AHK-Cu
Also called Alanine-histidine-lysine copper; copper tripeptide
A copper-binding tripeptide related to GHK-Cu, studied mainly for hair follicles. The direct evidence comes from human hair follicles kept alive in the lab and cultured cells; it has not been given to people in published studies.
Overview
What it is
The tripeptide alanine-histidine-lysine bound to copper. It is a different molecule from GHK-Cu.
How it works
In lab models, it lengthened isolated human hair follicles and increased growth of dermal papilla cells, the cells that help control the hair growth cycle. Hair cycling depends on many hormonal and signaling factors, so a lab effect does not predict a result on the scalp.
What the research shows
A peer-reviewed study used human hair follicles ex vivo and dermal papilla cells in vitro. A US patent describes injection into the skin of mice. No human clinical trials were identified.
Studied for
- Hair follicle elongationhuman follicles, lab
- Dermal papilla cell growthlab
- Mouse skin injectionpatent
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
Human safety, absorption and long-term effects are unknown.
Regulatory status
Not FDA approved as a drug. Sometimes used as a cosmetic ingredient.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
AHK-Cu (100 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 100 mg AHK-Cu
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 33.33 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 333.33 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
Community-Reported Use Calculations
| Research Period | Amount per Administration | U-100 Units (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 1 mg | 3 units (0.03 mL) |
| 12 weeks | 1 mg | 3 units (0.03 mL) |
| 8 weeks | 2 mg | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
| 12 weeks | 2 mg | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
How to mix
- Clean the vial stopper and diluent stopper with alcohol; allow both to dry.
- Draw exactly 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water with a new sterile syringe, then inject it slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Gently swirl or roll until dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label the vial with compound, concentration, and reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F) and protect from light.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Is AHK-Cu the same as GHK-Cu?
No. They share a copper-peptide structure but are different sequences.
Does it regrow hair?
It has not been tested in people.
What should I do about hair loss?
A dermatologist can identify the type and cause and discuss treatments with stronger evidence.
Related in Skin and Hair
Sources and further reading (3)
- AHK-Cu and human hair follicle growth ex vivo and dermal papilla cells in vitro (peer-reviewed study).
- US patent describing intradermal AHK-Cu in C3H mice.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).