Spermidine vs AHK-Cu
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & LongevityCognitive Enhancement
SpermidineSkin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
AHK-Cu- Summary
- Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine found in all living cells, with exceptionally high concentrations in wheat germ, aged cheese, and human sperm. It is the most studied autophagy-inducing dietary compound, shown to extend lifespan across multiple species and reduce cardiovascular and cognitive aging.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- ~30–60 minutes, but gut bacteria produce it continuously; supplementation raises tissue levels over weeks
- Hours (topical, variable by formulation)
- Admin Route
- Oral
- Topical, Scalp application, Subcutaneous (research)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 1–5 mg
- 0.01–0.1% concentration
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Once or twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Induces autophagy — cellular self-cleaning
- Extends lifespan in yeast, flies, worms, and mice
- Reduces cardiovascular aging and arterial stiffness
- Reduces all-cause mortality (human epidemiological data)
- Neuroprotective: reduces amyloid and tau pathology
- Promotes hair growth (anagen phase activation)
- Reduces age-related immune decline
- Improves memory in aging models
- 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
- Side Effects
- Generally very well tolerated
- Rare: mild GI discomfort at high doses
- May temporarily reduce some gut bacteria species
- Rare: headache at initiation
- 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)
- Stacks With
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