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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, a copper complex of the naturally occurring peptide glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine, is derived from human serum and is classified as a therapeutic peptide. Researchers primarily study GHK-Cu for its regenerative and protective properties, particularly in the context of skin health and tissue repair. Key findings from the literature indicate that GHK-Cu promotes collagen synthesis, enhances wound healing, and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, while also stimulating nerve outgrowth and angiogenesis. Additionally, studies suggest that GHK-Cu may play a role in modulating cellular pathways associated with aging and cognitive function. Current research continues to explore its potential applications in regenerative medicine, although clinical data supporting its use remain limited.

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 and MAPK pathways, which are crucial for promoting angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and tissue remodeling. It also influences the TGF-β signaling pathway, enhancing fibroblast activity and extracellular matrix production, while exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties by modulating NFκB activity. Although the precise receptors and complete mechanistic details remain to be fully elucidated, GHK-Cu's regenerative and protective actions are well-documented across various biological processes.

Research

33 Research Publications

940

Total Citations

8

Human/RCT

1.4

Avg. Influence

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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

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
#03

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

In VitroInfluence1.0
98
Researchers observed that GHK-Cu stimulated the expression of MMP-2 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in cultured dermal fibroblasts, indicating its role in extracellular matrix remodeling.
0.2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned20 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned
PubMed
#04

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

Animal
67
The study demonstrated that GHK-Cu mitigated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress pathways.
0.2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned20 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned
PubMed
#05

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

In Vitro
63
The study demonstrated that GHK-Cu stimulated the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans in human fibroblasts, suggesting a role in wound healing processes.
0.2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned20 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned
PubMed
#06

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

In VitroInfluence1.0
59
Researchers observed that GHK-Cu accelerated the growth of normal and irradiated human fibroblasts, significantly increasing the production of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor.
0.2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned20 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned
PubMed
#07

Selected Biomarkers Revealed Potential Skin Toxicity Caused by Certain Copper Compounds.

In VitroInfluence1.0
48
Researchers observed that GHK-Cu exhibited low potential for inducing skin irritation and did not significantly alter the expression of skin irritation-related biomarkers in an in vitro keratinocyte model.
0.2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned20 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned
PubMed
#08

Enhanced angiogenic effects of RGD, GHK peptides and copper (II) compositions in synthetic cryogel ECM model.

In Vitro
31
The study demonstrated that GHK peptides combined with RGD and copper ions significantly enhanced angiogenic responses in a synthetic cryogel ECM model.
0.2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned20 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned
PubMed
#09

Electrophoretic deposition of GHK-Cu loaded MSN-chitosan coatings with pH-responsive release of copper and its bioactivity.

In VitroInfluence2.0
30
The study demonstrated that GHK-Cu loaded MSN-chitosan coatings exhibited pH-responsive release of copper ions, effectively inhibiting bacterial adhesion and promoting cytocompatibility.
0.2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned20 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned
PubMed
#10

Effects of glycyl-histidyl-lysyl chelated Cu(II) on ferritin dependent lipid peroxidation.

In Vitro
29
The study demonstrated that GHK-Cu inhibited ferritin-dependent lipid peroxidation, suggesting a mechanism for its wound healing properties by preventing iron release.
0.2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned2 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned20 µg/g/dayintraperitoneal(mouse)not mentioned
PubMed
Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No clinical trials have been conducted to validate the efficacy of GHK-Cu in musculoskeletal conditions, leaving its therapeutic potential largely unproven in humans. Additionally, the long-term effects of GHK-Cu treatment on tissue regeneration and overall health remain unknown, as well as the specific mechanisms by which it exerts its anti-inflammatory and regenerative actions.

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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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