AHK-Cu vs Thymulin
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.
- Thymulin is a nonapeptide hormone produced exclusively by the thymic epithelium. It requires zinc for biological activity and plays a critical role in T-lymphocyte maturation, differentiation, and immune regulation. Thymulin levels decline dramatically with age, contributing to immunosenescence.
- Half-Life
- Hours (topical, variable by formulation)
- ~30 minutes active half-life
- Admin Route
- Topical, Scalp application, Subcutaneous (research)
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.01–0.1% concentration
- 20-30 mcg
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- 10 days per month (Khavinson protocol)
- 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
- Enhances T-cell maturation and differentiation
- Boosts NK cell cytotoxic activity
- Reduces inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1)
- Anti-nociceptive (pain-reducing) properties
- Restores age-related immune decline
- Anti-inflammatory via serotonin pathway modulation
- 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)
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue initially as immune system activates
- Stacks With
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