AHK-Cu vs Vesugen
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.
- Vesugen is a tripeptide bioregulator (Lys-Glu-Asp) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, tissue-specific for blood vessels and the vascular endothelium. It supports endothelial cell function, promotes vascular wall integrity, and is studied for atherosclerosis prevention, vascular aging, and cardiovascular health maintenance. It is one of the more broadly applicable Khavinson bioregulators given the ubiquity of vascular tissue.
- Half-Life
- Hours (topical, variable by formulation)
- Short (minutes); sustained gene-regulatory effects
- Admin Route
- Topical, Scalp application, Subcutaneous (research)
- SubQ, Oral
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.01–0.1% concentration
- 10 mg per day
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Daily for 10–30 days
- 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
- Supports vascular endothelial cell function and integrity
- May reduce endothelial inflammation and dysfunction
- Anti-aging effects on blood vessel walls
- Potential benefits in early atherosclerosis and vascular aging
- Supports nitric oxide-mediated vascular tone
- Reduces endothelial apoptosis from oxidative stress
- Complementary to Cardiogen and Epithalon in cardiovascular longevity protocols
- 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
- Mild injection site reactions
- No significant vascular adverse events reported at standard doses
- Stacks With
- —
- —