AHK-Cu: 50 mg ($30)
Overview
AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide that is studied mostly for its potential benefits for hair. It is closely related to GHK-Cu, differing by a single amino acid at the first position — alanine in place of glycine. For skin specifically, see GHK-Cu: 50 mg.
In plain terms
AHK-Cu belongs to the same small family of copper-carrying peptides as GHK-Cu. The structural difference is minimal: where GHK begins with glycine, the simplest amino acid, AHK begins with alanine, which carries one additional methyl group. Both retain the histidine and lysine that do most of the work of holding the copper ion.
That single substitution is the point of scientific interest. Because the two molecules are so nearly identical, comparing them is a way of asking how much a very small structural change alters biological behavior. The published literature on AHK-Cu is considerably thinner, and concentrates on hair follicle and dermal papilla cell culture systems rather than the broader tissue-remodeling work associated with its better-known relative, GHK-Cu.
Technical description
AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. Copper coordination follows the same general geometry described for GHK-Cu, with the histidine imidazole nitrogen and N-terminal amine as principal donor atoms.
Published investigation is limited relative to GHK-Cu and is concentrated in dermal papilla cell and hair follicle culture models, where reported effects include modulation of VEGF expression and proliferation of follicular cells. As with other copper peptide complexes, distinguishing effects attributable to copper delivery from those attributable to the peptide moiety itself is an unresolved methodological issue.
- Full name
- L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II)
- Synonyms
- Copper tripeptide, AHK-copper
- Molecular formula
- C15H24CuN6O4 (complex)
- Molecular weight
- ~415.9 g/mol (complex)
- Sequence
- AHK (Ala-His-Lys)
- Appearance
- Blue lyophilized powder
- Storage
- Lyophilized: −20 °C, protected from light. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C.
Regulatory status
AHK-Cu appears in topical cosmetic formulations, regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. It is not an FDA-approved drug for any indication and is not a dietary supplement. Material supplied for laboratory research is not manufactured, tested, or released under pharmaceutical or cosmetic-grade standards.