International journal of molecular sciences · 2018 · Review · PMID 29986520
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Limited human evidenceCopper-binding tripeptide complex
GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is a complex of copper with the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine. The literature includes cell biology and topical skin research; those contexts must be distinguished from systemic administration.
Also indexed as: Copper tripeptide-1
A clear starting point
GHK-Cu is a complex of copper with the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine. The literature includes cell biology and topical skin research; those contexts must be distinguished from systemic administration.
Systems mapping shows biological relevance, not a treatment recommendation or a patient CPI score.
No validated chemical structure is displayed in this edition.
How it works
Copper / extracellular matrix
GHK-Cu is a complex of copper with the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine. The literature includes cell biology and topical skin research; those contexts must be distinguished from systemic administration.
- Targets & processes
- Copper / extracellular matrix
- Systems & tissues
- See the pathway description; category links describe research relevance, not demonstrated treatment effects.
What does the evidence show?
Topical skin remodeling and extracellular-matrix biology.
What this does not establish
The review combines mechanistic and topical research. Topical cosmetic findings cannot be extrapolated to injection, systemic recovery or lifespan benefits.
Citation metadata from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, NIH. A citation match is not a guarantee of study quality. Abstracts are not full-text reviews.
Safety is a separate question
Topical irritation or sensitivity is possible. Injectable exposure has different risks; FDA identifies aggregation, impurities and limited human safety information for injections.
Contraindications & cautions
Not an exhaustive contraindication review. Topical irritation or sensitivity is possible. Injectable exposure has different risks; FDA identifies aggregation, impurities and limited human safety information for injections.
Medication & supplement interactions
Interaction information is incomplete. Topical irritation or sensitivity is possible. Injectable exposure has different risks; FDA identifies aggregation, impurities and limited human safety information for injections.
Regulatory status · United States
Not FDA-approved as a drug. Cosmetic use is not FDA drug approval. GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved as an injectable medication; topical and injectable exposure are not interchangeable.
Read the official sourceThis is not an exhaustive safety list. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction and product; investigational use is not approval.
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A dedicated lesson has not been published for this ingredient yet. Explore the cited profile or ask the instructor.
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Education only. Confidence labels are not formal systematic evidence grades. No patient record is used.
Education only. Confidence labels are not formal systematic evidence grades. No patient record is used.