Humanin vs Thymalin
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 profileThymalin
Thymus-derived peptide bioregulator developed in Russia containing a mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides extracted from calf thymus. Primarily studied for reversing immunological aging (immunosenescence) and extending healthy lifespan. Vladimir Khavinson's longitudinal research on elderly patients links thymalin administration to significant improvements in immune markers and all-cause mortality reduction.
Full profile| Humanin | Thymalin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Anti-Aging & Longevity | Anti-Aging & Longevity |
| Also known as | HN, HNG (Gly14-Humanin — more potent analog), Mitochondrial-derived peptide | thymic peptide bioregulator, T-activin extract, thymus peptide, thymic bioregulator |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Research-stage |
| Dosing range | 100mcg–2mg mcg, Daily or 3–5x weekly | 5mg–20mg mg, 5–10 day course, 1–2x per year |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal (for CNS applications), Intravenous (clinical studies) | Intramuscular injection, Subcutaneous injection |
| 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 | Injection site reactions, Mild fever (rare), Temporary increase in immune activity (desired response), Rare hypersensitivity |
| Cited sources | 3 references | 2 references |
Key differences
- Administration: Humanin — Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal (for CNS applications), Intravenous (clinical studies); Thymalin — Intramuscular injection, Subcutaneous injection.
- Dosing units differ: Humanin is dosed in mcg, Thymalin in mg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: Humanin is typically Daily or 3–5x weekly; Thymalin is 5–10 day course, 1–2x per year.
- Research depth: this profile cites 3 sources for Humanin vs 2 for Thymalin.
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.
Thymalin
Thymalin contains multiple bioactive peptides that stimulate T-lymphocyte differentiation and restore thymic function that declines with age. In Khavinson's 6-year controlled trial of elderly patients (78–89 years), annual thymalin courses were associated with significantly lower mortality and improved immune parameters vs. controls. Proposed mechanisms include telomerase activation in immune cells and restoration of thymic epithelial cell function.
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.