Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Humanin | Selank | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril). |
| Timing | No established timing protocol. Morning dosing suggested for neuroprotective applications. | Can be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night. |
| Cycle Duration | Experimental — no established cycle lengths. | 14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods. |
| 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.
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (from IgG heavy chain) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension for metabolic stability. It allosterically modulates GABA-A receptors, enhancing GABA binding and GABAergic neurotransmission. Selank modifies mRNA levels of 84 genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission in the frontal cortex, enhances enkephalinase inhibition (increasing endogenous enkephalin levels), and modulates serotonergic and noradrenergic systems to produce anxiolytic and nootropic effects.
Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).
Can be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night.
14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods.
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