What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tri-peptide composed of the three amino acids glycine, histidine, and lysine. The human peptide GHK has high Cu2+ affinity and readily binds with copper in the body, thus creating GHK-Cu.
GHK-Cu was discovered in the 1970s by Dr. Loren Pickart, who noticed that when plasma from young individuals was added to the liver tissue of older individuals, the older tissue would produce proteins more characteristic of younger individuals. Dr. Pickart then found that GHK levels are highest in individuals aged 20 but decline significantly with old age [1].
GHK-Cu is predominantly found in saliva, blood, and urine, and has multiple biological actions when administered to test subjects, including [1]:
- Antioxidant gene activity [2]
- Suppression of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 [2]
- Increased protein accumulation [3]
- Increased collagen synthesis [3]
- In animal models, GHK-Cu has been shown to increase an anti-inflammatory proteogly called decorin that can protect diabetic rats from kidney-damaging fibrosis [2, 4].
Synthetically made GHK-Cu is available to qualified researchers as a reference material and is sold for in vitro experimentation only.
GHK-Cu Benefits
Since its discovery, GHK-Cu has demonstrated numerous protective and regenerative benefits, which we summarize below.
GHK-Cu and Skin Regeneration
In the early 1980s, Maquart et al. identified that the body releases GHK at the site of an injury, proposing that it may be an early signal for skin repair. Subsequent research revealed that GHK is an activator of tissue remodeling and much of the research has since focused on the skin regeneration benefits of GHK-Cu [1].
In a later review, Dr. Pickart detailed that GHK-Cu can [5]:
- Reduce deep wrinkles and fine lines
- Tighten skin
- Improve skin density and elasticity
- Reverse the thinning of aged skin
- Protect skin cells from UV radiation
- Improve overall skin appearance
Due to its properties, GHK-Cu is frequently included in cosmetic products, including anti-aging face creams [1].
GHK-Cu as an anti-inflammatory agent
Numerous studies have shown that GHK-Cu may reduce inflammation and free radical damage, repair protective skin barrier proteins, and improve the rate of healing following tissue injury [1].
As part of its anti-inflammatory effect, GHK-Cu is known to suppress free radicals, thromboxane formation, transforming growth factor beta-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and protein glycation. Conversely, it increases speroxide dismutase and vessel vasodilation and has been shown to block ultraviolet damage to skin keratinocytes and improve fibroblast recovery after X-ray treatments [6].
GHK’s strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and ability to control post-injury oxidative damage has led to strong research interest in its use to help subjects recover from tissue injury [1, 6].
GHK-Cu and Wound Healing
Several studies support GHK-Cu’s ability to stimulate wound healing and improve the rate at which skin and tissue wounds heal:
- Mulder et al. found that a topical GHK-Cu treatment enhanced the healing of ulcers in patients with diabetes and reduced the incidence of ulcer infection [7].
- As part of its wound healing effect, GHK-Cu has been shown to contribute to the initial upregulation of growth factors and inflammatory mediators during nerve regeneration [8].
- According to Gruchlik et al, GHK-Cu decreases TNF-alpha-dependent IL-6 secretion in fibroblasts, and is preferable for use on the skin to corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which have greater side effects [9].
- Wang et al. found that GHK-Cu liposomes accelerated scald wound healing in mice by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis [10].
- GHK-Cu can reduce the severity of mottled hyperpigmentation, skin spots, and lesions, and improve the rate of recovery of skin stem cells [11].
- Beyond its ability to stimulate regeneration of skin, hair follicles, stomach and intestinal linings, and boney tissue, GHK-Cu strongly impacts gene expression relevant to nervous system health and function and may lessen the rate of cognitive decline [12].
GHK-Cu Side Effects
The available research shows that GHK-Cu appears to offer a range of positive effects in test subjects. But what about GHK-Cu’s side effects?
In a 2014 paper, Dr. Pickart stated that GHK-Cu has a favorable safety profile, highlighting that there is no indication that it causes side effects in test subjects [2]:
“The molecule is very safe and no issues have ever arisen during its use as a skin cosmetic or in human wound healing studies.”
In a 2018 review based on new genetic data, he reiterated that all biological actions associated with GHK “appear to be health positive.” He pointed to over four decades of GHK research encompassing cell, tissue, and animal studies, also noting the peptide’s inclusion in commercial anti-aging and cosmetic products such as creams, liposomes, and dermal patches [1].
As for the two methods by which GHK-Cu may be administered:
- GHK-Cu cream side effects
Researchers have not attributed any side effects to topical GHK-Cu formulas tested to date, and all available research shows that the peptide is non-toxic and a non-irritant when applied directly to the skin [5].
- GHK-Cu injection side effects
Researchers interested in administering GHK-Cu via injection will note that much of the injectable GHK-Cu research has been conducted on animals, albeit at varying dosages and again, with no major side effects reported [5]. As with the injection of any peptide, GHK-Cu injections may cause reactions at the injection site, such as redness or swelling.
According to Dr. Pickart, GHK-Cu has a very high uptake into human skin and is easily absorbed by passing through the lipids of the epidermal barrier. While even extremely high doses of GHK-Cu are unlikely to cause any adverse reactions, Pickart has estimated that the peptide can produce toxic action and start lowering a subject’s blood pressure starting from an astronomical dose of about 22,500mg [13].
GHK-Cu Dosage Guide
Pure GHK-Cu is sold as a research chemical absent any recommended dosing guidelines. This leaves researchers free to establish a GHK-Cu dosing protocol based on their research objectives.
Based on Dr. Pickart’s work, researchers looking to test GHK-Cu in a wound healing context should administer a total GHK-Cu dose of 100–200 mg to produce therapeutic actions, though the necessary effective dosage may be even smaller [5].
GHK-Cu Dose for Wound Healing
According to the above, the following GHK-Cu dosing protocol may induce systemic wound healing:
- Daily Dosage: 2mg of GHK-Cu.
- Frequency: Administer one subcutaneous injection daily for the duration of the study.
- Study Duration: 50 days.
- Notes: This protocol requires two 50mg GHK-Cu vials. Researchers are advised to monitor the subject’s total copper levels and incorporate zinc supplementation if necessary.
GHK-Cu Cream for Anti-Aging | Clinical Results
Researchers have investigated the effect of GHK-Cu cream on skin quality in a number of placebo-controlled clinical studies, with durations from one to three months [5].
Here is a summary of how topical GHK-Cu was administered in three select studies:
- In a 1998 study by Abdulghani et al., GHK-Cu was found to have a “significant effect” on collagen production when applied as a cream to the thigh area for one month. It was found to outperform creams containing vitamin C and retinoic acid, and was noted for its ability to heal cutaneous photodamage while serving as an anti-inflammatory agent [11].
- A 2002 study by Leyden et al. found that GHK-Cu cream improved “skin laxity, clarity, and appearance, reduced fine lines and the depth of wrinkles and increased skin density and thickness” when applied to facial skin for 12 weeks [14].
- A 2005 study by Finkley et al. found that GHK-Cu cream reduced the impact of advanced photodamage when applied twice daily for 12 weeks. The observed benefits include improved skin laxity, firmness, reduced lines, and increased skin density and thickness [15].
These clinical studies indicate that a topical product containing GHK-Cu may be administered for 4-12 weeks to improve the appearance, texture, and health of the skin.
Where to Buy GHK-Cu Online? | 2024 Edition
GHK-Cu for research purposes generally comes as either an injectable peptide or in topical cream or serum form.
Researchers interested in either form of GHK-Cu have plenty of options, but which one is the best?
From our experience testing peptides from all of the major online vendors, one in particular stood out for the product quality, pricing, shipping speed, and customer service.
Here it is:
Research Peptide
Peptideinfo.net partners with Research Peptide and we recommend them as our preferred peptide vendor for qualified researchers.
This is due to their strict commitment to quality control for each of their products, as well as their business practices, quick and reliable shipping, and simple returns/reship process.
Below, we’ve shared a bit more about each of these crucial factors:
- Stringent Laboratory Testing Processes: Independent laboratory testing verifies that Research peptide products meet or exceed a 99% purity rating, which is exceptional for research peptides.
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- Quick and Reliable Shipping: For domestic orders, Research peptide offers 2-day shipping via FedEx. They also aim to have all international orders delivered within 5 days of being shipped out.
- Simple Reship/Returns: Research peptide is committed to researcher satisfaction and therefore offers an incredibly flexible reship and return policy. In addition, they offer affordable shipping insurance for lost or damaged packages.
Research peptide also offers unique formulations, like GHK-Cu peptide capsules for research.
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Buy GHK-Cu from our top-rated vendor…
Bacteriostatic Water and GHK-Cu
For both safety and accuracy, researchers need to have a certain set of tools when handling peptides like GHK-Cu. These include bacteriostatic water, sterile vials, and other key items for proper peptide storage and preparation.
Yet the search for all the required materials can be time-consuming and challenging — a headache for many researchers. Still it is required.
Usually, a researcher will need materials and supplies like:
- Alcohol Prep Pads
- Sterile Empty Glass Vials
- Bacteriostatic Water
- Insulin Syringes
For any researchers who do not have the required materials, we recommend checking authorized vendors to source these materials.
Side Effects of GHK-Cu | Verdict
With over four decades of research to back its benefits, GHK-Cu has also demonstrated a positive safety profile. It has not been linked to any notable side effects or toxicity, whether applied topically or via subcutaneous injection.
GHK-Cu continues to be studied for its potential to improve tissue healing and skin quality. It is frequently used in anti-aging contexts to reduce age spots and improve skin elasticity.
Here is where researchers looking to source research-grade GHK-Cu should start the procurement process.
