GHK-CU 50 mg

Peptide Hubs GHK-Cu

Peptide Hubs presents GHK-Cu 50 mg, a premium lyophilized powder of the tripeptide-copper complex (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine) renowned for its extraordinary reparative and anti-aging properties. This naturally occurring signal peptide, when bound to copper (Cu2+), becomes a powerful modulator of gene expression related to tissue repair, anti-inflammatory responses, and antioxidant defense. With two independent third-party lab tests confirming exceptional purity and overfill—61.51 mg and 56.04 mg per 50 mg vial—researchers receive a high-value, potent compound. For bodybuilders, athletes, and longevity researchers, GHK-Cu offers a multifaceted research tool for investigating enhanced wound healing, collagen synthesis, skin rejuvenation, and systemic anti-inflammatory effects that can support recovery from intense training and promote overall tissue health.

GHK-Cu Composition

Each sterile 2 mL vial contains 50 mg of the GHK-Cu complex. This consists of the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys (GHK) chelated to a copper (II) ion (Cu2+). The copper is integral to the peptide's biological activity, stabilizing its structure and acting as a cofactor in enzymatic processes. The product is supplied as a distinctive blue-green lyophilized powder, a visual hallmark of the copper complex. It contains no additional fillers and requires reconstitution with bacteriostatic water for research use. The blue color is a positive indicator of proper copper chelation.

Bodybuilding and Athletic Research Benefits

GHK-Cu's research applications for athletes extend far beyond cosmetic skin benefits. Its primary investigational benefits include: accelerated healing of minor skin abrasions, cuts, and workout-related irritations; potential support for connective tissue and joint health through increased collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis; powerful systemic anti-inflammatory action, which may reduce exercise-induced inflammation and support recovery; antioxidant protection against oxidative stress generated during intense training; and potential improvement in skin barrier function, which can be the body's first line of defense against environmental stressors. For athletes focused on resilience and rapid recovery, GHK-Cu provides a unique model for studying systemic repair mechanisms.

Therapeutic and Research Indication

GHK-Cu is a well-studied peptide in dermatology and wound healing research. It functions as a signal peptide that shifts gene expression from a state of degeneration/inflammation to a state of repair/regeneration. According to extensive reviews in resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), GHK-Cu promotes wound healing, increases collagen and elastin production, and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Mechanism of Action: Gene Expression Reprogramming

GHK-Cu works primarily by binding to DNA and altering the expression of a wide array of genes. It upregulates genes responsible for the synthesis of critical structural proteins like collagen types I, III, and IV, elastin, decorin, and glycosaminoglycans. Simultaneously, it downregulates genes involved in inflammation, such as those for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6). The copper ion acts as a catalytic center for antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD). Essentially, GHK-Cu signals cells to switch from a state of breakdown and inflammation to a state of synthesis and repair.

Dosage for Research (Men)

Research protocols for GHK-Cu vary based on the route of administration and study focus. For systemic/subcutaneous research, common investigative doses range from 1 mg to 2.5 mg per day, administered once daily. For localized skin research, it is often applied topically in solutions ranging from 0.1% to 3% concentration. Subcutaneous cycles are typically 4-8 weeks in length, followed by a break. The blue color of the solution and potential for temporary staining at the injection site are important logistical considerations for research design.

Dosage for Research (Women)

Research dosing for female subjects follows similar subcutaneous (1-2.5 mg daily) or topical protocols. There is no evidence for gender-specific dosing adjustments. GHK-Cu is particularly popular in dermatological research for both sexes. Researchers should note the potential for injection site staining (temporary bruise-like discoloration) and plan accordingly, especially in visible areas.

Active Life and Half-Life

The exact pharmacokinetic profile of GHK-Cu is not fully detailed, but as a small peptide-copper complex, it likely has a relatively short plasma half-life. However, its effects are mediated through changes in gene expression that can persist for days. The copper ion may also be stored and utilized in various enzymatic processes over time. This allows for once-daily administration in systemic research models.

GHK-Cu Side Effects

Research indicates GHK-Cu is very well-tolerated. The most notable, yet harmless, effect is a temporary blue-green discoloration or bruising at the subcutaneous injection site, caused by the copper complex. This fades over days to weeks. Some subjects report mild, transient itching or redness at the injection site. Systemic side effects are rare at research doses. Its excellent safety profile is supported by decades of use in cosmetic and clinical research.

Contraindications and Precautionary Measures

GHK-Cu is contraindicated in research involving subjects with Wilson's disease or other conditions of copper overload or hypersensitivity. Caution is advised in research designs involving subjects with severe kidney or liver impairment. Standard peptide research precautions apply. It is for external and laboratory research use only and not for human consumption.

Overdosage in Research

The primary risk of excessive dosing would be an increase in injection site reactions, including more pronounced staining or irritation. Systemic copper toxicity is highly unlikely at research-level doses, as the amount of copper in even several milligrams of GHK-Cu is minuscule compared to dietary intake. Responsible research adheres to the 1-2.5 mg per day subcutaneous range.

GHK-Cu Stack/Cycle for Research

GHK-Cu combines exceptionally well with other peptides that target complementary pathways of repair, growth, and longevity. Potential research stacks include:

• BPC 157 for a powerful synergistic research stack on systemic healing, combining GHK-Cu's gene expression reprogramming with BPC-157's angiogenic and organ-protective effects.
• TB 500 to study combined effects on connective tissue repair, muscle healing, and anti-inflammatory action through different cellular mechanisms.
• Epitalon for an advanced "anti-aging" research model, pairing GHK-Cu's tissue repair and collagen synthesis with Epitalon's telomere and circadian regulation.
• Glow Blend as a comparator in studies on skin health and systemic vitality, comparing a single targeted peptide to a multi-ingredient formulation.
• SS-31 (Elamipretide) for research into combined mitochondrial protection (SS-31) and extracellular matrix repair/anti-inflammation (GHK-Cu).

These stacks allow for sophisticated research into holistic recovery and rejuvenation.

Package Presentation

The product is supplied as one sterile glass vial containing 50 mg of GHK-Cu as a distinctive blue-green lyophilized powder. The vial is sealed with a rubber stopper and aluminum crimp to ensure sterility. The unique color is a key identifier of the authentic copper-peptide complex.

Storage

For long-term stability, store the lyophilized powder at or below -20°C (-4°F). For short-term use, refrigeration at 2-8°C (36-46°F) is acceptable. Protect from light, as copper peptides can be photosensitive. After reconstitution, the blue solution should be refrigerated, protected from light, and used within 7-10 days to maintain potency.

GHK-Cu Referrers

The science behind GHK-Cu is robust and well-published in peer-reviewed dermatology, biochemistry, and regenerative medicine journals. Seminal work by Dr. Loren Pickart and others has detailed its discovery, mechanism, and applications. Researchers are encouraged to review this extensive literature, which includes both in-vitro and in-vivo studies, to design methodologically sound research projects that leverage this peptide's unique ability to reprogram gene expression toward repair.

Third-Party Lab Test

2026-01-12

View Result

61.51 mg

2025-10-01

View Result

56.04 mg