✨ GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is a naturally occurring copper complex first identified in human plasma in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart. It's found throughout the body and declines significantly with age—from about 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60.

This tripeptide has attracted significant research interest for wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, collagen synthesis stimulation, and potential antioxidant properties. Gene analysis shows it affects expression of over 4,000 human genes.

✨ Fun Facts & History

• Accidental Discovery: Dr. Loren Pickart discovered GHK-Cu while studying why older human plasma couldn't stimulate liver cells to grow like younger plasma could
• The "Younger Blood" Effect: GHK-Cu is one of the key factors that makes young blood different from old blood—it's essentially a youth molecule that we lose as we age
• Copper Connection: The copper atom in GHK-Cu isn't just decorative—it's essential for the peptide's biological activity and helps deliver copper to cells that need it
• Gene Reset: Studies at the Broad Institute found GHK-Cu can reset gene expression of diseased cells toward a healthier state—essentially reprogramming cells
• Beauty Industry Pioneer: GHK-Cu was one of the first peptides to make the leap from lab to Sephora—it's now in hundreds of premium skincare products

🐭 Animal Research Findings

• Wound Healing: Rodent studies show accelerated wound closure, increased collagen density, and reduced scarring compared to controls
• Hair Growth: Mouse models demonstrate improved hair follicle cycling and density
• Skin Elasticity: Aged mouse skin shows improved elasticity and thickness after treatment
• Colitis (2025): Recent research demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects via SIRT1/STAT3 pathway modulation
• Cognitive Function: Preliminary rodent studies suggest neuroprotective properties

🔮 Potential Future Applications (If Clinical Trials Succeed)

• Wound Care: Post-surgical healing, chronic wound management, burn recovery
• Dermatology: Anti-aging skincare formulations, scar reduction therapies
• Hair Loss: Androgenetic alopecia treatment support
• Inflammatory Conditions: IBD, colitis, and other inflammatory diseases
• Cosmetic Industry: Already widely used in topical anti-aging products

Year	Focus	Finding	Source
2025	Colitis Model	SIRT1/STAT3 modulation, mucosal healing	Frontiers
2024	Delivery Systems	3x improved penetration via microemulsion	PMC
2018	Gene Expression	4,000+ genes affected	PMC
2015	Skin Regeneration	Multiple pathway modulation	PMC