English
GHK-CU SHOWS REGENERATIVE AND PROTECTIVE EFFECTS DUE TO:
- Activation of collagen and elastin synthesis – stimulates fibroblasts to renew skin, muscle, and tendon tissues.
- Antioxidant action – neutralizes free radicals and protects DNA from oxidative stress.
- Regulation of inflammatory response – limits inflammation and supports the healing process.
- Stimulation of new blood vessel formation – supports the creation of new blood vessels and improves microcirculation.
- Supporting hair growth – activates hair follicle cells and stimulates the keratinization process.
💡Effect: firmer, more elastic skin, faster regeneration after injuries and treatments, and visible improvement in the condition of hair and tissues.
STRUCTURE OF THE GHK-CU PEPTIDE
- Amino acid sequence: Gly-His-Lys
- Molecular formula: C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄ + Cu²⁺
- Molecular weight: 340.88 g/mol (without copper ion)
- Form: blue lyophilizate (the characteristic color comes from the complex with the copper ion), easily soluble in water
RESEARCH AND BIOLOGICAL ACTION
GHK-Cu and skin regeneration
GHK-Cu stimulates fibroblasts to increase production of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, which improves the structure and elasticity of the skin.
Clinical studies have shown significant improvement in skin density, reduction of wrinkles, and accelerated healing of micro-injuries.
GHK-Cu and the nervous system
The peptide shows neuroprotective effects — it supports neuron regeneration and reduces oxidative stress in nerve cells.
Studies suggest its potential impact on improving cognitive functions and tissue regeneration after central nervous system injuries.
GHK-Cu and tissue and muscle regeneration
GHK-Cu supports the proliferation of stem cells and fibroblasts, speeding up the repair of muscles, tendons, and capillaries.
In vivo models observed shorter wound healing times and better integration of type I and III collagen in damaged tissues.
GHK-Cu and hair growth
The peptide activates genes responsible for hair follicle regeneration and the growth phase (anagen).
Clinical studies showed increased hair density and lengthening of the growth phase after using GHK-Cu.
GHK-Cu and oxidative stress and cell aging
GHK-Cu increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, ceruloplasmin), which protects cells from oxidative damage.
It supports the expression of genes responsible for DNA repair, which results in slower cell aging and longer cell lifespan.
Figure 1. In cell culture, tissue was treated with: a) GHK-Cu preparation and exposed to UV light (Tissue-PC), b) UV light exposure (Tissue-NC), and c) Negative control (without GHK-Cu preparation and light exposure). As shown, the tissue treated with GHK-Cu exhibited the strongest fluorescence intensity (green line) and the greatest reduction in cell nuclei (blue, round dots). The intensity of green fluorescence quantitatively reflects collagen concentration, thus proving the positive effect of the GHK-CU peptide on skin rebuilding and regeneration.
| Property | Biological effect |
|---|---|
| Collagen and elastin synthesis | Skin firming and regeneration |
| Angiogenesis and microcirculation | Better blood supply and oxygenation of tissues |
| Antioxidant action | Protection of DNA and mitochondria |
| Muscle and tendon regeneration | Accelerated healing of injuries |
| Hair growth | Stimulation of hair follicles and scalp renewal |
Bibliography
- L.Pickart, A.Margolina, Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. 2018; 19(7): 1987. 10.3390/ijms19071987
- F.Jiang, Y.Wu, Z.Liu, M.Hong, Y.Huang, Synergy of GHK-Cu and hyaluronic acid on collagen IV upregulation via fibroblast and ex-vivo skin tests. 2023; 22(9):2598-2604. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15763
- L.Pickart, A.Margolina, Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu. 2018; 19; doi:10.3390/ijms19071987
- Park JR, Lee H, Kim SI, Yang SR. The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice. Oncotarget. 2016;7(36):58405-58417. doi:10.18632/oncotarget
- W Ma, M Li, H Ma, W Li, L Liu, Y Yin, X Zhou, G Hou.Protective effects of GHK-Cu in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation pathways 2019. 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117139
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. Published 2018 Jul 7. doi:10.3390/ijms19071987