What it is
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine : Copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptideβcopper complex first identified in the 1970s. Serum levels decline with age. It is one of the most studied peptides in dermatology and tissue repair, with hundreds of published papers on collagen, hair follicle, wound healing, and antioxidant outcomes.
Mechanism of action
Modulates more than 4,000 human genes (Pickart 2018), many toward youthful expression patterns. Promotes collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, upregulates antioxidant defense enzymes, stimulates dermal fibroblast proliferation, and supports hair follicle stem cells.
Half-life: Short in plasma; tissue effects observed for 24+ hours post-dose.
Evidence summary
Strong in-vitro and animal data; human studies are mostly topical. Injectable research use continues for skin, recovery, and hair applications. Diabetic-ulcer and lung-injury trials extend its clinical relevance.
Typical dosing protocols
- Injectable: 1β3 mg subcutaneous daily, 8β12 week cycles
- Topical: 0.05β1% solution on skin or scalp
- Often combined with BPC-157 for compound recovery protocols
Side effects & safety
- Excellent safety profile in topical and research injection use
- Rare injection-site irritation
- Theoretical concern about copper accumulation with chronic high doses
Cited studies
- Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, et al. (1988). Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Letters.PMID 3169228Read source β
- (1994). Enhanced healing of ulcers in patients with diabetes by topical treatment with glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper. Wound Repair and Regeneration.Read source β
- (2000). Expression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. Journal of Investigative Dermatology.Read source β
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A (2015). GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International.PMID 26090416Read source β
- (2016). The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice. Oncotarget.Read source β
- Pickart L, Margolina A (2018). Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.PMID 30021883Read source β
All content is for research and educational purposes. Peptides described are sold for laboratory research use only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any protocol.