MOTS-c / Humanin Blend
Also known as: MOTS-C / Humanin Blend
A research blend of two mitochondrial-derived peptides, MOTS-c and Humanin, studied together for metabolic health, cytoprotection, and longevity. Both are encoded within mitochondrial DNA and act as signaling molecules.
Last updated
Mechanism of Action
MOTS-c is encoded in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region and activates the AMPK pathway, translocating to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate antioxidant and metabolic gene expression, thereby improving insulin sensitivity and fatty-acid oxidation. Humanin is encoded in the 16S rRNA region and is cytoprotective, binding the trimeric receptor (formyl peptide receptor-like 1 and the gp130/CNTFR/WSX-1 complex) to suppress apoptosis via Bax inhibition and to activate STAT3 survival signaling. Combining the two engages complementary metabolic-regulatory and anti-apoptotic mitochondrial pathways.
- Half-life
- Both peptides are short-lived in circulation (estimated minutes to a few hours); analog modifications can extend exposure.
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous
- Research Status
- Preclinical
Reported Benefits
- Studied for improved insulin sensitivity and glucose handling
- May enhance mitochondrial function and metabolic flexibility
- Explored for cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effects
- Investigated for exercise-mimetic and AMPK-activating activity
- Researched in the context of age-related metabolic decline
- Combines two complementary mitochondrial signaling peptides
Potential Side Effects
- Injection-site irritation
- Possible transient changes in blood glucose
- Fatigue or flushing
- Unknown effects from combining peptides
- Limited human safety data
Common Dosing
For research use only and not medical advice; preclinical and early human literature describes MOTS-c and Humanin analogs in the low-milligram range administered subcutaneously several times weekly. No standardized human protocol exists for the blend.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Use with glucose-lowering medication without monitoring
- Known hypersensitivity to either peptide
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region that acts as a regulator of metabolism. It is studied for improving insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility, and exercise capacity.
Humanin
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for its cytoprotective, neuroprotective, and metabolic effects. The HNG (Humanin-G) analog is a more potent variant frequently used in research.
NAD+
NAD+ is an essential coenzyme central to cellular energy production and DNA repair whose levels decline with age. It is studied and supplemented for longevity, mitochondrial function, and metabolic health. Note: NAD+ is a coenzyme, not a peptide, commonly sold alongside longevity research compounds.
NMN
NMN is a direct biosynthetic precursor of NAD+ used to raise cellular NAD+ levels. It is studied for longevity, metabolic health, and mitochondrial function. Note: NMN is a small-molecule NAD+ precursor, not a peptide, but is catalogued with longevity research compounds.
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide studied for protecting mitochondrial function in conditions involving oxidative stress and energy failure. It has been investigated clinically for mitochondrial myopathy and heart and kidney disease.
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The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance
2015
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MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis
2021
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The mitochondrial derived peptide humanin is a regulator of lifespan and healthspan
2020