CAS Number: 89030-95-5
Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄
Molecular Weight: 403.91 g/mol
Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (3 amino acids) + Cu²⁺
What is GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)?
GHK-Cu consists of a tripeptide called GHK (glycyl-histidyl-lysine) bonded with copper. Researchers first isolated GHK in 1973, when they discovered it prompted older liver tissue to produce proteins resembling those of younger tissue. Salhabpharmacy It is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in plasma, saliva, and urine, and plays a key role in tissue regeneration, collagen production, and wound healing. Happy Hormones MD The peptide exists naturally throughout the body, though levels decline sharply after age 60 — dropping by more than 50% — which correlates with decreased tissue regeneration and slower wound healing. Salhabpharmacy
Areas of Active Research:
1. Skin Health & Anti-Aging
Early histological studies demonstrated that GHK-Cu increases dermal collagen synthesis and glycosaminoglycan levels. A 2023 double-blind, split-face study (n=60, aged 40–65) comparing a GHK-Cu serum to placebo over 12 weeks showed a 22% increase in skin firmness and a 16% reduction in fine lines. Proteomic analysis confirmed upregulation of collagen type I and decorin, consistent with dermal remodeling activity. Grand Ingredients
2. Wound Healing
In rabbit models, GHK-Cu improved wound contraction, stimulated blood vessel development, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity. Collagen dressings containing the peptide accelerated healing in both healthy and diabetic rats. Salhabpharmacy
3. Hair Growth
A 2025 Japanese trial using a GHK-Cu peptide lotion observed a 7% increase in hair count after 16 weeks, likely due to anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects. However, compared with minoxidil, results remain mild and adjunctive. Grand Ingredients
4. COPD & Lung Function
Laboratory studies found that GHK-Cu restored function to lung cells from COPD patients, with researchers suggesting it may reverse gene changes associated with emphysema. Salhabpharmacy GHK-Cu appears to support remodeling and restructuring of connective tissue, modulating expression of numerous genes related to tissue remodeling, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses, and may be an essential component in a future approach to COPD therapy. PubMed Central
5. Anti-Cancer Properties
While GHK-Cu promotes cell growth, it also demonstrates anti-cancer properties. The peptide appears to suppress metastatic gene expression, and animal studies showed that GHK-Cu combined with vitamin C inhibited aggressive cancer growth. Salhabpharmacy
6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Colitis)
A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology demonstrated that GHK-Cu significantly upregulated SIRT1 expression in colon tissues, identifying it as a novel potential SIRT1 activator with benefits in experimental colitis models. Frontiers
7. Antibacterial Activity
GHK-Cu-modified silver nanoparticles demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against wound pathogens including E. coli and S. aureus, and notably promoted cell migration and proliferation in dermal fibroblasts. ScienceDirect
8. Gene Expression & Systemic Anti-Aging
Fascinating research shows GHK-Cu can “switch on” hundreds of beneficial genes linked to regeneration while silencing harmful ones linked to cancer progression and inflammation. Corefunctionalmed
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.