Comparison

Humanin vs. Oxytocin

Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.

Identity

Mechanism of action

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.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is synthesised in the hypothalamus and released via the posterior pituitary. Peripherally it binds the oxytocin receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor, and through the phospholipase-C cascade and calcium release triggers contraction of uterine smooth muscle and milk ejection — the pharmacological basis of the obstetric approval. Centrally, oxytocin acts as a neuromodulator and has been linked to social bonding, trust and modulation of stress and anxiety circuits. Its central effects in humans are mechanistically incompletely understood, particularly because it is unclear to what extent peripherally or intranasally administered oxytocin crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Evidence base

Highest evidence

Human trial

Human RCT

Studies

of which in humans

Effects recorded

Open conflicts

Documented adverse events

Legal status

Country	Humanin	Oxytocin
Germany	Unapproved	Prescription
United States	Research only	Prescription

Full entries

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Humanin and Oxytocin?: Humanin is classified as "Research other", while Oxytocin is classified as "Research other". 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. Oxytocin: Oxytocin is an endogenous nonapeptide hormone of the posterior pituitary. In synthetic form (Pitocin, Syntocinon) it has been approved for decades to induce and augment labour and to control postpartum uterine bleeding. Strictly separate from this is intranasal use to influence social behaviour, trust, anxiety or autism symptoms: this use is unapproved, purely experimental, and yields inconsistent and often negative results in controlled trials. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
Which peptide is better supported by science, Humanin or Oxytocin?: The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for Humanin and "Human RCT" for Oxytocin. 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 Humanin and Oxytocin in Germany and the United States?: Germany: Humanin — Unapproved, Oxytocin — Prescription. United States: Humanin — Research only, Oxytocin — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.

Country

Humanin

Oxytocin

Germany

Unapproved

Prescription

United States

Research only

Prescription

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Humanin and Oxytocin?

Humanin is classified as "Research other", while Oxytocin is classified as "Research other". 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. Oxytocin: Oxytocin is an endogenous nonapeptide hormone of the posterior pituitary. In synthetic form (Pitocin, Syntocinon) it has been approved for decades to induce and augment labour and to control postpartum uterine bleeding. Strictly separate from this is intranasal use to influence social behaviour, trust, anxiety or autism symptoms: this use is unapproved, purely experimental, and yields inconsistent and often negative results in controlled trials. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.

Which peptide is better supported by science, Humanin or Oxytocin?

The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for Humanin and "Human RCT" for Oxytocin. 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 Humanin and Oxytocin in Germany and the United States?

Germany: Humanin — Unapproved, Oxytocin — Prescription. United States: Humanin — Research only, Oxytocin — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.