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GHK-Cu

Copper Peptide · Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine Copper

Anti-Aging & SkinPhase II
From$0.06/mgCompare prices
MW
742.3g/mol
Formula
C28H46CuN12O8

GHK-Cu, or glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine copper complex, is a naturally occurring peptide found in human serum that is recognized for its regenerative and protective properties. Researchers primarily study GHK-Cu for its potential in tissue repair, wound healing, and anti-aging applications. Key findings from various studies indicate that GHK-Cu promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, enhances nerve outgrowth, and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Additionally, preclinical evidence suggests that GHK-Cu may influence multiple biochemical pathways involved in cellular health and aging. Despite its promising attributes, current research is still limited, with a notable absence of extensive clinical trials to validate its efficacy in human subjects.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Profile

Chemical structure
Chemical Structure
FormulaC28H46CuN12O8
Molecular Weight742.3 g/mol
CAS Number130120-56-8
PubChem CID9831891

Half-Life

INIntranasal

Not applicable

POOral

Poor bioavailability

Topical application is the most common due to poor systemic bioavailability.

Mechanism

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-copper complex) exerts its biological effects primarily through the activation of multiple signaling pathways, including the PI3K/Akt, mTOR, and MAPK pathways, which are crucial for tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and inflammation resolution. It enhances collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promotes fibroblast activation, and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, although the precise receptors and complete mechanistic details remain to be fully elucidated. Additionally, GHK-Cu has shown potential in modulating epigenetic pathways and may influence neuroplasticity, particularly in the context of aging and cognitive function.

Research

54 Research Publications

1,669

Total Citations

9

Human/RCT

2.3

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

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#01

Redox chemistry of copper-amyloid-beta: the generation of hydroxyl radical in the presence of ascorbate is linked to redox-potentials and aggregation state.

In VitroInfluence4.0
235
Researchers observed that the copper complex of the beta-amyloid peptide (Cu-Abeta) produced hydroxyl radicals at varying rates, with Gly-His-Lys (Cu-GHK) showing the highest production linked to its redox potential.
15 mg/kgintranasal(mouse)3 months15 mg/kgintranasal(C57BL/6 mice)2 months0.2, 2 and 20 μg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not specified
PubMed
#02

The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling.

AnimalInfluence8.0
206
Researchers observed that GHK-Cu activates multiple processes related to tissue remodeling, enhancing wound healing and improving skin conditions in controlled studies.
0.2, 2 and 20 μg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)on alternate day15 mg/kgintranasal(mouse)3 times per week for 3 months15 mg/kg dailyintranasal(mouse)for two months
PubMed
#03

Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data.

Pickart Loren & Margolina Anna · International journal of molecular sciences · 2018

ReviewInfluence6.0
118
Researchers observed that GHK-Cu stimulates tissue repair and possesses protective actions against aging-related diseases through multiple biochemical pathways.

Key findings

  1. 01GHK-Cu stimulates the growth of blood vessels and nerves and increases the production of important skin proteins like collagen and elastin.
  2. 02The peptide shows protective effects against cancer and inflammation, and may aid in the recovery of lung tissues affected by chronic diseases.
  3. 03Recent genetic research suggests that GHK-Cu influences multiple biochemical pathways, explaining its wide-ranging health benefits.
0.2, 2 and 20 μg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)on alternate day15 mg/kgintranasal(mouse)3 times per week for 3 months15 mg/kg dailyintranasal(mouse)for two months
PubMed
#04

In vivo stimulation of connective tissue accumulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ in rat experimental wounds.

AnimalInfluence1.0
105
The study demonstrated that GHK-Cu significantly increased extracellular matrix accumulation in experimental wounds in rats, highlighting its potential in wound healing.
PubMed
#05

The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by fibroblast cultures.

In VitroInfluence1.0
95
The study demonstrated that GHK-Cu stimulated MMP-2 expression in fibroblast cultures, indicating its role in extracellular matrix remodeling.
0.2, 2 and 20 μg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)on alternate day15 mg/kgintranasal(mouse)3 times per week for 3 months15 mg/kg dailyintranasal(mouse)for two months
PubMed
#06

The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health.

ReviewInfluence3.0
90
Researchers observed that GHK-Cu possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may prevent age-associated cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions.
0.2, 2 and 20 μg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)on alternate day15 mg/kgintranasal(mouse)3 times per week for 3 months15 mg/kg dailyintranasal(mouse)for two months
PubMed
#07

Protective effects of GHK-Cu in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation pathways.

Animal
62
Researchers observed that GHK-Cu administration in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis significantly inhibited inflammatory responses and collagen deposition, suggesting protective effects against bleomycin-induced lung damage.
0.2, 2 and 20 μg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)on alternate day15 mg/kgintranasal(mouse)3 times per week for 3 months15 mg/kg dailyintranasal(mouse)for two months
PubMed
#08

Stimulation of sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+.

In Vitro
61
Researchers observed that GHK-Cu stimulated a dose-dependent increase in glycosaminoglycan synthesis by normal human fibroblasts, indicating its role in wound healing.
0.2, 2 and 20 μg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)on alternate day15 mg/kgintranasal(mouse)3 times per week for 3 months15 mg/kg dailyintranasal(mouse)for two months
PubMed
#09

The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice.

AnimalInfluence3.0
59
Researchers observed that GHK-Cu reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in a mouse model of acute lung injury, indicating its protective effects.
0.2, 2 and 20 μg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)on alternate day15 mg/kgintranasal(mouse)3 times per week for 3 months15 mg/kg dailyintranasal(mouse)for two months
PubMed
#10

Effects of copper tripeptide on the growth and expression of growth factors by normal and irradiated fibroblasts.

In VitroInfluence1.0
56
The study demonstrated that GHK-Cu accelerates the growth of normal and irradiated human fibroblasts, enhancing the production of key growth factors associated with wound healing.
15 mg/kgintranasal(mouse)3 months15 mg/kgintranasal(C57BL/6 mice)2 months0.2, 2 and 20 μg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not specified
PubMed
Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of GHK-Cu in musculoskeletal conditions, leaving its therapeutic potential largely unvalidated in human subjects. Additionally, the long-term effects of GHK-Cu treatment on skin permeability and overall health outcomes remain unknown, and the specific biochemical pathways through which GHK-Cu exerts its regenerative effects require further elucidation.

Solubility

GHK-Cu is soluble in water and aqueous solutions.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Safety information is derived from published research and may not reflect all known risks. This is not medical advice.

Legal Status

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Not approved as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance. Sale as research chemical is a legal grey area.

🇺🇸US

Not approved by the FDA as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance.

🇦🇺AU

Not listed in the TGA schedules as a therapeutic good.

🇬🇧UK

Not approved by the MHRA as a medicinal product.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

Community Insights

Community Insights

Publications per Year

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Pricing

Price Comparison

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Top 5 of 86 offers from 63 vendors. Prices updated daily.

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Mechanism

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Mechanism

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Legal Disclaimer

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer