AHK-Cu
Copper(II) complex of the tripeptide Ala-His-Lys, a GHK-Cu analogue used in cosmetic-science research.
Prepared to order · approx. 7 days + Royal Mail Tracked 24
SKU BP-AHKCU-50 · ≥99% (see COA) · Lyophilised powder
AHK-Cu overview
AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of alanyl-histidyl-lysine, a structural analogue of GHK-Cu. It is supplied as a lyophilised solid for in-vitro research.
AHK-Cu research background
Evidence status: Little peer-reviewed research is publicly available for this compound. They are not established effects in humans, have not been evaluated by the MHRA, and are provided for scientific context only. This product is supplied strictly for laboratory research and is not for human or veterinary use.
Established research
Peer-reviewed published findings, with referencesOverview & discovery history
- AHK-Cu (alanyl-histidyl-lysine copper(II)) is a synthetic analogue of GHK-Cu, studied mainly in cosmetic science. Little peer-reviewed research is publicly available for this compound.
Chemical identity
Identity values are confirmed per lot on the certificate of analysis. Salt/counter-ion form (e.g. acetate or TFA) is stated on the COA where applicable.
Mechanisms investigated
- In one ex-vivo study, AHK-Cu stimulated elongation of human hair follicles and proliferation of dermal papilla cells, with changes in Bcl-2/Bax ratio and cleaved caspase-3 [1].
Research areas & model types
| Research area | Model type | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Hair follicle and dermal papilla cell biology | Ex vivo / in vitro (human tissue) | [1] |
Human clinical research status
- No human clinical trials were identified. It is not an approved medicine.
Safety observations reported in studies
- No published safety studies were identified.
Known limitations
- Only one peer-reviewed primary study was located; findings have not been independently replicated.
Storage & handling for laboratory use
Store at −20 °C. Protect from light.
Store lyophilised material sealed at −20 °C or below, protected from light and moisture. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
- Allow the sealed vial to reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
- Any solutions should be prepared only for in-vitro laboratory work under your own validated protocol; aliquoting limits repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
- Handle with standard laboratory PPE in line with your risk assessment and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Britpep does not provide preparation or administration guidance.
Emerging & theoretical
Unconfirmed — hypotheses & ongoing researchThese are unconfirmed hypotheses and early-stage lines of enquiry, not established effects. Not evaluated by the MHRA. Not for human or veterinary use.
Hypotheses proposed by researchers
- By analogy with GHK-Cu, researchers have suggested anti-apoptotic and proliferative actions in dermal papilla cells [1]. Other proposed effects lack peer-reviewed support.
Open scientific questions
- How do its copper-binding and biological activity compare with GHK-Cu?
Preprints: none included (no relevant preprint could be verified). Anecdotal, user-reported or social-media material is deliberately excluded.
References
- Pyo HK, Yoo HG, Won CH et al.. The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Arch Pharm Res. 2007. PubMed 17703734 · doi:10.1007/BF02978833
Every reference was checked against PubMed (NCBI) before publication. Summaries describe published research only and are not claims of any effect in humans or animals.
Certificates of analysis
[No batch COA published yet. The certificate for each lot will be listed here and in the COA checker before release.]
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