CJC-1295 vs Humanin
Head-to-head comparison of CJC-1295 and Humanin for research applications. Both peptides are studied for Anti-Aging, but they differ significantly in mechanism, evidence level, and dosing protocols.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Cjc 1295 | Humanin |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone Secretagogue | Metabolic / Mitochondrial |
| Mechanism | CJC-1295 binds to GHRH receptors (GHRHR) on pituitary somatotroph cells, activating intracellular cAMP signaling to stimulate both the transcription of the GH gene and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone, which in turn increases IGF-1 levels. | Humanin operates through both intracellular and extracellular mechanisms. Intracellularly, it binds pro-apoptotic proteins BAX, Bim, and tBid to inhibit caspase activation and cell death. |
| Evidence Rating | D — Preclinical | D — Preclinical |
| Clinical Status | Research-only / Not approved for human use | Preclinical. No completed clinical trials. Epidemiological studies show correlation with longevity. |
| Safety Profile | Common: transient flushing/"head rush" within 5-10 minutes post-injection — hallmark of a potent injection, harmless and brief; Self-reported: flu-like symptoms, headaches, irritability, anxiety, nausea, hives (mild and transient) | No formal human safety data; Endogenous peptide — naturally present in human circulation |
| Route | Subcutaneous | Subcutaneous or Intraperitoneal (research) |
| Dose Range | No DAC: 100 mcg before bed daily; DAC: 1–2 mg 2–3x weekly | No established human dose. HNG (S14G variant) active at nanomolar concentrations. Mouse studies: 0.2-4 mg/kg IP. |
| Frequency | Once daily (no DAC) or 2–3 times weekly (with DAC) | Once daily (animal protocols) |
| Molecular Weight | No DAC: ~3367.9 g/mol; With DAC: ~3647.3 g/mol | ~2,687 g/mol (24 aa form) |
| Half-Life | No DAC (mod GRF 1-29): ~30 min; With DAC: ~8 days | Minutes in plasma (rapid degradation) |
Overview
CJC-1295 and Humanin are both research peptides studied across multiple applications. This comparison examines their mechanisms, evidence base, dosing protocols, and safety profiles to help researchers understand the key differences and overlaps.
CJC-1295 — Mechanism & Evidence
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) originally developed by ConjuChem Technologies for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It exists in two forms: with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) for extended half-life of 5.8-8.1 days, and without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) for shorter, pulsatile release with a half-life of approximately 30 minutes. Two 2006 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials (Teichman et al.) demonstrated dose-dependent GH increases of 2-10 fold and IGF-1 increases of 1.5-3 fold in healthy adults aged 21-61. The No DAC version is generally considered the safer choice due to its physiological pulsatile pattern.
Key claims: Increases growth hormone and IGF-1; Improves body composition; Promotes deep sleep.
Humanin — Mechanism & Evidence
Humanin is a 21-24 amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded by the MT-RNR2 gene in mitochondrial DNA. It was originally discovered in 2001 for its ability to protect neurons from Alzheimer's disease-related toxicity. Since then, it has been found to have broad cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and metabolic effects. Circulating humanin levels decline with age and correlate with longevity in centenarian studies.
Key claims: Neuroprotection against Alzheimer's toxicity; Cardioprotection; Improves insulin sensitivity.
Shared Research Applications
Both peptides are studied for: Anti-Aging.
CJC-1295 is also researched for: Body Composition.
Humanin is also researched for: Cognitive Enhancement.
Safety Considerations
CJC-1295: Common: transient flushing/"head rush" within 5-10 minutes post-injection — hallmark of a potent injection, harmless and brief Self-reported: flu-like symptoms, headaches, irritability, anxiety, nausea, hives (mild and transient) Water retention and edema (dose-dependent; elevated GH causes sodium/water retention via kidneys)
Humanin: No formal human safety data Endogenous peptide — naturally present in human circulation No adverse effects reported in animal studies at tested doses
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Review batch documentation before making research purchasing decisions. Volta pairs product education with COA literacy so researchers can evaluate purity, identity, lot details, and testing context.
Product cards on this page link to current catalog entries and available quality documentation.
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