For informational purposes about scientific research only. GHK-Cu is a research compound and is not approved for therapeutic use.
GHK-Cu — full name Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper(II) — is one of the most studied peptide complexes in the scientific literature. Unlike many synthetic research compounds, GHK-Cu occurs naturally in the human body: it is found in blood plasma, urine and saliva. What makes it of extra interest to researchers is that its concentration in blood declines significantly with age — from roughly 200 ng/ml at age twenty to about 80 ng/ml at age sixty. That observation was the starting point of extensive scientific research decades ago.
A compound with a long research history
GHK-Cu was first identified in the 1970s by biochemist Dr. Loren Pickart, who noticed that the plasma of young people had a stronger regenerative effect on liver cells than that of older people. The molecule responsible turned out to be the small tripeptide GHK, which forms a stable complex in the presence of copper: GHK-Cu.
Since then, hundreds of studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals, making GHK-Cu one of the best-documented research compounds in its category. Most publications can be found on PubMed using the search term “GHK copper peptide”.
Areas of research
- Collagen synthesis — Several studies examine the role of GHK-Cu in fibroblast activation and the regulation of collagen and elastin production in cell cultures
- Wound healing and tissue repair — GHK-Cu has been studied intensively in research models of wound contraction and extracellular matrix modulation
- Angiogenesis — Scientists are investigating possible effects on the formation of new blood vessels in research settings
- Antioxidant mechanisms — The complex is being studied for possible roles in neutralising free radicals and reducing oxidative damage in cell models
- Gene expression — More recent studies suggest that GHK-Cu may influence the expression of a considerable number of genes related to cell regeneration and inflammation regulation
Molecular properties
- Chemical name: Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper(II)
- CAS number: 49557-75-7
- Molecular weight: 340.38 g/mol (free acid)
- Form: Lyophilised (freeze-dried) blue powder
- Purity: ≥98% (HPLC-analysed)
The blue colour of the powder is characteristic and is caused by the copper coordination in the complex.
Storage and reconstitution
In lyophilised form, GHK-Cu is stable at room temperature for short-term transport, but for optimal stability storage at −20°C (long-term) or 2–8°C (short-term use) is recommended. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, the compound should be kept at 4°C and processed within 28 days.
GHK-Cu is available at Peptide Europe in 50mg and 100mg, HPLC-tested at ≥98% purity, with the COA (COA) per batch online.
All products at Peptide Europe are intended strictly for scientific research and laboratory use. Not intended for human consumption.