Repair / Recovery
GHK-Cu
C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄
Key Research Findings
- Directly stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis in fibroblast culture studies.
- Acts as an antioxidant by activating superoxide dismutase and reducing oxidative stress markers.
- Modulates over 4,000 human genes based on gene array studies, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer pathways.
- Plasma GHK levels decline ~60% between ages 20 and 60, correlating with reduced tissue repair capacity.
Overview
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring copper peptide present in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It plays a central role in wound healing, tissue remodelling, and skin regeneration, with concentration declining significantly with age.
Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu binds copper ions and delivers them to cells, activating enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and lysyl oxidase involved in collagen crosslinking. It also upregulates the expression of key repair genes including collagen, elastin, and matrix metalloproteinases, orchestrating tissue remodelling.
Research Effects
Collagen Synthesis
Extensive ResearchWell-established stimulation of collagen I, III, and elastin production in fibroblasts, with consistent findings across in vitro and in vivo studies.
Wound Healing
Extensive ResearchPromotes wound contraction, re-epithelialisation, and angiogenesis; documented in both animal models and limited human topical studies.
Anti-aging
Moderate ResearchResearch shows reduction in wrinkle depth and improvement in skin density in clinical topical application studies.
Anti-inflammatory
Moderate ResearchDemonstrated suppression of TGF-β and other fibrotic mediators, suggesting utility in inflammatory and fibrotic conditions.
Neuroprotection
Preliminary ResearchGene expression studies suggest GHK-Cu may activate neuroprotective pathways, though direct in vivo evidence is limited.
Research Purposes Only — All information on this page is provided for scientific research purposes only. This product is not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease.
Quick Facts
Research Status Key
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