GHK-Cu: The Regenerative Copper Peptide
Accelerate Healing, Rejuvenate Skin, and Support Cellular Health
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper) is a naturally occurring copper peptide complex found in human plasma, saliva, and tissues. It plays a powerful role in tissue regeneration, skin remodeling, and inflammation control. Originally identified in the 1970s, GHK-Cu has since been shown to influence over 2,000 genes related to healing, repair, and youth-associated cellular functions.
Levels of GHK-Cu decline significantly with age, which contributes to slower recovery, reduced skin elasticity, and increased oxidative stress.
GHK-Cu binds to copper ions and serves as a biological signal that instructs the body to repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and regenerate youthful cellular activity. Its key mechanisms include:
- Copper Delivery – Acts as a carrier for bioavailable copper, essential for enzyme function in healing and regeneration.
- ECM Remodeling – Increases synthesis of collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans while regulating metalloproteinases for balanced tissue remodeling.
- Anti-Inflammatory Signaling – Inhibits inflammatory mediators and upregulates antioxidant systems to reduce cellular stress.
- Stem Cell Activation – Enhances genes involved in stem cell function, tissue repair, and regeneration without promoting fibrosis.
- Angiogenesis – Stimulates new blood vessel formation, improving nutrient delivery and healing efficiency.
Supplementation with GHK-Cu has shown in research studies to potentially support collagen production, wound healing, antioxidant defense, and tissue repair, making it a popular choice for those focused on research related to recovery, aesthetics, and longevity.
Key Potential Benefits
- Accelerated Wound Healing – Stimulates collagen production, fibroblast activity, and blood vessel formation to repair damaged tissue faster.
- Skin Rejuvenation & Anti-Aging – Improves skin elasticity, density, and tone while reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.
- Reduces Inflammation – Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-α and IL-6), helping to calm chronic inflammation and redness.
- Antioxidant Protection – Boosts the body’s natural antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), to protect against oxidative stress.
- Supports Hair Growth – Encourages follicle health and angiogenesis in the scalp, which may promote stronger, thicker hair.
- Gene Expression Modulation – Regulates thousands of genes associated with healing, regeneration, stem cell activation, and anti-aging.
- Scar Reduction & Tissue Remodeling – Promotes proper wound remodeling and reduces excessive scarring or fibrosis.
Research Sources
Technical Information
CAS Number: | 49557-75-7 |
PubChem CID: | 154723978 |
Formula: | C16H26CuN6O6 |
Synonyms: | GHK-Cu acetate, 300801-03-0, copper;acetic acid;(2S)-6-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-(2-aminoacetyl)azanidyl-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propanoyl]amino]hexanoate, GHK-Cu, GHK-Cu acetate, Gly-His-Lys-Cu(II) |