HGH Fragment 176-191 vs GHK
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Fat Loss & Metabolic
HGH Fragment 176-191Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
GHK- Summary
- HGH Fragment 176-191 (also known as AOD-9604) is a stabilized, modified fragment of the human growth hormone molecule corresponding to amino acids 176–191 with an addition of a tyrosine residue at the N-terminus. It retains HGH's fat-burning properties without the anabolic, diabetogenic, or IGF-1-stimulating effects.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- ~30 minutes
- Extremely short as free peptide; tissue binding extends local effects
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, Topical, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 250–500 mcg
- 100–500 mcg
- Frequency
- 1–3 times daily
- Daily or 5x per week
- Key Benefits
- Selective fat burning without anabolic side effects
- Reduces visceral and subcutaneous fat
- No insulin resistance or blood glucose disruption
- Does not stimulate IGF-1
- May support cartilage and bone repair (at higher doses)
- No effect on growth or organ size
- 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
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Temporary lethargy
- Headache (rare)
- Nausea (rare)
- Excellent safety profile (naturally occurring peptide)
- Rare: mild injection site reaction (SC)
- No significant adverse effects identified in research
- Stacks With
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