GHK-Cu
Copper Peptide GHK-Cu Β· Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper Β· Copper Tripeptide-1
Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Levels decline ~60% between age 20 and 60. Stimulates wound healing, collagen synthesis, stem cell activation, and reverses some gene expression patterns of aging.
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Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu activates over 31 wound-healing genes and downregulates 36 genes associated with inflammation and cancer progression. Key pathways: (1) Activates TGF-Ξ² signalling β collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis; (2) Stimulates FGF, VEGF, NGF β tissue repair and angiogenesis; (3) Upregulates proteasome activity β removes damaged proteins; (4) Activates SPARC and decorin β anti-tumour effects in vitro; (5) Reduces oxidative stress via CuΒ²βΊ-dependent superoxide dismutase-like activity.
Clinical Applications
- βSkin anti-aging: wrinkle reduction, collagen restoration, skin density improvement (topical and systemic)
- βWound healing acceleration β surgical, diabetic ulcers, chronic wounds
- βHair follicle stimulation and androgenic alopecia (topical)
- βLung tissue regeneration β COPD, lung fibrosis (systemic)
- βAnti-inflammatory adjuvant in chronic inflammatory conditions
- βPost-procedure skin recovery (laser, chemical peels, microneedling)
- βLongevity and cellular rejuvenation as part of anti-aging stacks
Dosing Protocol
Recommended Dosing
Topical (most common): 1β3% GHK-Cu in serum or cream, applied twice daily to face/scalp. SC injection (systemic anti-aging): 2β3 mg 3Γ weekly. Hair: topical 2% solution daily or SC 1β2 mg into scalp 2Γ weekly. Cycles: 8β12 weeks topical (ongoing is also used); systemic 12 weeks then reassess. Note: copper accumulation is theoretical but not observed at these doses β do not combine with high-dose copper supplementation.Safety & Contraindications
Possible Side Effects
- β Topical: mild skin irritation, temporary redness in sensitive skin; rarely contact dermatitis
- β Systemic: injection site reactions; metallic taste reported by some patients
- β Theoretical copper toxicity at very high doses β not reported clinically at standard protocols
Contraindications
- βWilson's disease or other copper metabolism disorders β absolute contraindication
- βPregnancy (insufficient data)
- βAvoid concurrent high-dose copper supplementation (>2 mg/day elemental copper)