AHK-Cu

Overview

AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys-Cu) structurally related to GHK-Cu, studied in dermatological research for its role in extracellular matrix remodeling and hair follicle signaling.

Mechanism of Action

AHK-Cu chelates copper(II) through histidine and lysine residues, forming a stable peptide-metal complex. It upregulates collagen I, collagen III, and VEGF expression in dermal fibroblasts and papilla cells, potentially supporting dermal remodeling and hair follicle vascularization. Also influences MMP activity and glycosaminoglycan synthesis.

Research Summary

Pyo et al. (Archives of Pharmacal Research, 2007) reported that AHK-Cu stimulated elongation of human hair follicles ex vivo, promoted proliferation of dermal papilla cells, and increased VEGF secretion while reducing TGF-beta1 in cultured fibroblasts. Evidence is preclinical only; no controlled clinical trials have been published.

Vendors selling AHK-Cu

Scored vendors carrying AHK-Cu, ranked by trust grade. Grades are computed from indexed Certificates of Analysis. Full $/mg pricing is on the comparison page.

Reported Side Effects

• Limited human safety data
• Mild skin irritation or redness at topical application site
• Contact dermatitis in copper-sensitive individuals
• Transient itching or warmth at application site

Compare AHK-Cu with Others

Research References

• The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro (2007)

Frequently asked questions

Has AHK-Cu been independently lab-tested?

Disclosed Labs has collected 15 Certificates of Analysis (COA) for AHK-Cu from 5 independent testing labs. 8 vendors have submitted material for testing. Products average 99.6% tested purity across the corpus. Full testing data is available at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/ahk-cu/testing.

What is the average purity of AHK-Cu on the market?

Based on 15 COAs analyzed by Disclosed Labs, AHK-Cu products average 99.6% (±0.3%) tested purity. Individual vendor results vary; see per-vendor COA data at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/ahk-cu/coas.

Which labs have tested AHK-Cu?

Independent labs that have tested AHK-Cu include: ILS Labs (Grade A). Full lab credibility grades and profiles are at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/labs.

Where can researchers source AHK-Cu?

6 vendors with Disclosed Labs trust grades currently list AHK-Cu, including Ion Peptide, Peptidology, Real Peptides. Compare live prices and lab-verified COAs at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prices/ahk-cu.

How does AHK-Cu work?

AHK-Cu chelates copper(II) through histidine and lysine residues, forming a stable peptide-metal complex. It upregulates collagen I, collagen III, and VEGF expression in dermal fibroblasts and papilla cells, potentially supporting dermal remodeling and hair follicle vascularization. Also influences MMP activity and glycosaminoglycan synthesis.

What does the research say about AHK-Cu?

Pyo et al. (Archives of Pharmacal Research, 2007) reported that AHK-Cu stimulated elongation of human hair follicles ex vivo, promoted proliferation of dermal papilla cells, and increased VEGF secretion while reducing TGF-beta1 in cultured fibroblasts. Evidence is preclinical only; no controlled clinical trials have been published.