Overview
GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is an endogenous tripeptide with high affinity for Cu2+, forming the GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide) complex. GHK and GHK-Cu are related but distinct: GHK-Cu is the copper-bound complex most often studied for tissue-repair and dermatologic effects. GHK-Cu is not an FDA-approved drug.
Biological Target / Mechanism
GHK-Cu modulates multiple cellular pathways — stimulating collagen/glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promoting angiogenesis and wound-healing-associated cell migration, and influencing gene expression — in part via copper-dependent activity. Mechanism is primarily characterized in cell and animal models.
Research Areas
Wound healing, skin regeneration/dermatology, and tissue repair. Evidence levels: extensive in vitro and animal data; limited human clinical evidence.
Evidence Overview
Cell and animal studies (reviewed by Pickart and others) report accelerated wound healing, increased collagen and angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory effects. Some human dermatologic and wound-healing observations exist, but robust randomized controlled trials are limited; cosmetic-use data should not be equated with therapeutic efficacy.
Regulatory / Development Context
GHK-Cu is used in cosmetic contexts and is not an FDA-approved drug. Research-grade GHK-Cu is distinct from any cosmetic or therapeutic product.
Analytical / Research Considerations
Distinguish GHK from GHK-Cu in documentation. Research-grade material is handled under appropriate laboratory storage. Research-grade material is handled under appropriate laboratory storage and documentation. No purity, identity, stability, sterility, batch, or COA claims are made here for any Peptide Underground material.
Limitations
Most supportive data are preclinical or cosmetic-context; human clinical evidence is limited. Findings should not be presented as established therapeutic efficacy.
References
- Pickart L, et al. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration (review). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4508379/
- Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide (review). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073405/
- Pickart L, et al. Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide... Nature 1980. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7453802/
- Simeon A, et al. Expression of glycosaminoglycans... modulation by GHK-Cu. J Invest Dermatol 2000. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11121126/