Copper-Peptide
AHK-Cu Protocol
A copper-binding tripeptide closely related to GHK-Cu, investigated in research models for hair-follicle stimulation, dermal papilla cell signalling and follicular angiogenesis — with documented affinity for scalp microcirculation pathways.
Copper-Tripeptide Mechanism
Three coordinated mechanisms studied across follicular and dermal research models.
Metal-Ion Carrier
The Ala-His-Lys sequence forms a high-affinity Cu(II) complex, acting as a controlled copper delivery vehicle for redox-sensitive enzymes implicated in follicular and dermal research.
Follicular Signalling
Investigated in dermal papilla cell cultures for effects on growth-factor expression, follicular cycling and the anagen-phase transition relevant to hair-research models.
Angiogenic Studies
Studied for stimulation of perifollicular capillary density and scalp microcirculation, supporting the broader copper-peptide literature on tissue oxygenation and nutrient delivery.
The Copper-Peptide Landscape
How AHK-Cu is positioned against its closest copper-delivery counterparts in research literature.
Free Copper → GHK-Cu → AHK-Cu
| Feature | Free Copper | GHK-Cu | AHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequence | Cu(II) ion | Gly-His-Lys + Cu | Ala-His-Lys + Cu |
| Primary Research Domain | General redox | Dermal & wound research | Follicular & hair research |
| Follicular Affinity | Low | Moderate | High |
| Skin Regeneration | Limited | Extensive | Complementary |
| Copper Delivery Efficiency | Uncontrolled | High | Targeted |
Compound Profile
Identity at a glance.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Ala-His-Lys (AHK) complexed with copper(II) |
| Formula & weight (AHK) | C15H26N6O4 · 354.4 g/mol for the free peptide · CAS 126828-32-8 |
| Relationship to GHK-Cu | Differs from GHK only in the first residue (alanine for glycine); the His-Lys copper-binding motif is shared |
| Regulatory status | Not an approved medicine; used mainly in cosmetic and hair-care research |
Published Research
What the peer-reviewed literature supports.
| Study | What it found |
|---|---|
| 2007 — Human hair follicles | In human hair follicles and dermal papilla cells cultured in vitro, the AHK-copper complex promoted hair-follicle elongation and dermal papilla cell proliferation, and reduced apoptosis.1 |
| GHK-Cu literature | Much of the rationale for copper tripeptides in skin and follicle research comes from the larger GHK-Cu literature on collagen synthesis and skin-regeneration pathways.2,3 |
Evidence Quality & Limitations
The peer-reviewed literature on AHK-Cu itself is small and mainly in vitro, and there are no published controlled human studies. The comparative ratings in the copper-peptide table above — for example “High” follicular affinity — are qualitative positioning rather than measured head-to-head results. Findings for GHK-Cu should not be assumed to apply to AHK-Cu.
References
- Pyo HK, et al. The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Arch Pharm Res. 2007;30:834–9. PubMed
- Maquart FX, et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett. 1988;238:343–6. PubMed
- Pickart L, et al. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. PubMed
Technical FAQ
Questions researchers ask most often.
Is AHK-Cu superior to GHK-Cu?
The two peptides are complementary rather than competitive. GHK-Cu dominates the dermal regeneration and wound research literature, whereas AHK-Cu is selectively studied for follicular and hair-cycle endpoints. Many research protocols use them in parallel rather than substituting one for the other.
What is the stability and storage profile?
AHK-Cu is lyophilised as the copper-coordinated complex for maximum stability. Store the dry vial in a cool, dark environment and protect from prolonged light exposure. Once reconstituted, refrigerate and use within the validated stability window for the protocol.
What dosing protocol is used in research?
Research protocols typically involve localised topical or intradermal application in follicular and dermal models, with concentrations titrated against papilla cell response and angiogenesis readouts. Strictly for laboratory research use only.
