copper tripeptide

Copper tripeptide (GHK-Cu) is a naturally occurring copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, with a strong affinity for copper(II). First isolated from human plasma, it is also found in saliva and urine.

Copper Tripeptide-3 (AHK-Cu) is a bioactive peptide known to promote hair growth and is reported to be used as a cosmetic ingredient [1].

GHK-Cu acetate, a complex of the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys and a copper(II) ion, exhibits wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It enhances fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, and the release of pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), while also increasing decorin expression in rat wound tissue. Furthermore, at a concentration of 10 µM, it reduces levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, GHK-Cu at 10 µg/g mitigates LPS-induced reductions in lung superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels, decreases the accumulation of cells and total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and thus, attenuates acute lung injury in mice.