Comparison
Calcitonin (Lachs) vs. Humanin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
47931-85-1
330936-69-1
Molecular weight
3431.85 g/mol
2687.27 g/mol
Half-life
1 h
no data
Sequence
Cys-Ser-Asn-Leu-Ser-Thr-Cys-Val-Leu-Gly-Lys-Leu-Ser-Gln-Glu-Leu-His-Lys-Leu-Gln-Thr-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Thr-Asn-Thr-Gly-Ser-Gly-Thr-Pro-NH2Met-Ala-Pro-Arg-Gly-Phe-Ser-Cys-Leu-Leu-Leu-Leu-Thr-Ser-Glu-Ile-Asp-Leu-Pro-Val-Lys-Arg-Arg-AlaMechanism of action
Calcitonin (Lachs)
Salmon calcitonin binds the calcitonin receptor, which is particularly densely expressed on bone-resorbing osteoclasts. The literature describes that receptor activation inhibits osteoclast activity and motility, thereby reducing bone resorption. This results in reduced release of calcium and phosphate from bone into the blood, which is regarded as the mechanistic basis for the calcium-lowering effect. The salmon variant binds the receptor more strongly and for longer than human calcitonin, which explains its higher potency. Central nervous system mechanisms are additionally discussed in relation to its pain effect in fractures, the basis of which is regarded in the literature as not fully elucidated.
Humanin
Humanin arises from a short open reading frame within the 16S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome (MT-RNR2) — it is therefore not encoded by nuclear DNA. Mechanistically, preclinical work describes a cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic effect via multiple pathways: an extracellular interaction with a trimeric receptor complex of gp130, CNTFR and WSX-1 with downstream activation of JAK2/STAT3 signalling, as well as intracellular interactions including inhibition of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX (and of tBID), binding to IGFBP-3 with modulation of the IGF-1 axis, and interaction with FPRL1/FPRL2 receptors. These models derive predominantly from cell culture and rodents; the extent to which they reflect human physiology after administration of exogenous synthetic humanin is not established by controlled human trials.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human trial
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
4
1
Effects recorded
4
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
2
0
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Calcitonin (Lachs) and Humanin?
- Calcitonin (Lachs) is classified as "Research other", while Humanin is classified as "Research other". Calcitonin (Lachs): Salmon calcitonin is a synthetically produced 32-amino-acid peptide hormone that corresponds to the body's own calcitonin but exhibits higher biological potency than the human hormone. In the scientific literature it is studied in the context of inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and lowering elevated calcium levels. It was historically broadly approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis; following European safety reviews, however, its use was restricted. Humanin: Humanin is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-encoded peptide (mitochondrial-derived peptide, MDP) whose open reading frame lies within the 16S rRNA region (gene MT-RNR2) of mitochondrial DNA. It is considered the founding member of the MDP family and was discovered in 2001 by the Hashimoto/Nishimoto group while searching for neuroprotective factors in the brain of an Alzheimer's patient. In basic research (including the laboratory of Pinchas Cohen) humanin is described as a cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic peptide and is studied in the contexts of Alzheimer's/neuroprotection, metabolism/insulin action and aging. The evidence comes almost entirely from cell and animal models and from observations of endogenous levels in humans; controlled human trials of exogenous humanin as a therapeutic are lacking. It is not approved as a medicine anywhere and is traded on the grey market as a research chemical. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Calcitonin (Lachs) or Humanin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Calcitonin (Lachs) and "Human trial" for Humanin. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Calcitonin (Lachs) and Humanin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Calcitonin (Lachs) — Prescription, Humanin — Unapproved. United States: Calcitonin (Lachs) — Prescription, Humanin — Research only. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.