Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Humanin | Ipamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates dosing remains experimental. Animal studies use 1-10 mcg/day equivalents. Human protocols are not established. | Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection. |
| Timing | No established timing protocol. Morning dosing suggested for neuroprotective applications. | Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach. |
| Cycle Duration | Experimental — no established cycle lengths. | 12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks. |
| Evidence Level | animal_plus_anecdotal | moderate_human |
Humanin is a 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 16S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. It binds IGFBP-3 with high affinity (via Phe-6), interfering with IGFBP-3 binding to importin-beta and suppressing IGFBP-3-mediated apoptosis. It also inhibits the pro-apoptotic protein Bax (Bcl-2 family), preventing mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and intrinsic apoptosis. Humanin and IGFBP-3 synergistically protect neurons from amyloid-beta-induced apoptosis, and it activates the STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways for cytoprotection.
Research indicates dosing remains experimental. Animal studies use 1-10 mcg/day equivalents. Human protocols are not established.
No established timing protocol. Morning dosing suggested for neuroprotective applications.
Experimental — no established cycle lengths.
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor) agonist. Unlike other GHRPs, it selectively stimulates GH release without significantly affecting ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone — even at doses 200-fold above the ED50 for GH release. This selectivity profile is comparable to GHRH itself but operates through the distinct ghrelin receptor on pituitary somatotrophs.
Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach.
12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.
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