GHK-Cu research overview
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of GHK, the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. GHK was isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973 and binds copper(II) ions with high affinity; most of the research literature studies it as this copper complex.
Pep Shop Texas supplies GHK-Cu as a lyophilized powder for laboratory research only.
Identity and structure
| Name | GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II)) |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys (GHK), complexed with Cu(II) |
| Length | 3 amino acids |
| Molecular formula | C14H22CuN6O4 (complex); GHK alone C14H24N6O4 |
| Molecular weight | GHK alone about 340.4 g/mol; the copper complex is heavier by one copper ion |
| CAS number | 89030-95-5 (GHK-Cu); 49557-75-7 (GHK) |
| Form | Blue lyophilized powder in a sealed vial (the color comes from the copper) |
Published research
GHK-Cu has been studied mostly in cultured cells and in gene-expression data sets. The papers below are listed by what was measured. They are not evidence of safety or effect in people.
Cultured fibroblasts. Measured collagen synthesis in the presence of the GHK-copper complex.
Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, Gillery P, Monboisse JC, Borel JP. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett. 1988;238(2):343-346. PubMed 3169264
Review of GHK-Cu research, including its copper binding, reported plasma levels by age (about 200 ng/mL at 20 and 80 ng/mL at 60) and gene-expression (Connectivity Map) data.
Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. PubMed 29986520
Storage of lyophilized material
Keep lyophilized GHK-Cu sealed, dry and away from light, in a freezer for long-term storage. Let a cold vial reach room temperature before opening it so moisture does not condense on the powder.
Lab testing
Each batch Pep Shop Texas sells is sent to an independent lab for identity (LC-MS) and purity (HPLC) testing. See the product page for the current certificate. How we test.
GHK-Cu: strengths, price and stock · All lab reports · Full collection
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, cosmetic or supplement. Pep Shop Texas is not a compounding pharmacy and does not give dosing or preparation guidance. Nothing on this page is medical advice or a claim about use in people.