GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) 50mg

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) — Research Overview

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine) identified in human blood plasma, urine, and saliva. It has a high affinity for copper(II) ions and is classified as a tissue-remodeling peptide. Research has demonstrated a notable age-related decline in plasma concentrations — from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to roughly 80 ng/mL by age 60 — making it a subject of significant interest in wound healing, skin biology, and regenerative research.

Chemical Profile

• Sequence: Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine (GHK)
• Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄
• Molecular Weight: 340.38 g/mol (copper-bound complex)
• CAS Number: 49557-75-7 (GHK); 89030-95-5 (GHK·Cu)
• Natural Occurrence: Human blood plasma, urine, saliva
• Plasma Concentration: ~200 ng/mL (age 20) → ~80 ng/mL (age 60)

Research Areas

🔬 Wound Healing & Tissue Repair

Multiple preclinical studies have examined GHK-Cu's potential role in wound healing. In rabbit wound models, the GHK-Cu complex demonstrated accelerated healing compared to zinc oxide and various other control compounds. Burns research has indicated a potential increase in healing rate of up to 33% in relevant preclinical models. Research in diabetic ulcer models further suggested GHK-Cu may demonstrate superior effectiveness versus untreated controls.

🔬 Collagen Synthesis & Extracellular Matrix

In vitro studies have explored GHK-Cu's influence on fibroblast activity. Research has examined its potential to stimulate collagen and decorin synthesis, support extracellular matrix remodeling, and modulate metalloproteinase activity — enzymes involved in matrix breakdown and tissue restructuring.

🔬 Skin Barrier & Dermal Research

GHK-Cu has been studied for potential effects on epidermal thickness, skin barrier function restoration, and dermal density. Topical and in vitro models have investigated changes in skin glycosaminoglycan levels, elastin production, and keratinocyte activity.

🔬 Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Mechanisms

Research has examined GHK-Cu's potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have explored its capacity to modulate cytokine expression, reduce oxidative stress markers in cell culture systems, and interact with NF-κB signaling pathways involved in inflammation.

🔬 Angiogenesis & Immune Cell Recruitment

GHK-Cu's proposed mechanism involves the recruitment of macrophages and other immune cells to injury sites, as well as promotion of angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation). These activities are thought to underlie improvements observed in preclinical wound healing models.

🔬 Hair Follicle Research

Several studies have investigated GHK-Cu's potential effects on hair follicle biology, including follicular enlargement and stimulation of hair growth in preclinical models. Research has examined interactions with scalp fibroblast activity and follicular keratinocytes.

🔬 Gene Expression Modulation

GHK-Cu has been shown in research settings to modulate the expression of over 4,000 human genes, with particular focus on pathways related to tissue remodeling, antioxidant defense, and inflammation resolution. These findings position it as a subject of broad interest in systems biology and peptide research.

Product Specifications

Scientific References

1. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. “GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration.” Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. PubMed
2. Pickart L. “The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling.” J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-88. PubMed
3. Choi HR, Kang YA, Ryoo SJ, et al. “Stem cell recovering effect of copper-free GHK in skin.” J Pept Sci. 2012;18(11):685-90. PubMed
4. Arul V, Gopinath D, Gomathi K, Jayakumar R. “Biotinylated GHK peptide incorporated collagenous matrix: A novel biomaterial for dermal wound healing in rats.” J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2005;73(2):383-91. PubMed
5. Ma WH, Li M, Ma HF, et al. “Protective effects of GHK-Cu in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation pathways.” Life Sci. 2020;241:117139. PubMed

⚠️ Research Use Only. This product is intended exclusively for laboratory and in vitro research purposes. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, consumption, injection, or any therapeutic application. This product has not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Spartan Peptides makes no claims regarding safety, efficacy, or suitability of this compound outside of controlled laboratory research. All handling must comply with applicable institutional and governmental regulations. Researchers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable guidelines.