What Is AHK-Cu?
AHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide Alanine-Histidine-Lysine. Like the more widely studied GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu belongs to the family of naturally occurring copper-binding peptides found in human plasma and biological fluids. The histidine residue provides the primary copper coordination site, forming a stable chelate that both concentrates copper delivery to tissue and modulates copper's biological activity.
Relationship to GHK-Cu
AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu share mechanistic similarities — both activate collagen and elastin synthesis, promote wound repair, and exhibit anti-inflammatory activity via modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. AHK-Cu has been documented in seminal plasma, where it plays a role in fertility-related tissue maintenance. Some research suggests AHK-Cu may have distinct effects on hair follicle biology compared to GHK-Cu.
Hair Follicle Research
AHK-Cu has been incorporated into topical formulations studied for androgenic alopecia and hair thinning. Cell culture studies show it promotes keratinocyte proliferation and upregulates growth factors important for follicular anagen phase maintenance. It is thought to work synergistically with GHK-Cu in follicular regeneration protocols.
Skin and Wound Healing
Like GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu has demonstrated capacity to stimulate fibroblast activity, increase collagen type I and III deposition, and reduce oxidative stress markers in tissue models. Its anti-inflammatory properties include downregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 in challenged cell lines.
Quick Reference
Member reference tables summarize the compound's research parameters.
Research Indications
Research Protocols
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below), not a personal dosing recommendation.
This member section describes parameters reported in the research literature.
Peptide Interactions
This member section summarizes reported compound interactions and evidence limitations.
Reported Research Time Points
This member section summarizes reported research time points.
Safety Notes
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
This member section discusses research safety considerations and uncertainties.
Quality Indicators
Research Citations
- The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro
Pyo HK, Yoo HG, Won CH, et al., 2007, Arch Pharm Res - Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data
Pickart L, Margolina A, 2018, Int J Mol Sci - Human skin penetration of a copper tripeptide in vitro as a function of skin layer
Hostynek JJ, Dreher F, Maibach HI, 2011, Inflamm Res - Thermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions pioneer pathways for topical delivery and peptide application
Ahmed S, Aljabri Z, Alharbi M, et al., 2023, Drug Deliv Transl Res - The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling
Pickart L, 2008, J Biomater Sci Polym Ed