GDF-11 (Growth Differentiation Factor 11) 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.
GDF-11 (Growth Differentiation Factor 11)
TGF-β superfamily member proposed as a 'young blood factor' — circulating GDF-11 declines with age, and young plasma transfusion in parabiosis experiments reversed aging phenotypes in mice. A high-profile but contested research area: some studies show rejuvenating effects in heart, muscle, and brain; others using purified recombinant GDF-11 show cardiac hypertrophy and muscle wasting at pharmacologic doses.
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| GDF-11 (Growth Differentiation Factor 11) | Humanin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Anti-Aging & Longevity | Anti-Aging & Longevity |
| Also known as | GDF11, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 11, BMP-11, young blood factor | HN, HNG (Gly14-Humanin — more potent analog), Mitochondrial-derived peptide |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Research-stage |
| Dosing range | 0.1mg/kg–1mg/kg mg/kg, every 3–7 days (SC); research protocols vary widely | 100mcg–2mg mcg, Daily or 3–5x weekly |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (research) | Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal (for CNS applications), Intravenous (clinical studies) |
| Key side effects | Cardiac hypertrophy (at pharmacologic doses — the key safety concern), Muscle wasting and weight loss, Reproductive effects (GDF-11 inhibits spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis), Cachexia-like syndrome at high doses | 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: GDF-11 (Growth Differentiation Factor 11) — Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (research); Humanin — Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal (for CNS applications), Intravenous (clinical studies).
- Dosing units differ: GDF-11 (Growth Differentiation Factor 11) is dosed in mg/kg, Humanin in mcg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: GDF-11 (Growth Differentiation Factor 11) is typically every 3–7 days (SC); research protocols vary widely; Humanin is Daily or 3–5x weekly.
- Research depth: this profile cites 2 sources for GDF-11 (Growth Differentiation Factor 11) vs 3 for Humanin.
How each works
GDF-11 (Growth Differentiation Factor 11)
The 2013–2014 parabiosis studies from Amy Wagers' lab at Harvard proposed GDF-11 as the primary rejuvenating factor in young blood. However, subsequent work by Lee and others showed that purified recombinant GDF-11 at pharmacologic doses caused cardiac hypertrophy, muscle atrophy, and weight loss — opposite of the proposed rejuvenating effects. The field now views GDF-11 as highly dose-sensitive with a narrow therapeutic window, if one exists at all.
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.