GHK-Cu
Research OnlyModerate EvidenceCopper Peptide GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper)
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that declines with age, studied for skin repair, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory gene expression.
Half-Life
Not well established (topical bioavailability variable)
Molecular Weight
340.38 g/mol (as free peptide); 402.9 g/mol (copper complex)
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Plasma concentrations peak in early adulthood (~200 ng/mL at age 20) and decline significantly with age (~80 ng/mL at age 60), a pattern correlating with declining wound healing capacity and increasing inflammation. GHK-Cu modulates expression of over 4,000 human genes, with a striking pattern — it generally downregulates genes associated with inflammation, cancer progression, and oxidative stress while upregulating genes involved in tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and stem cell activity. Its applications span wound healing, skin anti-aging, and potentially neurological repair.
Also Known As
Amino Acid Sequence
Gly-His-Lys
Reconstitution
Reconstitute with sterile water or saline. Stable in solution at pH 5–7.
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