GHK vs Dermorphin
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
GHKRecovery & Repair
Dermorphin- Summary
- GHK is the natural tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) released from human albumin that activates tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and anti-aging gene expression. The copper-free form is the biological signaling molecule; it chelates copper in tissue to form GHK-Cu but also has independent biological activity.
- Dermorphin is a naturally occurring heptapeptide opioid isolated from the skin of South American phyllomedusine frogs. It is one of the most potent endogenous mu-opioid receptor agonists known, approximately 30-40 times more potent than morphine by weight. Explored for pain management and fatigue modulation.
- Half-Life
- Extremely short as free peptide; tissue binding extends local effects
- Estimated 30-60 minutes (longer than endorphins due to D-Ala)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Topical, Oral
- Subcutaneous (research), Intrathecal (research), Intranasal (research)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–500 mcg
- Not established for human use; research doses vary widely
- Frequency
- Daily or 5x per week
- Not established
- Key Benefits
- Stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis
- Activates tissue repair gene expression programs
- Anti-aging: reverses 57% of age-related gene changes
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Wound healing and skin barrier repair
- Improves skin laxity, texture, and radiance
- Neuroprotective (stimulates NGF, BDNF)
- Anti-fibrotic in liver and lung models
- Potent analgesia superior to morphine on a per-weight basis
- May reduce perception of fatigue in high-intensity activity
- Longer-lasting than endogenous opioids due to D-amino acid substitution
- Research tool for mu-opioid receptor pharmacology
- Potential therapeutic application in refractory pain
- Side Effects
- Excellent safety profile (naturally occurring peptide)
- Rare: mild injection site reaction (SC)
- No significant adverse effects identified in research
- High addiction and dependence potential (mu-opioid agonism)
- Respiratory depression at high doses
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Sedation and cognitive impairment
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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