GHK-Cu

Overview

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring tripeptide first identified in human plasma in 1973 by Loren Pickart, who observed that it caused aged liver tissue in culture to synthesize proteins more like younger tissue. GHK has a strong, specific affinity for copper(II) ions, and the resulting complex — GHK-Cu — is the form most studied in the wound-healing and dermatological literature. Blood plasma levels of GHK decline substantially with age — from about 200 µg/L in men aged 20–25 to about 80 µg/L by age 60–80, per Pickart et al. (2012) — which is part of the basis for interest in GHK-Cu as a topical/research compound.

Proposed Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu is reported to stimulate fibroblast production of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans; support angiogenesis via upregulation of VEGF and basic FGF; and act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent by modulating signaling pathways involved in tissue remodeling. It is one of the more mechanistically-studied peptides referenced on this site, with a multi-decade research history.

Research Context

GHK-Cu is unusual on this site in that it is already an FDA-recognized cosmetic ingredient (used topically in commercial skincare products) rather than an unapproved research chemical — but it has not been approved as a prescription drug for any medical indication. The review cited here (Pickart et al., 2012) synthesizes decades of GHK-Cu research spanning skin, nervous tissue, bone, and blood vessels, with a particular focus on antioxidant and anti-aging mechanisms.

Dosing Data

Because our source here is a review article synthesizing many underlying studies rather than a single primary study with one dosing protocol, we have not extracted a single dosing table for this profile. Concentrations referenced across the underlying literature vary substantially by application (topical vs. injectable, in vitro vs. in vivo) — consult the review's cited primary sources directly if you need a specific study's dosing methodology.

Limitations of the Current Evidence

• Much of the foundational GHK-Cu research comes from a small number of researchers (notably Loren Pickart) over several decades; independent replication varies by claimed effect.
• GHK-Cu's established cosmetic/topical use for skin does not extend to other proposed uses (e.g., systemic anti-aging, cognitive health) discussed in the review, which remain considerably less studied.