Research peptides · For laboratory and scientific research in vitro · Not medications · Not approved for consumption · Adults only (18+)
GHK-Cu — copper peptide (the blue elixir)
In plain language
GHK-Cu is a natural tripeptide known as the "blue elixir" for its characteristic color. The body produces it itself — levels drop from 200 ng/mL at 20 to 80 ng/mL at 60. Modulates 31% of human genes, activates DNA repair and collagen synthesis, delivers copper to mitochondria.
For researchers
**What is GHK-Cu?** GHK is a tiny molecule — just three amino acids: glycine, histidine and lysine (hence tripeptide). The body produces it itself, in blood plasma. When bound to a copper ion (Cu²⁺), the solution turns characteristically blue — hence the unofficial name "blue elixir" in cosmetics. **Discovery and age decline** Discovered in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart, then a PhD student at UC San Francisco. He noticed: when he mixed plasma from a young person with old liver cells, the old cells started behaving "young" again. After years of work he isolated the responsible molecule — GHK. One of the best-documented facts in peptide biology is that GHK plasma levels drop dramatically with age: • Age 20: ~200 ng/mL • Age 60: ~80 ng/mL (60% decrease) This coincides chronologically with the onset of visible aging — skin thins, wounds heal slower, hair thins, muscle regeneration slows. **How it works at the cellular level** 1. **As a "copper taxi"** — copper is critical for 30+ enzymes including those that crosslink collagen (lysyl oxidase) and those producing energy in mitochondria (cytochrome c oxidase). Mitochondria are the cellular "power plants" — they produce , the cell's fuel. 2. **As a DNA signaling molecule** — Pickart & Margolina (BioMed Res Int, 2014) microarray showed GHK modulates 4000+ human genes (~31.2% of the genome). 59% upregulated (including 47 DNA-repair genes), 41% downregulated (including 70% of cancer-overexpressed genes). 3. **As a skin builder** — stimulates fibroblasts to synthesize collagen and elastin. 9-fold collagen increase in rat wound dressings. 70% of women in facial trials showed elevated collagen synthesis (vs 50% vitamin C, 40% retinoic acid). **Documented effects** • Skin: 31.6% more wrinkle reduction vs Matrixyl®3000, 55.8% vs control • Hair regeneration (originally marketed as Folligen) • Mitochondrial function restoration under oxidative stress • Wound healing acceleration in diabetic and normal models • Anti-cancer activity reversing metastatic cell behavior in vitro **Why "blue elixir"?** When reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the solution is deep blue from d-d transitions in the bound copper-peptide complex. So characteristic it can serve as a visual purity check. **Research applications** Topical (0.02-0.2% creams), s.c. injection (1-2 mg for regenerative models), intradermal (mesotherapy). Storage: -20°C lyophilized, protected from light (copper is photosensitive). Reconstituted solution stable 30 days at 2-8°C if dark.
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Scientific literature
Information about GHK-Cu is based on published scientific research and is intended for research purposes. Not medical advice.
Products related to this peptide are for in vitro laboratory research only. Not approved for human consumption.