Pal-AHK (Topical) (200mg)

What is the Pal-AHK (Topical) peptide?

Pal-AHK is also known as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3. It consists of amino acid sequences (alanine-histidine-lysine) and appears to attach to a Palmitoyl fatty acid molecule. The fatty-acid component of AHK makes it soluble in fat, which may increase skin penetration and molecule absorption by skin cells. Scientific research suggests that Pal-AHK may activate the production of fibroblasts by interacting with transforming growth factor-𝛽 (TGF-𝛽).

Specifications

Sequence: Palimitoyl-Ala-His-Lys

Molecular Formula: C31H56N6O5

Molecular Weight: 592.80 g/mol

Synonyms: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3

Reconstitution: Required

Pal-AHK Research

Pal-AHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3) General Research
Research on animal models suggests that Pal-AHK may enhance hair growth, fight off the effects of aging on the skin, and expedite wound healing. Pal-AHK’s studies in the cosmeceutical industry suggest that it may have the ability to enhance the production of collagen, tighten the skin, and accelerate the rate at which it regenerates.^[1]
Studies on animal models further posit that Pal-AHK may activate the production of fibroblasts that will accelerate the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the skin. The extracellular matrix dominated by collagen and elastin also has several molecules embedded in it – therefore the increase in the extracellular matrix of the skin may result in an increase in collagen and elastin amounts in the skin.^[2] The researchers note that “it promotes collagen formation via TGF-beta”. This, consequently, will give better skin appearance and strength.^[3]
Depth experiments suggest that Pal-AHK may play a significant role in the regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) production. VEGF is a potent signaling molecule in the production of new blood vessels. Research suggests Pal-AHK peptide’s potential to enhance the growth of blood vessels in the skin, with studies reporting improved skin regeneration and hair growth in animal models after administration of the peptide. The potential ability of Pal-AHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3) to activate the production of VEGF may allow for adequate blood supply to the skin. This, in turn, will result in supple and younger-looking skin. VEGF functions can also be seen in diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and macular degeneration. It is an angiogenic factor that regulates angiogenesis by permitting endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and permeability. Thus, the potential ability of Pal-AHK to initiate the enhancement of VEGF production may help in the prevention of the prevalence of diabetes, cancer, and macular generation, as well as the prevention of disease in the cardiovascular system.
Due to the potential ability of Pal-AHK to boost the production of VEGF, wound healing may also be accelerated.^[4] The researchers note that “Palmitoyl tripeptide-3 mimics the effects of an extracellular matrix protein, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a naturally occurring molecule that increases TGFβ activity. In animal models and human dermal fibroblasts cell culture tests, TSP-1 acts locally to improve wound healing.” This would be possible as a result of the deposition of collagen at the site of injury, angiogenesis, and epithelization. In the therapeutic environment, VEGF’s chemotactic, mitogenic, and permeability effects may be strong enough to promote repair and regeneration in non-healing wounds associated with artery occlusive disease and diabetes. Scientific studies suggest that the potential of Pal-AHK to enhance the production of VEGF may also aid in bringing visual improvement to a modest degree, averaging about two lines of vision, though this research reported that few patients regained full sight.

Pal-AHK and Wrinkles, Hair Growth
Pal-AHK research on animal models has suggested profound potential of Pal-AHK on wrinkles. AHK is a well-studied potential stimulator of fibroblasts and has been suggested to enhance collagen synthesis in human skin cells in laboratory settings. The addition of Palmitoyl to AHK may enhance AHK activities, which is reported to be evident in skin penetration such as the penetration of cell membrane. This, in turn, may lead to increased levels of collagen synthesis and its overall effects. Further research on animal models suggests that Pal-AHK may reduce and inhibit the prevalence of fine lines and wrinkles, limit the occurrence of age-related spots, including skin tone, improve texture and improve skin smoothness. Research also posits that Pal-AHK may play a role in reducing oxidative stress (free-radical attack) and increasing hair growth by the dermal cells of the papilla. Its proposed ability to reduce oxidative stress may stimulate elevated DHT formation in scalp follicles. AHK complex appears to inhibit oxidative stress by enhancing the production of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), this, in turn, may neutralize the potent free-radical superoxide. The addition of palmitoyl to the peptide sequence may improve the aforementioned effects of AHK.

The Side Effects of Pal-AHK
While Pal-AHK has numerous advantages, long-term administration may result in VEGF hypersecretion into the bloodstream. This, in turn, may lead to arterial thromboembolic events such as:
• Myocardial Infarction
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Gastrointestinal Perforations
• Kidney diseases • Proteinuria
• Bowel Perforation
• Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome
• Wound Complications
• Hemorrhage

Conclusion

Pal-AHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3) appears to function to enhance hair growth, fight off the effects of aging on the skin and expedite wound healing. Advanced research in cosmetics supports the suggestion that this peptide may also function to tighten the skin, enhance the production of collagen and accelerate the rate at which it regenerates. The functions of Pal-AHK appear to be numerous. However, this peptide is for educational and scientific studies, not for human use or consumption.

References