Ghk Cu: Chemical Properties
24 PubMed CitationsExpert ReviewedGMP CertifiedLast Reviewed: February 2026
Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₂CuN₆O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | ~401.9 Da |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 |
| PubChem CID | 378611 |
| Sequence (1-Letter) | GHK |
| Sequence (3-Letter) | Gly-His-Lys |
| Structure | Linear tripeptide chelated to Cu(II) in distorted square-planar pyramid; blue-purple crystal powder |
| InChI Key | DIWZQABMLHSNJR-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| SMILES | C1=C(NC=N1)CC(C(=O)NC(CCCCN)C(=O)O)NC(=O)CN.[Cu] |
| Origin | Endogenous — human plasma, cleaved from SPARC and type I collagen α2 chain |
| Classification | Copper Peptide Complex / Cosmeceutical / Research Peptide |
| Appearance | Blue-purple crystal powder (GHK without copper is white) |
Identifiers
| Purity Standard | ≥98–99% by HPLC |
| Identity Confirmation | MS molecular mass ~401.9 Da |
| Counter-Ion | TFA-free for biological applications |
| Detection Methods | RP-HPLC, Mass Spectrometry, Atomic Absorption, ICP-MS for copper |
References
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK-Cu may Prevent Oxidative Stress in Skin by Regulating Copper and Modifying Expression of Numerous Antioxidant Genes. Cosmetics. 2015;2(3):236-247.
- Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition. 2008;19(8):969-988.
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(7):1987.
- Park JR, Lee H, Kim SI, Yang SR. The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice. Oncotarget. 2016;7(36):58405-58417.
- Zhang Q, Yan L, Lu J, Zhou X. Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ attenuates cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema and inflammation by reducing oxidative stress pathway. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences. 2022;9:925700.
- Mao S, Huang J, Li J, et al. Exploring the beneficial effects of GHK-Cu on an experimental model of colitis and the underlying mechanisms. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2025;16:1551843.
- Campbell JD, McDonough JE, Zeskind JE, et al. A gene expression signature of emphysema-related lung destruction and its reversal by the tripeptide GHK. Genome Medicine. 2012;4(8):67.
- Miller DM, DeSilva D, Pickart L, Aust SD. Effects of glycyl-histidyl-lysyl chelated Cu(II) on ferritin dependent lipid peroxidation. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 1990;264:79-84.
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK and DNA: Resetting the human genome to health. BioMed Research International. 2014;2014:151479.
- Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Letters. 1988;238(2):343-346.
- Canapp SO Jr, Farese JP, Schultz GS, et al. The effect of topical tripeptide-copper complex on healing of ischemic open wounds. Veterinary Surgery. 2003;32(6):515-523.
- Abdulghani AA, Sherr A, Shirin S, et al. Effects of topical creams containing vitamin C, a copper-binding peptide cream and melatonin compared with tretinoin on the ultrastructure of normal skin. Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes. 1998;1(4):136-141.
- Kuceki G, Coppinger AJ, Ragi SD, et al. Enhanced hair regrowth with five monthly sessions of minoxidil-dutasteride-copper peptides tattooing for androgenetic alopecia. JAAD International. 2025;20:38-40.
- Pollard JD, Quan S, Kang T, Koch RJ. Effects of copper tripeptide on the growth and expression of growth factors by normal and irradiated fibroblasts. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. 2005;7(1):27-31.
- Dou Y, Lee A, Zhu L, et al. The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide. Aging Pathobiology and Therapeutics. 2020;2(1):58-61.
- Cherdakov VYu, et al. Peptide combination (GHK, Dalargin, Thymogen) promotes reparative osteogenesis in rats with bone fractures. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2010.
- Gul NY, Topal A, Cangul IT, Yanik K. The effects of topical tripeptide copper complex and helium-neon laser on wound healing in rabbits. Veterinary Dermatology. 2008;19(1):7-14.
- Badenhorst T, Svirskis D, Merrilees M, et al. Effects of GHK-Cu on MMP and TIMP Expression, Collagen and Elastin Production, and Facial Wrinkle Parameters. Journal of Aging Science. 2016;4(3):166.
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International. 2015;2015:648108.
- Hong Y, Downey T, Eu KW, et al. A 'metastasis-prone' signature for early-stage mismatch-repair proficient sporadic colorectal cancer patients and its implications for possible therapeutics. Clinical & Experimental Metastasis. 2010;27(2):83-90.
- Pickart L, Freedman JH, Loker WJ, et al. Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide may function by facilitating copper uptake into cells. Nature. 1980;288(5792):715-717.
- Simeon A, Emonard H, Hornebeck W, Maquart FX. The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by fibroblast cultures. Life Sciences. 2000;67(18):2257-2265.
- Kang YA, Choi HR, Na JI, et al. Copper-GHK increases integrin expression and p63 positivity by keratinocytes. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2009;301(4):301-306.
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, et al. The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline. Brain Sciences. 2017;7(2):20.
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