GHK-Cu
Also known as: Copper Peptide, Peptídeo de Cobre
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Copper tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys-Cu²⁺) with collagen synthesis, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Naturally present in human plasma with levels that decline with age.
GHK-Cu combines the GHK tripeptide with a pre-complexed copper ion, forming a bioactive complex associated with type I and III collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, anti-inflammatory modulation, angiogenesis, and nerve regeneration. In practice, it is used for skin quality, wound-healing support, and dermal anti-aging, with evidence from preclinical models and topical cosmetic studies.
GHK-Cu is not approved as a drug, but it is widely incorporated into regulated topical cosmetics and dispensed by compounding pharmacies in off-label topical and subcutaneous formulations, in 8–12 week cycles. The reconstituted solution shows the characteristic bluish tint of the copper complex, which is photosensitive. There is no athletic indication or inclusion on the WADA prohibited list.
The complex was isolated and characterized in the 1970s from human plasma by Loren Pickart, who first described the regenerative properties of the copper-bound tripeptide.
Within the GHK family, GHK-Cu is regarded as the gold standard due to the chelated copper ion, which enhances regenerative signaling compared to base GHK (without pre-complexed copper). Variants such as AHK-Cu (with alanine) are aimed at hair stimulation, while Pal-GHK attaches a palmitoyl tail to GHK for topical penetration in cosmetic formulations, without chelated copper.
GHK Gly-His-Lys Half-life
~2-4 hours
Administration Route
Topical or subcutaneous
Category
Healing & Recovery
Mechanism of Action
- Promotion of type I and III collagen synthesis
- Stimulation of fibroblast proliferation
- Anti-inflammatory effect via cytokine modulation
- Attraction of immune cells for tissue repair
- Promotion of angiogenesis and nerve regeneration
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 1-3 mg per injection |
| Frequency | Once daily or every other day |
| Timing | Preferably at night |
| Duration | 8-12 weeks |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Mild skin irritation
- Local redness
- Transient pigmentation
Product Properties
| Purity | >98% |
| Appearance | Bluish lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Source | Chemical synthesis |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 2 weeks. Protect from light (photosensitive copper complex). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of GHK-Cu found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 2 ml per vial
- Slowly inject the diluent along the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Solution should have a slight bluish tint
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
Scientific Studies
Published studies on GHK-Cu.
Related Peptides
ARA-290
2-4 mg per injection · Once daily
BPC-157
250-500 mcg per injection · 1-2 times daily
Cartalax
1-2 capsules orally (0.2 g per capsule, containing AKS-4 peptide complex) · 1-2 times daily, with meals
LL-37
50-200 mcg per injection · Once daily
MGF
200-400 mcg per injection · Once daily (MGF) or 2-3 times per week (PEG-MGF)
TB-500
2-5 mg per injection · Twice per week