GHK-Cu (Topical) (200mg)

What is the GHK-Cu (Topical) Peptide?

GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide) is one of the most well-studied peptides. It is a naturally occurring plasma peptide whose levels significantly decline with age in human beings. It appears to have excellent acceptance in cosmetic applications. GHK-Cu is used in anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, after-sun, hair growth stimulating, skin renewal, and skin moisturizer products. The in vitro research effects of these carrier peptides appear to deliver copper to the skin to bring about enzymatic wound-healing pathways, and while in vivo, it may make the skin more thick, smooth, and firm due to increased collagen production. Copper tripeptide has been suggested to stimulate collagen and decorin production and improve wound healing and tissue regeneration. GHK-Cu may improve the condition of hair and aging skin and possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well. GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) is a human tri-peptide that is naturally present. In blood plasma, the level of GHK-Cu is about 200 ng/ml when a person reaches the age of 20. By the age of 60, the peptide level reduces to 80 ng/ml. Scientific studies carried out in different research laboratories worldwide have explored the various biological roles played by tripeptides. GHK-Cu has the potential to influence many biological actions, including an apparent induction of wound healing, attraction of immune cells, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, activation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in skin fibroblasts, and possible promotion of blood vessel growth. Recent studies indicate its potential role in stem cell biology and anti-tumor defense as well. Since GHK-Cu is highly relevant to skin biology, it has become a prevalent ingredient in cosmetics as a potentially reparative and anti-aging ingredient. The synthesis and levels of GHK-Cu appear to decrease with age.

Specifications

Molecular Formula: C14H24N6O4

Molecular Weight: 340.38 g/mol

Sequence: Gly-His-LysCu.xHAc

PubChem: CID 73587

CAS Number: 89030-95-5

Reconstitution: Required

GHK-Cu Research

Clinical studies have observed that 2% GHK-Cu gel has yielded positive results in treating 120 diabetic patients when used for rapid wound healing. The peptide appears to enhance the percentage of ulcer closure from 60.8% to 98.5% and decreases the infection from 34% to 7%.^[1]
Copper peptide GHK-Cu is a widespread ingredient in anti-aging cosmetics (INCI name: Copper tripeptide-1). Different customized facial studies have further supported the potential anti-aging, firming, and anti-wrinkle activity of copper peptide GHK-Cu. Abdulghani et al. noted that facial cream containing GHK-Cu appeared to improve collagen in photo-aged skin of 20 female volunteers.^[2] The peptide was observed to perform better than vitamin C and Retinoic acid. Leyden et al. conducted a 12-week facial study of face and eye cream containing GHK-Cu.^[3] The study reported significant improvement in skin laxity, clarity, and appearance and a reduction in fine lines and the depths of wrinkles. It appeared to increase skin density and thickness compared to placebo. Researchers observed GHK-Cu eye cream to perform better than vitamin K cream. Finkley et al. conducted a 12-week facial study on 67 women.^[4] Experts observed in the study that GHK-Cu cream, when applied twice daily, appeared to improve the appearance of aged skin, enhance thickness, decrease wrinkles, and strongly induced dermal Keratinocyte proliferation, as was observed in the histological analysis of biopsies. The same work also observed copper peptide GHK-Cu to be non-toxic and non-irritating, which is crucial for topical applications. Copper peptide GHK-Cu and its analogs were observed to stimulate hair growth as well. The efficiency of the synthetic analog of GHK-Cu appeared to be on par with that of 5% Minoxidil.

GHK-Cu and Human Fibroblasts
Recent research has suggested the molecular mechanisms of the copper-peptide. Pollard et al. posited that GHK-Cu might restore the function of human fibroblasts damaged by radiation treatment and thus may help to accelerate the healing and regenerative processes.^[5] The researchers posited that “An early increase in basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor production by GHK-Cu-treated irradiated fibroblasts may improve wound healing.”

GHK-Cu and Nerve Regeneration
In 2005, Ahmed et al. suggested that tripeptide may also promote nerve regeneration.^[6] In the study, GHK-Cu appeared to increase the production rate of nerve growth factor expression of integrins and increased the regeneration rate of myelinated nerve fibers.

GHK-Cu and Stem Cells
In 2009, research findings from a group of researchers from the Seoul National University (Republic of Korea) highlighted that the copper-peptide GHK-Cu appeared to stimulate the proliferation of Keratinocytes and increased the expression of integrins. It also found the p63 protein in the epidermal stem cells. P63 is considered to be a significant marker of stem cell and anti-senescence protein. The authors concluded that GHK-copper may help restore the proliferative potential of epidermal stem cells and increase their ability to repair tissue.

GHK-Cu and Cancer
In 2010, Hong Y. et al. (Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore) also observed the potential of GHK-Cu to reverse the synthesis of a group of genes that play a role in the metastatic spreading of colon cancer.^[7] GHK-Cu was observed to be effective at a low concentration. The researchers also concluded that “Gly-His-Lys and securinine could reverse the differential expressions of these genes significantly, suggesting that they have combinatorial therapeutic effect on the metastasis-prone patients.”

References