Description: Overview of Research

What is GHK-Cu Peptide?

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine–copper) is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine.[1,16,19] It was originally identified as a wound-healing and tissue-remodeling factor and has since been studied for skin repair and remodeling, inflammation modulation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) regeneration.[1–4,16,20]

Skin repair and remodeling
Preclinical and human cosmetic studies show that GHK-Cu can increase collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis; improve dermal thickness; and support more organized ECM structure in healing and aging skin.[1,3–6,16]

Inflammation modulation
GHK-Cu has been shown to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and pathways such as NF-κB while upregulating antioxidant defenses, contributing to a more balanced inflammatory environment.[1–3,12–14,19–21]

Extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissue regeneration
In multiple wound and fibrosis models, GHK-Cu supports ECM remodeling by modulating matrix metalloproteinases (e.g., MMP-2), proteoglycans, and collagen organization, leading to structurally stronger and more functional repair tissue.[1,3–6,13–16]

How GHK-Cu Works (Mechanistic Themes)

Stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans
GHK-Cu promotes fibroblast activity and ECM synthesis, increasing collagen, elastin, and GAG production in skin and connective tissue models.[1,3–6,16,18]
Support angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) in damaged tissues
Wound and ischemic models show enhanced angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation with GHK-Cu treatment, supporting improved perfusion of injured areas.[4,5,8,9]
Modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress pathways
GHK-Cu reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation, ROS) while upregulating endogenous antioxidant systems and Nrf2-related pathways.[1–3,12–14,19–21]
Influence gene expression related to tissue repair, ECM remodeling, and antioxidant defenses
Gene-expression studies in fibroblasts and other cells demonstrate that GHK and GHK-Cu can upregulate genes associated with DNA repair, antioxidant defense, cell survival, and ECM remodeling, while downregulating pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic genes.[1–3,17,18]

Core Research Areas

Skin Health and Regeneration

Preclinical and cosmetic-clinical data indicate that GHK-Cu can:

Improve skin thickness, firmness, and elasticity[1,3–6,16,18]
Enhance texture, tone, and barrier function in photo-aged and damaged skin[1–3,16,20]
Support extracellular matrix regeneration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through improved collagen/elastin organization[1,3–6,16,18]
Accelerate re-epithelialization and wound closure in damaged skin and experimental wound models[4,5,8,9,16]

Hair Growth and Scalp Health

GHK-Cu is of particular interest in hair research, where it has been shown to:

Stimulate hair follicle activity and dermal papilla cell proliferation in vitro[10,11]
Support scalp microcirculation and a favorable follicular environment via angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory effects[3,8,10,11]
Promote thicker, denser hair in topical or experimental formulations and delivery systems tested in preclinical and early cosmetic studies[10,11]

Wound Healing and Tissue Repair

In cutaneous and ischemic wound models, GHK-Cu has been reported to:

Promote angiogenesis and improved tissue perfusion in injured sites[4,5,8,9]
Support cellular migration and proliferation of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, accelerating wound closure[1,4,5,8,9,16]
Improve the structural integrity and organization of the extracellular matrix, resulting in stronger, more functional scar tissue[3–6,8,9,16]

Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Properties

GHK-Cu exhibits both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity:

Modulates pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and signaling (e.g., NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad in fibrotic models)[1–3,12–14,19–21]
Reduces oxidative stress and free-radical damage at the cellular level, including lipid peroxidation and ROS generation, while enhancing antioxidant defenses.[1–3,12–14,19–21]

GHK-Cu and Ischemic Conditions

In ischemic and hypoxic models, GHK-Cu has shown potential to:

Support tissue regeneration and functional recovery in compromised areas such as ischemic skin and lung tissue[2,8,9,12–14,21]
Promote angiogenesis in compromised tissues, improving oxygen and nutrient supply[4,8,9,12]
Reduce inflammatory and oxidative damage associated with ischemia, particularly in models of acute lung injury and emphysema[12,14,21]

GHK-Cu and Fibrosis Recovery

Fibrosis models (skin, lung) indicate that GHK-Cu can:

Help regulate the healing response and tissue remodeling by modulating TGF-β1/Smad signaling and ECM turnover[2,13,14]
Support the breakdown of damaged or excessive scar tissue, reducing pathological collagen deposition and stiffness[2,13,14,16]
Encourage replacement with healthier, more functional tissue in pulmonary and cutaneous fibrosis models[2,13,14]

Immune & Tissue Function Support

Because inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue repair are tightly linked to immune function, GHK-Cu has been investigated for its ability to:

Modulate immune signaling without overt overstimulation, favoring a more balanced immune response[2,12–14,21,22]
Support healing and recovery environments where immune function and tissue regeneration intersect (e.g., lung injury, brain injury models)[12–14,21,22]
Protect against oxidative stress-related immune cell damage, helping preserve function in inflammatory conditions[2,12–14,19–22]

Key Benefits / Research Highlights (Preclinical & Cosmetic Literature)

In experimental and cosmetic contexts, GHK-Cu has been studied for its ability to:

Increase collagen and elastin production, improving overall skin integrity[1,3–6,16,18]
Enhance skin tone, elasticity, and barrier function in aging and photo-damaged skin[1–3,16,20]
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles via ECM regeneration, supporting smoother, firmer skin[1,3–6,16,18]
Promote wound healing and post-procedure skin repair by accelerating re-epithelialization and ECM remodeling[4,5,8,9]
Stimulate hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells, supporting thicker and denser hair in research models[10,11]
Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in skin, lung, and other tissues[1–3,12–14,19–21]
Influence gene expression related to DNA repair, cell survival, and tissue remodeling, including upregulation of regenerative and antioxidant genes[1–3,17,18]
Support connective tissue and joint/tendon health via ECM modulation, with improved healing outcomes in ligament and tendon-like structures in animal models[15,16]
Show potential in fibrosis models (skin, liver, lung) and ischemic injury research, where it attenuates fibrotic signaling and tissue damage while improving repair[2,8,9,12–14,21]

Why Choose GHK-Cu 50mg from Rejuvatide Peptides?

High-Purity Research Grade
GHK-Cu 50mg is provided as a high-purity copper peptide vial suitable for controlled laboratory and experimental use, allowing investigators to design precise in-vitro or in-vivo models.

Versatile Research Applications
Ideal for investigators studying skin rejuvenation, wound healing, hair biology, fibrosis, ischemia, immune modulation, and oxidative stress, where GHK-Cu has already demonstrated multi-pathway activity in the literature.[1–3,8–14,16,20–22]

Optimized Concentration
The 50mg format offers ample material for dose–response experiments, formulation development (e.g., liposomes, topicals), and multi-pathway mechanistic studies across cell and tissue models.[1–3,8,10,11,16]

Research Use Only – Important Notice

Intended solely for laboratory research and development.
Not for human or veterinary use, ingestion, or injection.
Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Key Benefits / Research Highlights (Expanded)

Increases collagen and elastin production for improved skin integrity[1,3–6,16,18]
Enhances skin tone, elasticity, and barrier function in aging and damaged skin[1–3,16,20]
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles through regeneration of the extracellular matrix[1,3–6,16,18]
Promotes wound healing and skin repair in preclinical and cosmetic-clinical models[4,5,8,9]
Stimulates dormant hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla activity (promotes thicker, denser hair in research settings)[10,11]
Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant: reduces oxidative stress, calms inflamed tissue, and modulates inflammatory signaling (e.g., in eczema-like, rosacea-like, and lung/brain injury models)[1–3,12–14,19–22]
Systemic anti-aging (experimental): upregulates DNA repair–related and cell-survival genes and improves markers of aging in preclinical systems; not established as a clinical anti-aging therapy.[1,2,17,18]
Joint & tendon repair (via connective tissue remodeling) in ligament/tendon reconstruction models[15,16]
Neuroprotection (experimental, including Alzheimer’s-related pathways): brain and astrocyte injury models show reduced inflammation and oxidative stress and improved cell survival.[2,22]
Liver & lung protection/detoxification (experimental): pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, and lung-injury models demonstrate reduced fibrotic signaling, inflammation, and oxidative damage, with improved functional outcomes.[2,12–14,21]
Exerts stem-cell-like regenerative support at the cellular level: enhances regenerative behavior and “stem-like” markers in certain skin cell populations in vitro.[1,3,23]
Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in tissues across skin, lung, and nervous-system models.[1–3,12–14,19–22]

References (Numbered as Cited Above)

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.
Dou Y, Luo S, Tong Y, et al. The Potential of GHK as an Anti-Aging Peptide. Aging Pathobiol Ther. 2020;2(1):1–9.
Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in Skin and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987.
Maquart FX, Bellon G, Chaqour B, et al. In Vivo Stimulation of Connective Tissue Accumulation by the Tripeptide–Copper Complex Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Cu2+ in Rat Experimental Wounds. J Clin Invest. 1993;92(5):2368–2376.
Siméon A, Monier F, Emonard H, et al. Expression and Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Wounds: Modulation by the Tripeptide–Copper Complex Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Cu2+. J Invest Dermatol. 1999;112(6):957–964.
Siméon A, Wegrowski Y, Bontemps Y, Maquart FX. Expression of Glycosaminoglycans and Small Proteoglycans in Wounds: Modulation by the Tripeptide–Copper Complex Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Cu2+. J Invest Dermatol. 2000;115(6):962–968.
Pollard JD, Quan S, Kang T, Koch RJ. Effects of Copper Tripeptide on the Growth and Expression of Growth Factors by Normal and Irradiated Fibroblasts. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2005;7(1):27–31.
Wang X, Liu B, Xu Q, et al. GHK-Cu-Liposomes Accelerate Scald Wound Healing in Mice by Promoting Cell Proliferation and Angiogenesis. Wound Repair Regen. 2017;25(2):270–278.
Canapp SO Jr, Farese J, Schultz GS, et al. The Effect of Topical Tripeptide–Copper Complex on Healing of Ischemic Open Wounds. Vet Surg. 2003;32(6):515–523.
Pyo HK, Yoo HG, Won CH, et al. The Effect of Tripeptide–Copper Complex on Human Hair Growth In Vitro. Arch Pharm Res. 2007;30(7):834–839.
Tian LW, Dai C, Wang H, et al. Co-delivery of Bioactive Peptides by Nanoliposomes for Synergistic Promotion of Hair Growth. Mater Sci Eng C. 2022;138:113417.
Park JR, Lee H, Kim SI, et al. The Tripeptide GHK-Cu Complex Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice. Oncotarget. 2016;7(36):58405–58417.
Zhou XM, Wang GL, Wang XB, et al. GHK Peptide Inhibits Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Suppressing TGF-β1/Smad-Mediated Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:904.
Ma W, Xu L, Zhang R, et al. Protective Effects of GHK-Cu in Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis via Anti-Oxidative Stress and Anti-Inflammation Pathways. Life Sci. 2020;242:117239.
Fu SC, Cheuk YC, Chiu WYV, et al. Tripeptide–Copper Complex GHK-Cu Transiently Improved Healing Outcome in a Rat Model of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. J Orthop Res. 2015;33(7):1024–1033.
Pickart L. The Human Tri-Peptide GHK and Tissue Remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969–988.
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero J, Margolina A. GHK and DNA: Resetting the Human Genome to Health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014;2014:151479.
Pickart L, Margolina A. The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression of Skin Fibroblasts. Rejuvenation Res. 2017;20(2):123–132.
Sakuma S, Ishimura M, Yuba Y, et al. The Peptide Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Is an Endogenous Antioxidant in Living Organisms. Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol. 2018;10(3):132–141.
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero J, Margolina A. The Human Tripeptide GHK-Cu in Prevention of Oxidative Stress in Skin. Cosmetics. 2015;2(3):236–247.
Zhang Q, Zhang JH, et al. Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Cu2+ Attenuates Cigarette Smoke–Induced Emphysema by Anti-Inflammation and Antioxidation via NF-κB and Nrf2/Keap1 Pathways. Front Mol Biosci. 2022;9:925700.
Zhang H, Li Y, Wang Y, et al. Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Alleviates Astrocyte Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Inhibiting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress. Front Neurosci. 2020;14:576389.
Choi HR, Kang YA, Ryoo SJ, et al. Stem Cell Recovering Effect of Copper-Free GHK in Skin. J Pept Sci. 2012;18(11):685–690.

Frequently Asked Questions About GHK-Cu

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-copper), also known as Copper Peptide GHK-Cu or Copper Tripeptide-1, is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide with the amino acid sequence Gly-His-Lys. First isolated from human plasma in 1973, GHK-Cu is found throughout the body in plasma, saliva, and urine. Research has focused on its potential roles in wound healing, skin regeneration, hair growth stimulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and extracellular matrix remodeling.

How does GHK-Cu work in research?

In laboratory studies, GHK-Cu has been shown to modulate gene expression related to tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory pathways. The copper ion in the peptide complex plays a critical role in activating key enzymes involved in wound healing and tissue regeneration. Research indicates GHK-Cu may influence fibroblast activity, promote angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and regulate metalloproteinase activity to support extracellular matrix remodeling.

What is the purity of this GHK-Cu product?

Our GHK-Cu is supplied as a high-purity lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, manufactured under strict quality control standards. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing including HPLC analysis and mass spectrometry verification to ensure consistency, identity, and purity suitable for research applications.

How should GHK-Cu be stored?

For optimal stability, lyophilized GHK-Cu should be stored at -20°C or colder. Once reconstituted, the solution should be stored at 2-8°C (refrigerated) and used within a reasonable timeframe as determined by your research protocol. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain peptide integrity. Keep away from light and moisture.

Is GHK-Cu approved for human use?

No. GHK-Cu is sold strictly as a research-use-only compound and is not approved by the FDA or other regulatory agencies for human therapeutic use. All findings referenced are experimental and derived from in vitro, animal, or preliminary studies. This product is intended solely for laboratory research and is not for human consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes.

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