Humanin vs Substance P
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 →Substance P
Substance P is an 11-amino acid neuropeptide involved in pain transmission, inflammation, and various neurological processes. While not used therapeutically itself, understanding it is crucial for pain research.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Humanin | Substance P |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 100 mcg–500 mcg | 35 mcg–350 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–8 weeks | 1 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| 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. | Binds primarily to NK1 receptors to transmit pain signals from peripheral nerves to the CNS. Also promotes inflammation, causes vasodilation, and stimulates immune cells. |
| 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. | Not used as a therapeutic agent. NK1 receptor antagonists (blocking Substance P) are used clinically for chemotherapy-induced nausea. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research. Various analogs exist with different potencies and stabilities. | Research compound only. Therapeutic applications focus on blocking rather than administering Substance P. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Generally well-tolerated in animal studies. May affect glucose metabolism. | Administration would cause pain, inflammation, and neurogenic responses. Not given therapeutically. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Humanin, Substance P are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Humanin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Cognitive Performance: Humanin has stronger research support.
| Goal | Humanin | Substance P |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Performance | medium | low |
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
Substance P
- Revisiting the role of Substance P and CGRPα.
eLife, 2025
- Biochemistry, Substance P.
2023
- Substance P-Friend or Foe.
Journal of clinical medicine, 2022
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