GHK-Cu

The Regenerative Potential of GHK-Cu in Aesthetic Medicine.

2026 · Preclinical

Augmented Skin Beneficial Effects of Thermus Thermophilus and Bacillus Subtilis Mixed-Culture Ferment Extract by Tripeptide GHK-Cu.

2026 · Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) · Preclinical

Background Skin aging is a complex process driven by multiplex factors, including chronic inflammation and UV exposure. It has become common practice for cosmetic formulations to counteract skin aging by targeting different pathways simultaneously with a pool of active ingredients. The present study aims to explore the skin protective effects of a novel extract of ferment in combination with copper tripeptide-1 GHK-Cu from an anti-inflammation perspective. Materials and methods An extract of the Thermus thermophilus and Bacillus subtilis mixed-culture ferment (TBFE) was prepared and the skin protective effects of its combination with the human tripeptide derivative GHK-Cu were explored through in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical tests. Results The combination outperformed TBFE or GHK-Cu alone in inhibiting secretion of inflammatory cytokines by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. In addition, one face cream formulated with the combination as the sole active ingredients protected human skin explants from ultraviolet irradiation induced damage by maintaining skin morphology and decreasing the degradation of extracellular matrix. Finally, results from the clinical study demonstrated that the combination was effective in decreasing wrinkles and improving skin barrier conditions. Conclusion It is concluded that the combination of TBFE and GHK-Cu exerts anti-aging effects on human skin by targeting inflammation, extracellular matrix, and skin barrier function. Therefore, the combination offers a promising option for anti-aging skincare regimen by addressing multiple mechanisms involved in skin aging.

Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2 + (GHK-Cu) Attenuates CuSO 4 or LPS induced-inflammation in Zebrafish larvae model.

2026 · European journal of pharmacology · Preclinical

Inflammation serves as a basic defense mechanism against both internal and external threats, while the unresolved or excessive inflammation can lead to irreversible tissue damage. Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu 2+ (GHK-Cu), a bioactive tripeptide complex known for its anti-aging and tissue repair properties, is extensively utilized in dermatological and hair care formulations. However, the role of GHK-Cu in regulating inflammation is less known. In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory effects of GHK-Cu against the acute inflammation induced by copper sulfate (CuSO 4 ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in zebrafish larvae. GHK-Cu notably decreased the migration of neutrophils and macrophages, suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tnf-a, il-1β, il6) and increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine il-10. Moreover, GHK-Cu mitigated oxidative stress by reducing levels of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Furthermore, pathway analysis revealed that GHK-Cu administration downregulated the JAK1 pathway. In summary, this study highlights the dual role of GHK-Cu in both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, which provides the theoretical evidences supporting its addition as a functional cosmetic ingredient.

Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data.

2018 · International journal of molecular sciences · Preclinical

The human peptide GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine) has multiple biological actions, all of which, according to our current knowledge, appear to be health positive. It stimulates blood vessel and nerve outgrowth, increases collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, as well as supports the function of dermal fibroblasts. GHK’s ability to improve tissue repair has been demonstrated for skin, lung connective tissue, boney tissue, liver, and stomach lining. GHK has also been found to possess powerful cell protective actions, such as multiple anti-cancer activities and anti-inflammatory actions, lung protection and restoration of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) fibroblasts, suppression of molecules thought to accelerate the diseases of aging such as NFκB, anti-anxiety, anti-pain and anti-aggression activities, DNA repair, and activation of cell cleansing via the proteasome system. Recent genetic data may explain such diverse protective and healing actions of one molecule, revealing multiple biochemical pathways regulated by GHK.