AHK-Cu vs PGPIPN
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- 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.
- PGPIPN is a bioactive hexapeptide (Pro-Gly-Pro-Ile-Pro-Asn) derived from beta-casein during enzymatic digestion. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties via opioid receptor modulation and cytokine suppression, making it relevant for gut health, systemic inflammation, and as a component of casein-derived functional foods.
- Half-Life
- Hours (topical, variable by formulation)
- Estimated 30-120 minutes (peptide degradation)
- Admin Route
- Topical, Scalp application, Subcutaneous (research)
- Oral, Subcutaneous (research)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.01–0.1% concentration
- 200-500 mg per day
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Once or 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
- Anti-inflammatory effects via cytokine suppression
- Gut mucosal protection and intestinal barrier support
- Opioid receptor modulation for gut motility regulation
- Potential analgesic activity via central and peripheral opioid pathways
- Explored for inflammatory bowel conditions and gut dysbiosis
- Natural origin (food-derived) with favorable safety profile
- 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 very well-tolerated given food-derived origin
- Theoretical opioid-mediated constipation at high doses
- Rare milk protein allergy in casein-sensitive individuals
- Stacks With
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