AHK-Cu (200mg)

AHK-Cu

AHK-Cu is a peptide composed of amino acids alanine, histidine, and lysine, with a copper ion attached to its histidine residue.⁽¹⁾ This peptide appears to be naturally present in blood cells, and has been identified as a potentially crucial element in regulating the growth, development, and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells.

AHK-Cu, also known as copper AHK, has been researched for its potential in hair follicle growth and inhibiting skin cell aging and death (apoptosis). This peptide has been suggested to exhibit its potential primarily on fibroblasts, which are considered to be responsible for maintaining and growing the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) surrounding the cells. Fibroblasts also secrete various biological substances, including the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which promotes the formation of new blood vessels.

The copper ion in AHK-Cu may be involved in the enzyme activity, which may enable collagen and elastin synthesis. These two proteins appear to be critical components of the extracellular matrix and may play a role in maintaining the skin's structural integrity.

AHK-Cu Chemical Makeup⁽²⁾

Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₂₄ClCuN₆O₄
Molecular Weight: 451.39 g/mol
Other known titles:ALA-HIS-LYS-CU, L-Alanyl-κN-L-histidyl-κN,κN3-L-lysinato(2-)]copper Monohydrochloride

Research and Clinical Studies

AHK-Cu Peptide and Follicle Development

Researchers posit that the tripeptide AHK-Cu may potentially stimulate the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts, a type of cell that produces substances like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are crucial for the growth of blood vessels. AHK-Cu may also reduce the secretion of transforming growth factor-beta1 by dermal fibroblasts.

In a recent study,⁽³⁾ the potential of the peptide on hair follicle growth was investigated. It was suggested that the peptide may promote the elongation of hair follicles and the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, which are specialized fibroblasts important for the growth and development of hair follicles. Moreover, results suggested that the presence of AHK-Cu may have reduced the number of apoptotic dermal papilla cells. Further analysis suggested that the peptide may have increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, and potentially decreased cleaved caspase-3 and PARP levels, two markers of cell death. Based on these findings, the researchers state, “The present study proposed that AHK-Cu promotes the growth of [...] hair follicles, and this stimulatory effect may occur due to stimulation of the proliferation and the preclusion of the apoptosis of DPCs.”⁽³⁾

AHK-Cu Peptide and Alopecia Research

The study examined the efficacy of two formulations containing growth factors and peptides such as vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, keratinocyte growth factor, and copper tripeptide 1, suspended in a sterile vehicle. The study investigated the cytotoxicity of these factors using in vitro keratinocyte and fibroblast cell assays. The formulations were then tested in animals for growth and hair follicle viability in cases of secondary alopecia.⁽¹⁾

Results suggested that both formulations produced a positive response regarding hair growth in the animals. The formulations also were posited to be impactful when tested alongside a chemotherapeutic agent. Researchers Rinky Kapoor et al. state, “Results seem encouraging enough to warrant a trial in [subjects] with secondary alopecia, post-cancer chemotherapy.” ⁽¹⁾

AHK-Cu Peptide and Skin Extracellular Matrix

Researchers have suggested that AHK-Cu peptide may potentially impact dermal rejuvenation positively through collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix maintenance while possibly reducing inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the peptide may encourage blood vessel growth and combat cell death by limiting apoptosis in dermal fibroblasts.⁽⁴⁾

The study evaluated the potential of AHK-Cu on skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkling. The results indicated that the peptide might significantly improve elasticity and moisture retention in the skin barrier while reducing wrinkle depth or development through the increased endogenous secretion of proteins elastin, collagen, and keratin. The results indicated that AHK-Cu might promote wound healing in rats by increasing collagen synthesis and angiogenesis.

AHK-Cu peptide is available for research and laboratory purposes only. Please review and adhere to our Terms and Conditions before ordering.

References

1. Kapoor R, Shome D, Vadera S, Kumar V, Ram MS. QR678 & QR678 Neo Hair Growth Formulations: A Cellular Toxicity & Animal Efficacy Study. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Aug 25;8(8):e2843. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002843. PMID: 32983753; PMCID: PMC7489598. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7489598/
2. AHK-Cu, ChemBK. https://www.chembk.com/en/chem/AHK-Cu
3. Pyo HK, Yoo HG, Won CH, Lee SH, Kang YJ, Eun HC, Cho KH, Kim KH. The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Arch Pharm Res. 2007 Jul;30(7):834-9. doi: 10.1007/BF02978833. PMID: 17703734. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17703734/
4. Sadgrove NJ, Simmonds MSJ. Nutricosmetic products for healthy hair and dermal anti-aging using "dual-acting" (2 for 1) plant-based peptides, hormones, and cannabinoids. FASEB Bioadv. 2021 Jun 6;3(8):601-610. doi: 10.1096/fba.2021-00022. PMID: 34377956; PMCID: PMC8332470. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8332470/