Humanin vs Selank
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 →Selank
Selank is a synthetic peptide derived from the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Developed in Russia for anxiety and cognitive enhancement.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Humanin | Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 100 mcg–500 mcg | 300 mcg–900 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 2x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–8 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | intranasal |
| 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. | Modulates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and affects serotonin and norepinephrine systems. Has immunomodulatory and anxiolytic properties. |
| 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. | Intranasal administration: 250-500mcg 2-3 times daily. Subcutaneous: 250-500mcg daily. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research. Various analogs exist with different potencies and stabilities. | Most commonly administered intranasally for cognitive effects. Can also be injected subcutaneously. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Generally well-tolerated in animal studies. May affect glucose metabolism. | Generally well-tolerated. Some users report mild fatigue or nasal irritation with intranasal use. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Humanin, Selank are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Humanin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Cognitive Performance: Selank has stronger research support.
| Goal | Humanin | Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Performance | medium | high |
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
Selank
- Selank, a Peptide Analog of Tuftsin, Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in Rats.
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2022
- The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of "Social" Stress.
Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology, 2021
- Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects.
Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections, 2020
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