GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma. It is found in plasma, saliva, and urine, with plasma levels of approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20, declining to 80 ng/mL by age 60.
GHK-Basic (without copper) is less commonly used in research protocols compared to GHK-Cu. When studied, it is typically used at nanomolar concentrations in cell culture. Subcutaneous injection protocols are not well-established for the copper-free form. GHK-Basic is the foundational tripeptide that forms GHK-Cu when complexed with copper(II) ions.
Mechanisms of Action
4Benefits
5Wound healing acceleration
RecoveryDemonstrated ability to improve tissue repair in skin, lung connective tissue, bone, liver, and stomach lining.
Collagen and ECM synthesis
RecoveryStimulates synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans in skin fibroblasts at picomolar to nanomolar concentrations.
Anti-inflammatory effects
ImmuneReduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes resolution of inflammation.
Antioxidant defense
LongevityActs as an endogenous antioxidant, potentially diminishing hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals in living organisms.
Skin regeneration
RecoveryNatural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration, supporting dermal repair and anti-aging effects.
Research Studies
19Peptides are promising and attractive anti-wrinkle active ingredients, amongst which glycyl-histidyl...
BioImpacts : BI · Seyedeh Maryam Mortazavi, Seyyed Ali Mohammadi Vadoud, Hamid...
Two endogenous peptides, β-alanyl-L-histidine, named carnosine (Car), and glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine...
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) · Irina Naletova, Enrico Rizzarelli
The glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu
Redox biology · Yiding Bian, Mingming Deng, Jia Liu, Jiaye Li, Qin Zhang
Common features of neurodegenerative diseases are oxidative and inflammatory imbalances as well as t...
Metallomics : integrated biometal science · Jin-Hong Min, Heela Sarlus, Robert A Harris
Fibrotic disorders, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, are characterized by the accumulation of ...
Aging pathobiology and therapeutics · Qianpei He, Jordan Mazzola, Warren Ladiges
This database is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
