Description
AHK-Cu is a copper tripeptide complex consisting of the amino acids alanine, histidine and lysine, bound to a copper ion. Structurally it is closely related to the better-known GHK-Cu (glycine-histidine-lysine), but differs in the substitution of the first amino acid (alanine instead of glycine). This small sequence variation leads to a slightly different activity profile in preclinical studies.
The research focus of AHK-Cu lies in hair follicle research. In cell culture studies, the compound has been associated with extended anagen phase (growth phase) of hair follicles and reduced apoptosis of dermal papilla cells. The mechanisms partially overlap with GHK-Cu (modulation of metalloproteinases, influence on microcirculation), but show specific effects on hair follicle biology in the research data.
Like all copper tripeptides, AHK-Cu shows a characteristic bluish color in the reconstituted state due to the copper complex. The binding affinity to copper ions is high, which supports the stability of the compound in physiological environment.
In research setups, AHK-Cu is typically used topically or subcutaneously in preclinical setups. As a small tripeptide, the half-life is short, which requires frequent application intervals.
AHK-Cu is available in 50mg vials as 10-vial packs.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
AHK-Cu is considered well tolerated per study reports. As a close relative of GHK-Cu, the compound shares its mild profile, particularly with topical use.
Observed in research and user reports:
- Injection site: mild redness, pressure or transient irritation at the injection site with subcutaneous use.
- Copper component: as a copper-containing tripeptide, AHK-Cu can cause somewhat more pronounced local irritation at the injection site than pure peptide solutions. Very high or frequent dosing is associated in the literature with a theoretical concern of copper accumulation.
- Short half-life: as a small tripeptide, the compound is degraded quickly, requiring frequent application intervals - though the profile remains mild.
- Thin data: robust long-term human studies do not exist. The specific data on AHK-Cu rests primarily on cell culture studies and is narrower than for GHK-Cu.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro - Archives of Pharmacal Research 2007: At picomolar to nanomolar concentrations, AHK-Cu stimulated the elongation of human hair follicles ex vivo and the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, with a higher Bcl-2/Bax ratio and less cleaved caspase-3.
- GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration - BioMed Research International 2015: Review of the related tripeptide GHK, not of AHK-Cu itself: describes for GHK-Cu the stimulation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, the attraction of immune and endothelial cells and effects on skin and hair follicles in animal models.
- Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data - International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2018: Further review of the related GHK-Cu: interprets the described effects on tissue repair and fibroblasts in light of gene expression data; the abstract does not mention AHK-Cu.
