AHK-Cu vs 5-Amino-1MQ
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
AHK-CuFat Loss & Metabolic
5-Amino-1MQ- Summary
- AHK-Cu is a copper tripeptide composed of alanine, histidine, and lysine chelated to copper. Distinct from GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu exhibits strong affinity for hair follicle receptors and demonstrates potent hair growth stimulation alongside wound healing and skin regeneration properties.
- 5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule NNMT (Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) inhibitor that raises intracellular NAD+ levels and promotes fat burning. It is notable for targeting adipose tissue directly, reducing fat cell size and number while increasing metabolic rate.
- Half-Life
- Hours (topical, variable by formulation)
- Estimated 4–8 hours
- Admin Route
- Topical, Scalp application, Subcutaneous (research)
- Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.01–0.1% concentration
- 50–100 mg
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Once to twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Stimulates hair follicle growth and reduces shedding
- Increases dermal papilla cell proliferation
- Promotes wound healing and skin regeneration
- Antioxidant protection via superoxide dismutase activation
- Improves skin elasticity and firmness
- Supports collagen and elastin production
- Raises intracellular NAD+ levels
- Directly targets adipose tissue for fat reduction
- Reduces fat cell size and differentiation
- Increases basal metabolic rate
- SIRT1 activation for metabolic regulation
- No stimulant cardiovascular side effects
- Synergistic with intermittent fasting and caloric restriction
- May have anti-aging metabolic benefits
- Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated topically
- Mild scalp irritation or redness in sensitive individuals
- Possible temporary hair shedding phase at treatment initiation
- Copper accumulation with excessive systemic use (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in available studies
- Mild GI discomfort (rare)
- Limited long-term human data
- Stacks With
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