COMPOUNDS / PEPTIDE / GHK-CU
PEPTIDE

GHK-CU

LOW RISK
BEST FOR:Skin & Tissue Repair●●●●●●●●○○8/10
GHK-CU · COPPER PEPTIDE · GHK-COPPER · GLYCYL-L-HISTIDYL-L-LYSINE-COPPER · COPPER GHK · GHK CU · COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1
PeptideWound HealingAnti-AgingCopper ComplexTissue RepairCosmetic

Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that promotes wound healing, collagen synthesis, and tissue regeneration.

ROUTE / DOSAGE
LOW5mg
STANDARD10-20mg
HIGH50mg
Note: Very low oral bioavailability due to GI degradation; not recommended for systemic effects
CYCLE
Daily use acceptable 4-8 week cycles common followed by 2-4 week break
BIOAVAILABILITY
Low oral (~1-5%) ~100% subq/im limited transdermal penetration without enhancers
ACTIVE DURATION
4-8h (acute presence) tissue effects persist for days-weeks (subjective)
STORAGE
Lyophilized powder stable at room temperature reconstituted solution refrigerate at 2-8°C protect from light use within 30 days
HALF-LIFE
1-2h (plasma)
DURATION BREAKDOWN
Total4-12h acute; weeks for tissue repair effects
Onset1-2h
Come up1-4h
Peak2-6h
Offset4-8h
After effectsDays-weeks (continued tissue remodeling and repair)
Duration varies by route, dose, and individual. Source: community reports.
§ 01 — EFFECTS
6 documented
Promotes collagen and elastin synthesis
Accelerates wound healing and tissue regeneration
Reduces inflammation via NFκB suppression
Improves skin elasticity, firmness, and density
Supports angiogenesis and nerve outgrowth
Modulates ~4,000 genes toward healthier expression pattern
§ 02 — RISKS
Copper toxicity at excessive doses (nausea, liver stress, neurological symptoms)
Injection site reactions including irritation and pain
Potential interference with zinc absorption and mineral balance
Lack of controlled clinical trials for systemic human use
Allergic reactions in copper-sensitive individuals
§ 03 — INTERACTIONS
Interaction data not yet available for this compound.
§ 04 — SCIENCE

GHK-Cu is endogenous to human plasma, saliva, and urine, with serum levels declining from ~200 ng/ml at age 20 to ~80 ng/ml by age 60. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate wound healing acceleration, collagen synthesis stimulation, and anti-inflammatory effects across skin, lung, bone, liver, and gastrointestinal tissue. Preliminary animal data suggest partial reversal of cognitive impairment in aging mice via anti-inflammatory and epigenetic pathways. Despite extensive preclinical evidence and widespread cosmetic use, there is a surprising absence of controlled clinical trials evaluating systemic efficacy in humans. Most published data comes from in vitro studies, animal models, and cosmetic application studies with limited methodological rigor.

§ 06 — SOURCES
[1]
Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[2]
The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[3]
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[4]
Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[5]
Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
[6]
Liposomes as Carriers of GHK-Cu Tripeptide for Cosmetic Application
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
Disclaimer. Protokol.wiki is an informational reference. Nothing on this site is medical advice. Compounds listed may be unapproved, unregulated, or illegal in your jurisdiction. Consult a licensed physician before use. Data compiled from peer-reviewed literature.
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