GHK (Tripeptide-1)
GHK (Gly-His-Lys) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in plasma, involved in tissue repair, anti-inflammatory signaling, and collagen regulation.
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⚠ Research & Educational Use Only. GHK (Tripeptide-1) is a research chemical documented here for scientific education. All information references peer-reviewed literature and preclinical/clinical study data. Not for human consumption. Not medical advice. Consult a licensed researcher or healthcare professional before any laboratory use.
- Stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis
- Promotes wound healing and tissue repair
- Modulates gene expression in aging skin
- GHK (Tripeptide-1) is not FDA-approved for human use. It is a research chemical for scientific study only.
Research At a Glance
- Stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis
- Promotes wound healing and tissue repair
- Modulates gene expression in aging skin
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity
What is GHK (Tripeptide-1)?
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GHK (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine), also called Tripeptide-1, is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma at concentrations that decline significantly with age (from approximately 200 ng/mL in young adults to under 80 ng/mL in the elderly). It binds copper (II) ions with high affinity to form the active GHK-Cu complex, but the copper-free form (GHK alone, Tripeptide-1) also shows biological activity.
What It Is
- The tripeptide Gly-His-Lys, naturally present in human plasma, urine, and saliva
- Functions as both a free tripeptide (Tripeptide-1) and as a copper-binding agent (forming GHK-Cu)
- Distinct from GHK-Cu: Tripeptide-1 without exogenous copper has different tissue penetration and activity profile
- Used in cosmetic formulations as Tripeptide-1 at 0.1-5%
How It Works
- Chelates copper ions in tissue, directing copper to copper-dependent enzymes (lysyl oxidase, SOD)
- Activates tissue remodeling signals including TGF-beta, decorin, and fibroblast growth factors
- Example: Fibroblasts exposed to GHK at 1 nM showed 35% increase in collagen type I mRNA expression and 28% increase in fibronectin secretion vs vehicle at 24 hours
- Modulates gene expression: Microarray studies show GHK regulates expression of >4,000 human genes, including upregulation of antioxidant defense and downregulation of pro-inflammatory pathways
Key Research Findings
- Wound healing: Topical GHK at 1 mg/cm2 accelerated full-thickness wound closure by 30% in rodent models
- Gene expression: GHK at physiological concentrations (1-10 nM) modulated over 4,000 genes in cultured human fibroblasts, restoring many to younger expression patterns
- COPD research: Intravenous GHK in emphysema models reduced alveolar wall destruction scores by 40% vs controls
- Skin aging: 12-week topical GHK use in 50 human volunteers showed significant reduction in wrinkle depth and improvement in skin firmness vs placebo
Dosing From the Literature
- Topical: 0.1-5% (as GHK or GHK-Cu complex)
- IV research: 0.1-1 mg/kg in animal studies
Storage and Handling
- Lyophilised: 2-8 degrees C; 24 months
- Reconstituted: 2-8 degrees C; use within 30 days
- Stable in acidic to neutral aqueous solution (pH 4-7)
Key Research Benefits
Documented effects observed in preclinical and clinical studies on GHK (Tripeptide-1). See all Skin & Anti-Aging peptides for comparison.
Side Effects & Risks
Adverse effects reported in the research literature. All data sourced from preclinical and clinical study reports. View all peptides' side effects →
Dosing Data from the Literature
Doses referenced below are sourced from published preclinical and clinical studies. Use the peptide dose calculator to convert these values to injection volume.
Administration in Research Settings
Standard reconstitution and administration methodology for laboratory research use.
Applied topically to skin or scalp. Used in research at low intravenous doses for systemic studies.
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Research Use Only
This information is for educational research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.