Humanin vs Melanotan II
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
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 →Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analog of α-MSH with broader receptor activity than Melanotan I. It produces tanning effects and has notable effects on sexual function and appetite suppression.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Humanin | Melanotan II |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to IGFBP-3 and BAX, inhibiting apoptosis. Activates STAT3 signaling and enhances cellular survival under stress. Protects mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress. | Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist affecting MC1R (tanning), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite). This broader activity explains its multiple effects beyond tanning. |
| Typical Dosage | 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. | Typical protocols: 0.25-0.5mg daily during loading phase for 1-2 weeks, then 0.5-1mg before UV exposure for maintenance. Start low to assess tolerance. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research. Various analogs exist with different potencies and stabilities. | Subcutaneous injection. Usually combined with UV exposure for tanning effects. Nasal spray formulations exist but have lower bioavailability. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Generally well-tolerated in animal studies. May affect glucose metabolism. | Nausea (common initially), facial flushing, spontaneous erections, increased libido, appetite suppression, and mole darkening. |
| Best For |
Key Differences
Unique to Humanin:
Unique to Melanotan II:
Detailed Analysis
Commonalities
Humanin and Melanotan II are used for different purposes and have limited overlap in their applications.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Humanin for Cognitive Performance, Anti-Aging & Longevity. Choose Melanotan II for Fat Loss, Skin Health & Aesthetics, Sexual Health.