GHK

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

Mechanism of Action#

GHK (Gly-His-Lys) is naturally released from albumin when tissue is damaged (protease cleavage releases this hidden sequence). It acts as a biochemical signal for tissue repair, activating fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells. GHK upregulates 31% of the genes that decline with aging and downregulates 57% of genes that increase with aging according to Lunde & Gabe research. Key activities include: increasing collagen synthesis (types I, III), stimulating decorin and proteoglycan production, activating metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -2, -3) to remodel damaged matrix, and upregulating antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase). The copper complex (GHK-Cu) has additional effects but GHK alone is biologically potent.

Dosing Protocols#

Side Effects#

• Excellent safety profile (naturally occurring peptide)
• Rare: mild injection site reaction (SC)
• No significant adverse effects identified in research

Contraindications#

No known contraindications. Very safe profile as naturally occurring human protein fragment. Avoid in copper overload conditions if taking alongside GHK-Cu.

Storage#

Store lyophilized at -20°C. Reconstituted: 4°C, use within 30 days. Protect from light.

Featured In Stacks#

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