GHK vs Humanin

Cosmetic

Cognitive

Research Only

Research Only

GHK is a high-affinity ligand for copper(II), forming the GHK-Cu complex that mediates most of its documented biology. Via the copper-bound form, GHK is proposed to modulate expression of a large number of human genes (microarray and Broad Institute Connectivity Map analyses from Pickart's group), including pathways related to extracellular matrix remodeling, antioxidant response element induction, angiogenesis, and DNA repair. Reported in vitro and preclinical effects include stimulation of fibroblast collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and acceleration of wound healing. The bare (non-copper) peptide is typically weaker than GHK-Cu in these assays and is generally assumed to acquire copper in serum-containing environments.

Humanin binds to FPRL1 (formyl peptide receptor-like 1) and BAX protein, inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis in stressed cells. It also activates the STAT3 pathway and interacts with IGFBP-3, modulating IGF-1 signaling. In the brain, it protects neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity and oxidative stress through both intracellular and extracellular mechanisms.

50–200 ppm topical (~0.005–0.02%)

1–5 mg

Topical

SubQ