GHK Copper Complex, a tripeptide, has been shown to stimulate wound healing and tissue repair. It is a powerful activator of the skin’s self-renewal mechanisms, stimulates blood vessel and nerve outgrowth, and promotes glycosaminoglycan synthesis.
Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK) and its copper complex, glycyl-l-histidyl-L-glutamic acid-copper complex, or GHK-Cu, is an essential component of the body’s biochemical pathways that regulate inflammation, anti-oxidation, cell regeneration, and immune response. Clinical trials have shown that GHK-Cu is a potent, effective regenerative agent that restores youthful, smooth skin tone and radiance, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin’s resilience.
Unlike many other known anti-aging and anti-inflammatory agents, ghk copper has a unique relationship with copper that provides the basis for its pleiotropic effects. This new mechanism may explain the diverse protective and healing actions of ghk copper and explains why it is so effective in the treatment of a variety of chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease [32, 33].
In addition to its pleiotropic effects, GHK-Cu is also very cytotoxic and potent against mutated DNA. It has been found to stimulate gene expression of numerous enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, that are important for cellular damage control and repair.
Studies in mice show that GHK-Cu has a rapid passage through the stratum corneum, allowing it to penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin, where it stimulates blood vessel and nerve outgrowth, fibroblast cell proliferation, and collagen synthesis. Additionally, it is a powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces erythema caused by UV light exposure.