Humanin vs NAD+
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.
Humanin
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 profileNAD+
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme essential to cellular metabolism, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function. Levels decline with age. Research focuses on restoring NAD+ through precursors (NMN, NR) or direct IV/subcutaneous administration to support longevity and energy metabolism.
Full profile| Humanin | NAD+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Anti-Aging & Longevity | Anti-Aging & Longevity |
| Also known as | HN, HNG (Gly14-Humanin — more potent analog), Mitochondrial-derived peptide | Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, NAD, NAD+ precursor |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Preclinical only |
| Dosing range | 100mcg–2mg mcg, Daily or 3–5x weekly | 250mg–1000mg mg, daily (oral precursors) or weekly/monthly (IV/SubQ) |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal (for CNS applications), Intravenous (clinical studies) | Oral (precursors: NMN or NR), Intravenous infusion, Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal |
| Key side effects | 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 | Flushing (especially IV), Chest tightness during rapid IV infusion, Nausea, Fatigue (transient, day of infusion) |
| Cited sources | 3 references | 2 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: Humanin is research-stage, while NAD+ is preclinical only.
- Administration: Humanin — Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal (for CNS applications), Intravenous (clinical studies); NAD+ — Oral (precursors: NMN or NR), Intravenous infusion, Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal.
- Dosing units differ: Humanin is dosed in mcg, NAD+ in mg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: Humanin is typically Daily or 3–5x weekly; NAD+ is daily (oral precursors) or weekly/monthly (IV/SubQ).
- Research depth: this profile cites 3 sources for Humanin vs 2 for NAD+.
How each works
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.
NAD+
NAD+ is required for over 500 enzymatic reactions including those catalyzed by sirtuins (longevity-associated proteins) and PARPs (DNA repair enzymes). Rodent studies consistently show that restoring NAD+ levels reverses aspects of metabolic aging. Human trials with NAD+ precursors (NMN, NR) show improved muscle function, insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial capacity in older adults.
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.