GHK-Cu
Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper
About
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide found in human biological fluids. Research has explored its relationship to copper metabolism, skin regeneration, wound-healing models, antioxidative pathways, hair-growth research, and age-related cellular signaling.
Research Applications
- Skin regeneration
- Wound healing and tissue repair
- Hair growth
- Nerve regeneration
- Anti-aging, oxidative stress, and DNA repair
Mechanism of Action
Research literature describes GHK-Cu as modulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and breakdown, matrix metalloproteinase activity, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, decorin, and immune or endothelial cell attraction at injury sites. These mechanisms remain research observations rather than established treatment claims.
Molecular Info
- Class
- Copper-binding tripeptide
- Sequence represented by name
- Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound with copper
- Naturally described locations
- Cell plasma, saliva, and urine
- Primary research areas
- Skin regeneration, wound healing, hair growth, antioxidative pathways, and DNA repair
Dosing Guidance
- Range
- Research discussions cite total-treatment amounts such as 100–200 mg and 1.1 mg/kg, plus lower oral/liposomal examples.
- Frequency
- Frequency varies across research contexts and is presented here as educational background only.
- Timing
- Timing is not consistently defined across the available research references.
- Cycle length
- Cycle length is not consistently defined across the available research references.
- Notes
- These details are educational context only. Protocol values are examples and should not be treated as medical instructions.
Known Risks
- Possible blood-pressure effects reported in high-dose contexts
- Reported effects in injectable peptide research include injection-site pain, lightheadedness, nausea, or flu-like symptoms
- Counterfeit or low-quality products are a concern in public peptide markets
Regulatory & Evidence Status
- Evidence level
- Mechanisms and injectable safety profile are not fully understood; limited clinical data.
- FDA status
- Not approved for therapeutic use.
- Availability
- Availability and allowed uses vary by formulation and intended use.
Protocols
Example reconstitution math only. These are educational values, not medical instructions.
Standard GHK-Cu Protocol
Example calculation values using a 50 mg vial, 3 mL bacteriostatic water, and a 2 mg target amount.
- Vial
- 50 mg
- Water
- 3 mL
- Target
- 2000 mcg
- Syringe
- U-100 · 100 units
These example values cover reconstitution math only; scheduling, route, and administration decisions are not included.
References
A synthetic tripeptide which increases survival of normal liver cells, and stimulates growth in hepatoma cells
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications · 1973 · Cell study
Early research connected a synthetic tripeptide later associated with GHK biology to liver-cell growth observations.
DOI: 10.1016/0006-291x(73)91459-9
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration
BioMed Research International · 2015 · Review
Reviewed GHK peptide activity across cellular pathways related to skin regeneration.
DOI: 10.1155/2015/648108
Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data
International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2018 · Review
Discussed GHK-Cu regenerative and protective research in relation to gene-expression data.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071987
GHK-Cu-liposomes accelerate scald wound healing in mice by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis
Wound Repair and Regeneration · 2017 · Preclinical study
Studied GHK-Cu liposomes in a mouse scald-wound model involving proliferation and angiogenesis.
DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12520
For research and educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide. All calculations should be independently verified.
