GHK-Cu (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-copper) or “copper tri-peptide” is a copper-binding human peptide found in plasma, saliva, and urine. It has qualities which allow for the regeneration of aged and injured liver cells, although its regenerative properties are not confined to the liver alone — it promotes tissue healing, injury recovery, and cell regeneration in everything from skin grafts to ligaments, lung connective tissue to boney tissue, the lining of the stomach, and much more. Can replace corticosteroids for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions.
In addition to this, GHK-Cu is generally regarded as the best overall anti-aging peptide.
Benefits
- Stimulates elastin and collagen production; improves overall hydration of the skin
- Restores skin elasticity and helps reverse the thinning of aged skin; is more effective than most prescription retinols
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, photodamage, and hyperpigmentation
- Reduces free radical damage
- Protects skin from UV radiation
- Is a potent anti-inflammatory
- Accelerates hair growth — equal to or better than Minoxidil 5%
- Enlarges hair follicle size, resulting in thicker hair; strengthens follicles
- Is a powerful antioxidant
- Has DNA repairing properties
- Prevents metastasis in colon cancer
- Improves digestive health
- Has been shown to promote nerve fiber regeneration
- Can reverse fibroblasts associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and help relieve other symptoms of the disease
- Stimulates angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels)
- Stimulates wound healing; can reverse cortisone-induced inhibition of wound-healing
- Possesses multiple anti-cancer mechanisms
- Increases the production of neurotrophic factors
- Reduces anxiety and aggression
- Possesses pain-relieving qualities
- Decreases the expression of pain genes
- When certain systems aren’t functioning properly, damaged proteins start accumulating; GHK-Cu clears these damaged proteins
Possible Side Effects
Topical: No side effects noted.
Subcutaneous Administration: Injection site reaction (redness, swelling, itching, bruising, histamine flare-up (resembles hives, with a knot or bump under the skin for up to several days following each injection0); no others reported
Signs of Copper Toxicity
Headache, fever, passing out, nausea, vomiting, bloody vomit, diarrhea, black stool, abdominal cramps, brown ring-shaped markings in the eyes, and jaundice. May be accompanied by anxiety, irritability, inability to focus, depression, and moodiness. In the most serious cases, copper toxicity can result in kidney conditions, liver damage or failure, heart failure, and brain damage.
