Dossier overview
4
research areas
3
references
3
handling notes
01
Mechanism of action
Free GHK binds Cu(II) ions with high affinity, so much of its biological activity in serum and tissue contexts likely occurs as the GHK-Cu complex. The peptide is associated with collagen synthesis, wound healing, and broad gene-expression effects in cell-culture research.
02
Research applications
- peptide ageing research
- Cell-culture and gene-expression research
- Cosmetic and topical formulation research
- GHK / GHK-Cu comparison studies
Evidence at a glance
What's behind this profile
3 citations · 2015–2024
- Review
- 3
Narrative or systematic reviews; no primary data.
Publication years
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
Counts are derived from the cited studies below. A study covering both in vivo and in vitro work is counted by its primary model. Sample size is reported in 0 of 3 citations. Findings remain model-specific and are not extrapolated to therapeutic use.
03
Study references
Each profile cites a minimum of two peer-reviewed sources, with model type and reported sample size where the source provides it. Findings are model-specific and must not be extrapolated to therapeutic use.
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration
2015
Pickart L et al. · BioMed Research International
- Model
- Narrative review of GHK cellular-pathway research
- Sample
- N/A (review)
Reviewed GHK's reported effects on collagen synthesis, wound healing, and gene-expression patterns documented across the literature.
The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide
2020
Dou Y et al. · Aging Pathobiology and Therapeutics
- Model
- Narrative review of GHK biology and ageing research
- Sample
- N/A (review)
Reviewed the age-related decline of plasma GHK and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-remodelling properties documented in studies.
Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective
2024
Mortazavi SM et al. · BioImpacts
- Model
- Narrative review of GHK / GHK-Cu topical anti-wrinkle research
- Sample
- N/A (review)
Reviewed GHK-Cu and palmitoylated GHK derivatives in anti-wrinkle research, noting that cosmetic-market availability outpaces robust controlled clinical evidence.
Evidence caveats
- Most peer-reviewed research uses the copper-complexed GHK-Cu form. Standalone uncomplexed GHK research is narrower.
- Cosmetic-market availability does not equate to controlled clinical evidence. GHK is not approved as a medicine.
04
Storage and handling
Store under controlled laboratory conditions, protected from light, moisture, and trace copper contamination.
- Protect from light and moisture during research storage.
- Recognise that in solution containing trace copper, GHK will partially complex to form GHK-Cu.
- Research-only inventory; not for human use.