GHK
Preclinical ResearchAlso known as: Gly-His-Lys, GHK tripeptide
Educational Content Only
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The FDA has not evaluated many of the peptides discussed here. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any health decisions.
GHK (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, urine, and saliva that serves as a precursor to the copper-binding complex GHK-Cu. Research has examined its potential roles in wound healing, collagen synthesis, and gene expression modulation independently of copper chelation.
The following areas have been examined in research contexts. This does not constitute medical advice or imply proven efficacy in humans.
- Skin & Wound Healing
- Anti-Aging & Longevity
GHK is proposed to stimulate wound healing and tissue remodeling by upregulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulating matrix metalloproteinase activity, and influencing gene expression patterns associated with inflammation and cellular repair.
Generally considered safe for topical applications. Injectable use has very limited human safety data. Widely used as a cosmetic ingredient.
Selected peer-reviewed papers from research literature. These are educational references only and do not imply proven efficacy or safety in humans.
- Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data
Pickart L, Margolina A. (2018). International Journal of Molecular Sciences.DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071987
- Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+
Maquart FX et al. (1988). FEBS Letters.
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Ask Research Chat about GHKHalf-Life
~20 minutes (estimated, similar to GHK-Cu)
Administration
topical, subcutaneous injection (in research)
Legal Status (US)
Used in cosmetics and dietary supplements. Research chemical for injectable applications.
179 indexed research passages
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