Ghk Cu Safety Profile — Clinical Evidence & Research Summary

Preclinical Research Summary

Key Preclinical Studies

Study	Model	Key Findings	Ref
Canapp et al. (2003)	Rats — ischemic open wounds, topical daily × 13d	Wound size ↓ 64.5% vs 28.2% control; ↓ TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-9	[11]
Maquart et al. (1993)	Sprague-Dawley rats — wound chambers	Dose-dependent ↑ Collagen I/III, GAGs, DNA content (days 3–14)	[10]
Zhang et al. (2022)	C57BL/6J mice — CS-induced emphysema, 0.2–20 µg/g/day IP × 12 wk	Significantly ↓ airspace enlargement; reversed MMP-9/TIMP-1 imbalance; Nrf2/Keap1 activation	[5]
Mao et al. (2025)	BALB/c mice — DSS-induced colitis, 20 mg/kg oral × 14d	↓ DAI score; mitigated colon shortening; SIRT1/STAT3 mechanism; ↑ ZO-1/Occludin	[6]
Dou et al. (2020)	28-month-old C57BL/6 mice — 10 mg/kg 5x/wk × 3 wk	Significantly faster maze completion; ↓ inflammation; ↑ histone deacetylase 2	[15]
Bobyntsev et al. (2015)	Rats — 0.5 µg/kg IP	Analgesic, anxiolytic effects; aggression reduced 5-fold	[15]
Gul et al. (2008)	Rabbits — full-thickness wounds × 21–28d	Faster granulation, improved contraction, increased neovascularization	[17]
Cherdakov et al. (2010)	Rats — bone fractures, 0.5 µg/kg IP × 10d	Marked ↑ reparative osteogenesis; ↑ antioxidant activity	[16]

Clinical / Human Studies

Study	Population	Key Results	Ref
Photoaged Skin (12-wk)	n=71 women	Significantly improved laxity, clarity, firmness; ↓ fine lines and wrinkles; ↑ skin density/thickness	[12]
vs. Vitamin C & Retinoic Acid	n=20 women	GHK-Cu ↑ collagen in 70% vs 50% (Vit C) and 40% (retinoic acid)	[12]
Periorbital Wrinkles (12-wk)	n=41 women	Wrinkles reduced 55%; outperformed placebo and Vitamin K cream	[12]
Nano-Lipid Carrier (RCT, 8-wk)	Female volunteers	Wrinkle volume ↓ 55.8%, depth ↓ 32.8% vs control; 31.6% ↓ vs Matrixyl® 3000	[18]
Skin Hydration (8-wk)	n=30	20% increase in hydration; improved epidermal/dermal thickness	[18]
Hair Loss — MDCT	n=7 men	SALT score 40%→7.5%; 71.4% achieved TSAR >10%; median TSAR 26.5%	[13]
IBD (12-wk)	n=16	Rectal GHK-Cu; 60% reduction in disease severity	[2]

Safety Summary

Parameter	Finding
General Safety	Excellent safety record; non-toxic and non-irritating; decades of cosmetic use without adverse issues
LD50	Estimated equivalent to ~23,000 mg in 70 kg human (blood pressure effects); exceptionally safe
Common Side Effects	Temporary redness, itching, burning, or stinging at application site (mild)
Contraindications	Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder); pregnancy/breastfeeding (no safety data); active cancer (theoretical angiogenic concern)
Drug Interactions	Do not use with Vitamin C simultaneously (copper dissociation); avoid EDTA/carnosine (chelation strips copper); space retinoids/AHAs
Half-Life	~0.5–1 hour in plasma; susceptible to carboxypeptidase degradation

The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body. These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment or disease. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.

For Laboratory Research Only. Not for human use, medical use, diagnostic use, or veterinary use.

ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

Preclinical Research Summary

Key Preclinical Studies

Study	Model	Key Findings	Ref
Canapp et al. (2003)	Rats — ischemic open wounds, topical daily × 13d	Wound size ↓ 64.5% vs 28.2% control; ↓ TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-9	[11]
Maquart et al. (1993)	Sprague-Dawley rats — wound chambers	Dose-dependent ↑ Collagen I/III, GAGs, DNA content (days 3–14)	[10]
Zhang et al. (2022)	C57BL/6J mice — CS-induced emphysema, 0.2–20 µg/g/day IP × 12 wk	Significantly ↓ airspace enlargement; reversed MMP-9/TIMP-1 imbalance; Nrf2/Keap1 activation	[5]
Mao et al. (2025)	BALB/c mice — DSS-induced colitis, 20 mg/kg oral × 14d	↓ DAI score; mitigated colon shortening; SIRT1/STAT3 mechanism; ↑ ZO-1/Occludin	[6]
Dou et al. (2020)	28-month-old C57BL/6 mice — 10 mg/kg 5x/wk × 3 wk	Significantly faster maze completion; ↓ inflammation; ↑ histone deacetylase 2	[15]
Bobyntsev et al. (2015)	Rats — 0.5 µg/kg IP	Analgesic, anxiolytic effects; aggression reduced 5-fold	[15]
Gul et al. (2008)	Rabbits — full-thickness wounds × 21–28d	Faster granulation, improved contraction, increased neovascularization	[17]
Cherdakov et al. (2010)	Rats — bone fractures, 0.5 µg/kg IP × 10d	Marked ↑ reparative osteogenesis; ↑ antioxidant activity	[16]

Clinical / Human Studies

Study	Population	Key Results	Ref
Photoaged Skin (12-wk)	n=71 women	Significantly improved laxity, clarity, firmness; ↓ fine lines and wrinkles; ↑ skin density/thickness	[12]
vs. Vitamin C & Retinoic Acid	n=20 women	GHK-Cu ↑ collagen in 70% vs 50% (Vit C) and 40% (retinoic acid)	[12]
Periorbital Wrinkles (12-wk)	n=41 women	Wrinkles reduced 55%; outperformed placebo and Vitamin K cream	[12]
Nano-Lipid Carrier (RCT, 8-wk)	Female volunteers	Wrinkle volume ↓ 55.8%, depth ↓ 32.8% vs control; 31.6% ↓ vs Matrixyl® 3000	[18]
Skin Hydration (8-wk)	n=30	20% increase in hydration; improved epidermal/dermal thickness	[18]
Hair Loss — MDCT	n=7 men	SALT score 40%→7.5%; 71.4% achieved TSAR >10%; median TSAR 26.5%	[13]
IBD (12-wk)	n=16	Rectal GHK-Cu; 60% reduction in disease severity	[2]

Safety Summary

Parameter	Finding
General Safety	Excellent safety record; non-toxic and non-irritating; decades of cosmetic use without adverse issues
LD50	Estimated equivalent to ~23,000 mg in 70 kg human (blood pressure effects); exceptionally safe
Common Side Effects	Temporary redness, itching, burning, or stinging at application site (mild)
Contraindications	Wilson's disease (copper metabolism disorder); pregnancy/breastfeeding (no safety data); active cancer (theoretical angiogenic concern)
Drug Interactions	Do not use with Vitamin C simultaneously (copper dissociation); avoid EDTA/carnosine (chelation strips copper); space retinoids/AHAs
Half-Life	~0.5–1 hour in plasma; susceptible to carboxypeptidase degradation

For Laboratory Research Only. Not for human use, medical use, diagnostic use, or veterinary use.

ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

Product Index

Ghk Cu: Safety Profile & Research Summary

Preclinical Research Summary

Key Preclinical Studies

Clinical / Human Studies

Safety Summary

References

Related Research Questions

Ghk Cu: Safety Profile & Research Summary

Preclinical Research Summary

Key Preclinical Studies

Clinical / Human Studies

Safety Summary

References

Related Research Questions