Epithalon vs Humanin
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two anti-aging & longevity peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
Epithalon
Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from Epithalamin, a polypeptide extract of the pineal gland. It has been studied since the 1980s by Russian researchers, primarily Vladimir Khavinson, for its ability to activate telomerase and extend telomere length — one of the few compounds with direct evidence of telomere elongation in human cells.
Full profileHumanin
Humanin is a 21-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of the mitochondrial genome — discovered in 2001 through a screen for neuroprotective factors in Alzheimer's disease. It is the founding member of a new class of peptide hormones encoded by mitochondria, not nuclear DNA. Circulating humanin levels decline sharply with age and are inversely correlated with cardiovascular disease risk, insulin resistance, and cognitive decline.
Full profile| Epithalon | Humanin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Anti-Aging & Longevity | Anti-Aging & Longevity |
| Also known as | Epitalon, Epithalone, Tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly | HN, HNG (Gly14-Humanin — more potent analog), Mitochondrial-derived peptide |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Research-stage |
| Dosing range | 5mg–20mg mg, daily for 10–20 day cycles, 1–2x per year | 100mcg–2mg mcg, Daily or 3–5x weekly |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (clinical studies), Intranasal | Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal (for CNS applications), Intravenous (clinical studies) |
| Key side effects | Generally very well-tolerated, Injection site discomfort, Vivid dreams (commonly reported), Improved sleep depth (often reported as benefit) | Generally well-tolerated in animal studies, No significant adverse effects reported at research doses, Potential interaction with GH/IGF-1 axis (IGF-1 suppresses humanin production), Long-term human safety data limited |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 3 references |
Key differences
- Administration: Epithalon — Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (clinical studies), Intranasal; Humanin — Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal (for CNS applications), Intravenous (clinical studies).
- Dosing units differ: Epithalon is dosed in mg, Humanin in mcg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: Epithalon is typically daily for 10–20 day cycles, 1–2x per year; Humanin is Daily or 3–5x weekly.
- Research depth: this profile cites 2 sources for Epithalon vs 3 for Humanin.
How each works
Epithalon
Epithalon activates telomerase (hTERT), the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length. In vitro and animal studies show telomere elongation, extended cell lifespan, and reduced DNA oxidation. Russian clinical studies in aging populations report improved melatonin rhythms, immune function, and reduced cancer incidence over multi-year follow-up.
Humanin
Humanin acts through multiple receptors (CNTFR/WSX-1/gp130 trimeric complex and FPRL1) to exert neuroprotection, cardioprotection, and metabolic effects. Key findings: humanin inhibits neuronal apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease models by blocking IGFBP-3 death signaling, reduces cardiovascular disease markers in clinical studies, improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic models, and reduces oxidative stress. IGF-1 downregulates humanin production — individuals on GH/IGF-1 therapies may have suppressed endogenous humanin. Centenarians have elevated humanin levels compared to age-matched controls.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.