2 (Small Humanin-Like Peptide 2) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide similar to humanin. It has shown insulin-sensitizing and cytoprotective effects in research, with potential metabolic benefits.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Human Growth Hormone (HGH) | MOTS-c | SHLP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to GH receptors throughout the body, stimulating IGF-1 production in the liver. Promotes protein synthesis, fat metabolism, and cellular regeneration across multiple tissues. | Activates AMPK pathway, enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and regulates mitochondrial function. Acts as a metabolic hormone affecting whole-body energy homeostasis. | Enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Provides cytoprotective effects similar to humanin. May act through similar but distinct receptor pathways. |
| Typical Dosage | Medical: 0.1-0.3mg/kg/week divided into daily doses. Anti-aging: 1-2 IU daily. Performance: 2-6 IU daily, sometimes higher. | Research protocols typically use 5-10mg administered subcutaneously several times per week. Optimal dosing not yet established. | Research compound with doses in the microgram to low milligram range studied in animal models. Human dosing not established. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, preferably at night to mimic natural pulsatile release. Rotate injection sites. Store refrigerated. | Subcutaneous injection. Often combined with exercise protocols as it enhances exercise capacity and metabolic adaptation. | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research settings. Various SHLP analogs (1-6) have different properties. |
| Side Effects | Joint pain, water retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, potential insulin resistance, and acromegaly features with long-term high doses. | Limited human data. Animal studies show good tolerability. May affect energy levels and exercise performance. | Limited data. Animal studies suggest good tolerability. May affect glucose metabolism. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Human Growth Hormone (HGH), MOTS-c, SHLP2 are all commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Human Growth Hormone (HGH):
Unique to MOTS-c:
Detailed Analysis
Commonalities
Both Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and MOTS-c are commonly used for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss, Anti-Aging & Longevity.
Which Should You Choose?
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has stronger evidence for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss.
Commonalities
Both Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and SHLP2 are commonly used for Fat Loss, Anti-Aging & Longevity.
Which Should You Choose?
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has stronger evidence for Fat Loss.
Commonalities
Both MOTS-c and SHLP2 are commonly used for Fat Loss, Anti-Aging & Longevity.
Which Should You Choose?
Both peptides have similar evidence levels for their shared goals. Your choice may depend on specific use case, availability, or personal response.