Naturally occurring copper tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys · Cu²⁺) found in human plasma. Studied for collagen synthesis signalling, DNA-repair gene expression, antioxidant activity, and dermal/wound-healing remodelling in research models.
GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma (concentration ~200 ng/mL in young adults, declining with age). When complexed with copper(II), it forms GHK-Cu — a high-affinity carrier that modulates wound-healing, gene expression, and extracellular matrix remodelling through multi-pathway activity.
The His residue coordinates Cu²⁺ with high affinity (log K ≈ 16.4). GHK-Cu transports copper into target cells via active transport or receptor-mediated endocytosis, bypassing the toxicity of free Cu²⁺.
Delivered copper activates SOD3 (extracellular superoxide dismutase) and other Cu-dependent antioxidants, reducing reactive oxygen species in oxidatively-stressed tissue beds.
Fibroblast collagen and elastin synthesis are upregulated while MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) expression is concurrently reduced, shifting the matrix equilibrium toward deposition and organised remodelling.
Topical and systemic application studies show increased dermal thickness, improved elasticity, reduced photodamage markers, and accelerated re-epithelialisation in murine and human ex-vivo skin models. The compound's age-declining plasma concentration has positioned it as a target of intensive senescence-related research.
Refs: Pickart L, Margolina A, Int J Mol Sci (2018); Pickart L et al., BioMed Res Int (2015)
Whole-genome transcriptomic studies demonstrate GHK-Cu reactivates DNA-repair gene clusters (including XPB, XPC, BRCA1-associated pathways) and tumour-suppressor expression in colon and dermal cell lines. These findings inform broader hypotheses about peptide-copper signalling in cellular maintenance.
Refs: Hong Y et al., PLoS ONE (2012); Campbell JD et al., Genome Med (2012)
Each batch is independently tested by a third-party ISO-accredited laboratory. The analysis below reflects Batch AV-2025-GHK-019, tested 01 March 2025.
| Test Parameter | Method | Specification | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identity (sequence) | ESI-MS / MS-MS | Matches theoretical m/z | Confirmed (340.4 Da) | PASS |
| Peptide purity (HPLC) | RP-HPLC C18, 210nm | ≥98.0% | 99.6% | PASS |
| Copper content | ICP-MS | 17.5–19.5% | 18.4% | PASS |
| Water content | Karl Fischer | ≤6.0% | 3.2% | PASS |
| Other heavy metals | ICP-MS | ≤5 ppm | <1 ppm | PASS |
| Form | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilised powder | −20°C (preferred) or 2–8°C | 24 months / 12 months |
| Reconstituted (BAC water) | 2–8°C, light-protected | ≤30 days |
| Stabilised topical serum | 2–8°C, light-protected | ≤90 days |
Work in clean conditions. Wipe vial with 70% IPA, allow to dry.
For 50 mg vial, add 5 mL BAC water → 10 mg/mL stock. Inject slowly along inner vial wall.
Swirl gently. GHK-Cu shows characteristic blue colour from Cu²⁺ coordination — confirms intact complex.
Wrap in foil. Cu coordination is stable but photo-redox can slowly degrade at elevated temperatures.
Both routes are studied. Topical formulations (creams, serums, microneedle patches) are common for dermal regeneration research. Systemic injection (subcutaneous, intramuscular) is used in tissue-repair and gene-expression studies. Each route produces distinct pharmacokinetic and tissue-distribution profiles.
The d-d electronic transitions of Cu²⁺ coordinated by the tripeptide produce absorption around 525 nm and 632 nm, yielding the characteristic blue-violet colour. A pale or colourless reconstituted solution suggests Cu²⁺ has not been properly complexed and may indicate quality issues.
GHK-Cu is the most thoroughly characterised peptide-Cu complex with the highest documented affinity. Other copper-peptide systems (e.g., AHK-Cu, GHKAHK-Cu) exist but have less robust mechanistic data. GHK-Cu's natural occurrence in human plasma and its specific gene-modulation profile distinguish it from synthetic analogues.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can reduce Cu²⁺ to Cu⁺ and degrade the complex — they should not be co-formulated in the same vehicle. Retinoids are generally chemically compatible but pH-dependent. Always perform stability testing before assuming compatibility in multi-active formulations.
Independently verified by third-party ISO-accredited laboratory. Available as lyophilised powder or stabilised serum.
View GHK-Cu in Store → Reconstitution Protocol Guide