Humanin vs Thymalin
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 →Thymalin
Thymalin is a polypeptide preparation derived from calf thymus. Developed in Russia, it has been used for decades to support immune function and has shown potential anti-aging effects in long-term studies.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Humanin | Thymalin |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 100 mcg–500 mcg | 5 mg–10 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–8 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | intramuscular |
| 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. | Regulates the ratio of T-cell subpopulations, stimulates cellular immunity, and enhances phagocytosis. Also affects neuroendocrine regulation and may influence melatonin production. |
| 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. | Clinical protocols: 5-20mg daily intramuscularly for 3-10 days. Often cycled 1-2 times per year for maintenance. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research. Various analogs exist with different potencies and stabilities. | Intramuscular injection. Usually administered in short courses rather than continuously. Often combined with Epithalamin for anti-aging protocols. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Generally well-tolerated in animal studies. May affect glucose metabolism. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions or temporary flu-like symptoms as immune function is modulated. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Humanin, Thymalin are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Humanin:
Unique to Thymalin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | Humanin | Thymalin |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Aging & Longevity | 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
Thymalin
- Reparative osteogenesis in mandible in cases of filling a bone defect with hydroxyapatite-containing osteotropic material and injecting the surrounding soft tissues with thymalin: experimental and morphological study.
Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960), 2024
- Expression features of T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes and macrophages in the post-traumatic regenerate of the mandible rats under conditions of filling a bone defect with hydroxyapatite-containing osteotropic material and thymalin injecting the surrounding soft tissues.
Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego, 2024
- The Influence of KE and EW Dipeptides in the Composition of the Thymalin Drug on Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis Involved in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19.
International journal of molecular sciences, 2023
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