AHK-Cu
Also known as AHK copper complex, L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(II)
AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide alanyl-histidyl-lysine, a structural analog of GHK-Cu. It has been studied mainly for effects on human hair follicles and dermal papilla cells in vitro.
Preclinical research
Size
1 option- Catalog no.
- AU100
- Specification
- 100mg*10vials
- Per kit
- 10 vials
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Buyers must be 21 or older.
Overview
AHK-Cu differs from GHK-Cu by a single residue: alanine replaces glycine at the N-terminus. Like GHK, AHK carries histidine in the second position, a motif that binds copper(II). It is used as an ingredient in cosmetic hair and skin formulations. The indexed literature on AHK-Cu itself is very small, consisting of one ex vivo and in vitro study of human hair follicles and dermal papilla cells. Statements about its effects on skin collagen or wound healing are largely extrapolated from GHK-Cu research and have not been established for AHK-Cu.
Class: Copper-binding tripeptide
Mechanism of action
How the compound acts, as described in the literature.
In cultured human dermal papilla cells, AHK-Cu increased proliferation at picomolar to nanomolar concentrations, and it stimulated elongation of isolated human hair follicles.
It raised the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and reduced cleaved caspase-3 and PARP, suggesting reduced apoptosis, although the decrease in apoptotic cells measured by flow cytometry was not statistically significant.
The study's authors proposed that these effects on dermal papilla cell survival underlie follicle elongation; other mechanisms, including any role of copper delivery, have not been characterized for AHK-Cu.
Published research
Selected studies, each linked to its PubMed record. Summaries describe what the studies reported.
Evidence & safety
What the research does not show, and the adverse events and regulatory status it reports.
The indexed evidence consists of a single 2007 ex vivo and in vitro study that has not been replicated, with no animal or human data. Safety has not been studied, and AHK-Cu is not an approved drug.
Specifications
All sizes, exactly as catalogued.
| Catalog no. | Product | Specification | Vials per kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU100 | AHK-Cu | 100mg*10vials | 10 |
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research summaries are provided for educational purposes and do not describe this product’s use.