AHK-Cu
AHK-Cu (alanine-histidine-lysine copper)
A copper tripeptide marketed as the hair-growth cousin of GHK-Cu; in-vitro stimulation of hair follicle cells only, with no human trial.
Overview
AHK-Cu is a copper complex of a different tripeptide from GHK. A 2007 study showed it stimulated dermal papilla cells and VEGF in culture. It is widely used in cosmetic scalp serums and sold as a raw peptide. Human efficacy has not been tested, and copper exposure caveats mirror GHK-Cu.
Mechanism of action
Copper-peptide stimulation of dermal papilla cell proliferation and VEGF expression (in vitro).
Key studies & citations
- In vitro2007
The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro
Increased hair follicle cell activity in culture.
Archives of Pharmacal Research
Frequently asked questions
AHK-Cu or GHK-Cu for hair?
Neither has a human hair-growth trial. GHK-Cu has more skin data; AHK-Cu has one in-vitro hair study.