GHK-Cu
Not FDA-approved
Also known as: Prezatide copper, Glycyl-histidyl-lysine copper
GHK-Cu is a natural peptide of three amino acids (glycine, histidine and lysine) bound to copper, found in human blood. Its blood level falls by more than half between ages 20 and 60. Small studies of skin creams suggest it can improve signs of skin aging, but injected use has not been tested in trials.
How it works
- In lab studies, it raised collagen and elastin production by human skin cells called fibroblasts.
- In lab studies, it also adjusted the enzymes that break down the skin's support tissue (metalloproteinases) and the proteins that hold them in check.
- In wound studies in rabbits and rats, it sped healing and encouraged new blood vessel growth.
- In a mouse study of lung injury, it lowered inflammatory signals such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, partly by blocking NF-κB.
- In gene-activity data from human cancer cell lines, GHK changed the activity of thousands of genes. These include genes involved in DNA repair.
Evidence
Skin aging (applied to the skin)
In 12-week studies of women with sun-damaged skin, GHK-Cu creams improved skin thickness, firmness, fine lines and wrinkles. One eye cream did better than a placebo cream. These studies were small, with a few dozen women each.
Caveats
- No human trial has tested it as an injection.
- Hair-loss claims rest on related products. A lab study used a different copper peptide (AHK-Cu), and the one human trial, in 45 men, tested GHK combined with another ingredient.
- Because it encourages new blood vessel growth, active cancer is a reason to avoid injected use.
- People with copper-overload disorders, such as Wilson's disease, should avoid it.
- On the skin it is generally well tolerated, and irritation is rare.
References
This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Decisions about any treatment belong with a physician who knows your history.