Humanin vs Semax
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 →Semax
Semax is a synthetic peptide derived from ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). Developed in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Humanin | Semax |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 100 mcg–500 mcg | 300 mcg–600 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. | Enhances BDNF expression, modulates dopamine and serotonin systems, and provides neuroprotective effects. Increases attention, memory formation, and learning. |
| 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: 200-600mcg 2-3 times daily. Higher doses (up to 1mg) used in clinical settings for stroke recovery. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research. Various analogs exist with different potencies and stabilities. | Primarily administered intranasally. N-Acetyl Semax Amidate (NASA) is a modified version with enhanced stability and potency. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Generally well-tolerated in animal studies. May affect glucose metabolism. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild irritability or hair shedding in some users. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Humanin, Semax are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Humanin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Cognitive Performance: Semax has stronger research support.
| Goal | Humanin | Semax |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Semax
- Semax peptide targets the μ opioid receptor gene Oprm1 to promote deubiquitination and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in female mice.
British journal of pharmacology, 2025
- The Potential of the Peptide Drug Semax and Its Derivative for Correcting Pathological Impairments in the Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
Acta naturae, 2025
- The Effect of Peptide Semax, an ACTH(4-10) Analogue, on Intracellular Calcium Dynamics in Rat Brain Neurons.
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2025
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