Humanin vs Noopept
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 →Noopept
Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester) is a peptide-derived nootropic developed in Russia. While technically a dipeptide prodrug rather than a true peptide, it's often discussed alongside peptide nootropics.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Humanin | Noopept |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 100 mcg–500 mcg | 10 mg–30 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 2x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–8 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | oral |
| 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. | Metabolized to cycloprolylglycine which modulates AMPA and NMDA receptors, increases NGF and BDNF expression, and provides neuroprotective effects through antioxidant mechanisms. |
| 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. | Oral: 10-30mg daily, typically divided into 2-3 doses. Sublingual use may enhance absorption. Some users go higher but effects may plateau. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research. Various analogs exist with different potencies and stabilities. | Oral or sublingual administration. Unlike most peptides, it's orally bioavailable. Can be taken with or without food. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Generally well-tolerated in animal studies. May affect glucose metabolism. | Headache (often from choline depletion), irritability, insomnia if taken late, and occasional brain fog during initial use. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Humanin, Noopept are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Humanin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | Humanin | Noopept |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Performance | medium | medium |
Key Studies
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
Noopept
- Effects of noopept on ocular, pancreatic and renal histopathology in streptozotocin induced prepubertal diabetic rats.
Biotechnic & histochemistry : official publication of the Biological Stain Commission, 2023
- Intranasal Administration of Forskolin and Noopept Reverses Parkinsonian Pathology in PINK1 Knockout Rats.
International journal of molecular sciences, 2022
- Noopept; a nootropic dipeptide, modulates persistent inflammation by effecting spinal microglia dependent Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) and pro-BDNF expression throughout apoptotic process.
Heliyon, 2021
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