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Scientific intelligence record

Experience 2.0

Endogenous copper-binding peptide complex

GHK-Cu

Also known as: Copper tripeptide-1, Gly-His-Lys copper complex, GHK copper, Prezatide copper

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the endogenous tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. It binds copper and has been studied in copper handling, extracellular-matrix remodeling, fibroblast activity, inflammatory signaling, antioxidant responses, and wound repair. Effects are formulation-, concentration-, route-, and model-dependent.

Record status

Traceability partial

Last meaningful update: 9/9/2026

Evidence searched through:
Not recorded
Assessment updated:
9/9/2026
Documented human review:
9/8/2026
Automated scientific assessment:
None recorded
AI source check:
9/26/2026

Published source links and profile text pass separate gates. Only a documented human review is labelled as human review; an automated scientific assessment applies deterministic checks, and an AI source check confirms only that a source exists and matches its identifiers. A source count alone does not establish a review.

Evidence coverage has three distinct layers. The corpus count is a transparent screening inventory, the featured set contains study-level tiering and interpretation, and the published-source count contains records promoted through the institutional publication workflow. Source validation, editorial publication, and scientific appraisal are separate decisions; these numbers must not be merged.

Ranked research corpus

103

Categorized publications with provisional ranking; scientific review remains separate.

Featured tiered studies

0

Cornerstone publications with study-level interpretation, limitations, and tier disclosure.

Research domains

6

Clinical and scientific questions synthesized independently across the evidence atlas.

Published source records

25

Database records promoted through the governed publication workflow—not the corpus total.

Corpus generated 2026-09-18. Counts remain separately labeled so screening is not represented as completed review.

Human experience · separate evidence stream

No community pattern is displayed yet

Eligible observations remain below the privacy and reliability threshold. WPF will not convert a handful of reports into a percentage, trend, or clinical claim.

Observation is valuable human context. It is not evidence of causation, efficacy, or safety.

Public display gate

n ≥ 20 eligible observations

Exact progress remains private before the threshold.

Contribute an observationArchive details

Intelligence snapshot

The state of the record

A compact view of what is represented, what remains unresolved, and how completely the record can be traced.

Ranked research corpus

103

Categorized screening records; proposed rankings remain pending human appraisal.

Featured tiered studies

0

Cornerstone studies with published study-level interpretation and tier disclosure.

Research domains

6

Independent evidence dossiers covering the major research questions.

Published source records

25

Source records published through the governed workflow; this count does not certify scientific conclusions.

Contradictions

0

Conflicting evidence relationships that remain visible.

Research gaps

1

Questions the current record identifies as unresolved.

Connected media

0

Media records explicitly linked to this scientific record.

What we know

Evidence, claims, and boundaries

The project separates represented evidence from qualification, contradiction, uncertainty, and what the evidence does not establish.

Reconciled domain conclusions

6 published domain syntheses connected to 0 featured studies

GHK-Cu no longer relies on the legacy “no public claim” state. Each research domain publishes a bounded synthesis, confidence level, evidence context, limitations, geographic applicability, regulatory interpretation, and research gaps. Publication of these syntheses is separate from the scientific review status shown above.

Inspect the reconciled evidence atlas
Inspect the published evidence record25 governed records · titles, provenance, and original-source linksOpen records ↓
2026Animal research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ (GHK-Cu) Attenuates CuSO4 or LPS induced-inflammation in Zebrafish larvae model.

Inflammation serves as a basic defense mechanism against both internal and external threats, while the unresolved or excessive inflammation can lead to irreversible tissue damage. Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ (GHK-Cu), a bioactive tripeptide complex known for its anti-aging and tissue repair properties, is extensively utilized in dermatological and hair care formulations. However, the role of GHK-Cu in regulating inflammation is less known. In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory effects of GHK-Cu against the acute inflammation induced by copper sulfate (CuSO4) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in zebrafish larvae. GHK-Cu notably decreased the migration of neutrophils and...

Authors
Jing Hu, Chao Zhang, Feifei Wang
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1016/j.ejphar.2026.178880
PubMed
41997403
Open original source
1993Animal research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

In vivo stimulation of connective tissue accumulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ in rat experimental wounds.

The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ (GHK-Cu) was first described as a growth factor for differentiated cells. Recent in vitro data showed that it possesses several properties of a potential activator of wound repair. We investigated the effects of GHK-Cu in vivo, using the wound chamber model described previously (Schilling, J.A., W. Joel, and M.T. Shurley, 1959. Surgery [St. Louis]. 46:702-710). Stainless steel wire mesh cylinders were implanted subcutaneously on the back of rats. The animals were divided into groups that received sequential injections into the wound chamber of either saline (control group) or various concentrations of GHK-Cu. At the end of the...

Authors
F X Maquart, G Bellon, B Chaqour, J Wegrowski, L M Patt, R E Trachy, J C Monboisse, F Chastang
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1172/JCI116842
PubMed
8227353
Open original source
2000Animal research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Expression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(2+).

Glycyl-histidyl-lysine-Cu(2+) is a tripeptide-copper complex previously shown to be an activator of wound healing. We have investigated the effects of glycyl-histidyl-lysine-Cu(2+) on the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in a model of rat experimental wounds and in rat dermal fibroblast cultures. Repeated injections of glycyl-histidyl-lysine-Cu(2+) (2 mg per injection) stimulated the wound tissue production, as appreciated by dry weight and total protein measurements. This stimulation was accompanied by an increased production of type I collagen and glycosaminoglycans (assessed, respectively, by hydroxyproline and uronic acid contents of the chamber)....

Authors
A Siméon, Y Wegrowski, Y Bontemps, F X Maquart
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1046/j.1523-1747.2000.00166.x
PubMed
11121126
Open original source
2023Animal research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Relief of ovalbumin-induced airway remodeling by the glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+ tripeptide complex via activation of SIRT1 in airway epithelial cells.

Fixed airflow limitation (FAO), prevalent in patients with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma, is mainly caused by airway remodeling. Airway remodeling is initiated by inflammation and involves subsequent pathological changes. Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine (GHK) is a matrikine with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, naturally existing in human tissue. At present, the GHK level in human plasma and whether it is related to airway remodeling of asthma remain unclear. This study was conducted to determine how GHK is involved in airway remodeling in asthma. Our result showed that the plasma GHK levels of patients with asthma were significantly lower than those of age-matched healthy...

Authors
Qin Zhang, Jia Liu, Ming-Ming Deng, Run Tong, Gang Hou
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114936
PubMed
37257226
Open original source
2022Animal research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ attenuates cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema and inflammation by reducing oxidative stress pathway.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disorder manifested as chronic airway inflammation and persistent airflow limitation with the essential mechanism as inflammatory response and oxidative stress induced by toxic exposures such as cigarette smoke (CS). Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK) is a nontoxic tripeptide involved in the process of healing and regeneration as a natural product. With the combination of Cu(II), glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ (GHK-Cu) improves antioxidative and anti-inflammatory bioavailability, and they might offer potential therapeutic properties for COPD. Thus, the present study aimed to identify the potential effects of...

Authors
Qin Zhang, Liming Yan, Jingwen Lu, Xiaoming Zhou
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.3389/fmolb.2022.925700
PubMed
35936787
Open original source
1995Animal research
Evidence strength C · 60/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Effects of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex on osteoblastic cell spreading, attachment and phenotype.

We have studied the effects of the complex Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Cu (GHK:Cu), the GHK sequence present in the alpha 2 (I) chain of human collagen (Coll I), and bone matrix glycoproteins containing either RGD (fibronectin, FN), or RGD and GHK (Coll I), on the spreading, attachment and markers of the osteoblast phenotype in rat calvaria cells (RC), human trabecular osteoblastic cells (HT) and human marrow stromal cells (HM). Coll I (20 micrograms/ml) and FN (20 micrograms/ml) coating enhanced osteoblastic cell spreading, whereas free GHK:Cu and GHK coating (10(-10)-10(-8) M) had no effect. FN and Coll I, as well as GHK:Cu and GHK, increased the attachment of RC and HT cells. The...

Authors
D Godet, P J Marie
Source
peer_reviewed_research
PubMed
8747089
Open original source
2000Animal research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by fibroblast cultures.

Glycyl-histidyl-lysine-Cu2+ (GHK-Cu) is a tripeptide-copper complex known to be a potent wound healing agent. We previously showed its ability to stimulate in vitro and in vivo the synthesis of extracellular matrix components. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of GHK-Cu on MMP-2 synthesis by dermal fibroblasts in culture. We showed that GHK-Cu increased MMP-2 levels in conditioned media of cultured fibroblasts. This effect was reproduced by copper ions but not by the tripeptide GHK alone. This stimulation was accompanied by an increase of MMP-2 mRNA level. We also showed that GHK-Cu increased the secretion of the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, TIMP-1 and...

Authors
A Siméon, H Emonard, W Hornebeck, F X Maquart
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1016/s0024-3205(00)00803-1
PubMed
11045606
Open original source
2023Animal research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+ rescues cigarette smoking-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction via a sirtuin 1-dependent pathway.

Skeletal muscle dysfunction is an important co-morbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is significantly associated with increased mortality. Oxidative stress has been demonstrated an important trigger for COPD-related skeletal muscle dysfunction. Glycine-histidine-lysine (GHK) is an active tripeptide, which is a normal component of human plasma, saliva, and urine; promotes tissue regeneration; and acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study was to determine whether GHK is involved in COPD-related skeletal muscle dysfunction. The plasma GHK level in patients with COPD (n = 9) and age-paired healthy subjects (n =...

Authors
Mingming Deng, Qin Zhang, Liming Yan, Yiding Bian, Ruixia Li, Jinghan Gao, Yingxi Wang, Jinrui Miao
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1002/jcsm.13213
PubMed
36905132
Open original source
2024Animal research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

The glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+ tripeptide complex attenuates lung inflammation and fibrosis in silicosis by targeting peroxiredoxin 6.

Silicosis is the most common type of pneumoconiosis, having a high incidence in workers chronically exposed to crystalline silica (CS). No specific medication exists for this condition. GHK, a tripeptide naturally occurring in human blood and urine, has antioxidant effects. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of GHK-Cu on silicosis and its potential underlying molecular mechanism. An experimental silicosis mouse model was established to observe the effects of GHK-Cu on lung inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, the effects of GHK-Cu on the alveolar macrophages (AM) were examined using the RAW264.7 cell line. Its molecular target, peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6), has been identified,...

Authors
Yiding Bian, Mingming Deng, Jia Liu, Jiaye Li, Qin Zhang, Zilin Wang, Liwei Liao, Jinrui Miao
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1016/j.redox.2024.103237
PubMed
38879894
Open original source
2020Animal research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide.

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring peptide found in human serum with levels averaging 200 ng/ml at age 20 but declining to an average of 80 ng/ml by age 60. The molecule has a very high affinity for copper and forms the chelate GHK-Cu. The peptide as well as its Cu (II) chelate have anti-inflammatory and tissue remodeling properties. GHK-Cu has been shown to promote skin remodeling, wound healing and regeneration, and has prominent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, preliminary observations suggest GHK can partially reverse cognitive impairment in aging mice by targeting anti-inflammatory and epigenetic pathways....

Authors
Yan Dou, Amanda Lee, Lida Zhu, John Morton, Warren Ladiges
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.31491/apt.2020.03.014
PubMed
35083444
Open original source
2006Animal research
Evidence strength C · 55/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Automated baseline based on evidence tier; full-text risk-of-bias review may revise it

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Evaluation of the effects of topical tripeptide-copper complex and zinc oxide on open-wound healing in rabbits

A controlled rabbit model evaluated topical tripeptide-copper complex and reported wound-healing effects in an animal setting.

Source
peer_reviewed_research
Open original source
2025Laboratory research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Copper Complexes with New Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Hyaluronan Conjugates Show Antioxidant Properties and Osteogenic and Angiogenic Synergistic Effects.

In recent years, hyaluronic acid (HA) and the natural tripeptide glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine (GHK), especially its copper(II) complex (GHK-Cu), individually have been shown to exert helpful properties for bone protection and regeneration. However, they are not strong enough to handle oxidative stress, hydrolytic attack, or environmental conditions. Being aware that conjugation chemistry has recently emerged as an appealing approach for generating new molecular entities capable of preserving the molecular integrity of their moieties or delaying their degradation, herein we present the synthesis of conjugates of HA with GHK (GHK-HA), at different loadings of the tripeptide. GHK-HA binds...

Authors
Valentina Greco, Valeria Lanza, Barbara Tomasello, Irina Naletova, Warren R L Cairns, Sebastiano Sciuto, Enrico Rizzarelli
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00545
PubMed
40123442
Open original source
1973Laboratory research
Evidence strength D · 48/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Automated baseline based on evidence tier; full-text risk-of-bias review may revise it

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Tripeptide in human serum which prolongs survival of normal liver cells and stimulates growth in neoplastic liver

The foundational report isolated a low-molecular-weight serum factor with liver-cell culture activity, initiating the research line later identifying GHK.

Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1038/243085a0
Open original source
2026Laboratory research
Evidence strength D · 48/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Automated baseline based on evidence tier; full-text risk-of-bias review may revise it

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

PubChem Compound Summary for CID 378611, GHK-Cu

PubChem provides a chemical identity record for the copper complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, distinguishing it from uncomplexed GHK.

Source
government_publication
Open original source
2018Laboratory research
Evidence strength D · 48/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Automated baseline based on evidence tier; full-text risk-of-bias review may revise it

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data

A review integrates gene-expression findings with tissue-remodeling, inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing hypotheses.

Source
systematic_review_or_meta_analysis
DOI
10.3390/ijms19071987
Open original source
1988Laboratory research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+.

Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK) is a tripeptide with affinity for copper(II) ions and was isolated from human plasma. This peptide appears to play a physiological role in wound healing. We report the stimulating effect of GHK-Cu on collagen synthesis by fibroblasts. The stimulation began between 10(-12) and 10(-11) M, maximized at 10(-9) M, and was independent of any change in cell number. The presence of a GHK triplet in the alpha 2(I) chain of type I collagen suggests that the tripeptide might be liberated by proteases at the site of a wound and exert in situ healing effects.

Authors
F X Maquart, L Pickart, M Laurent, P Gillery, J C Monboisse, J P Borel
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1016/0014-5793(88)80509-x
PubMed
3169264
Open original source
2015Laboratory research
Evidence strength D · 48/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Automated baseline based on evidence tier; full-text risk-of-bias review may revise it

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration

A narrative review synthesizes biochemical, cellular, animal, gene-expression, wound-healing, and limited cosmetic evidence for GHK and GHK-Cu.

Source
systematic_review_or_meta_analysis
DOI
10.1155/2015/648108
Open original source
2020Laboratory research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Copper-tripeptides (cuzymes) with peroxidase-mimetic activity.

Peroxidases are enzymes that use hydrogen peroxide to oxidize substrates such as 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ATBS). In this study, we showed that copper-tripeptide complexes ("cuzymes") also exhibited peroxidase-like activities. Different cuzymes could be formed by using various tripeptide ligands, such as GGG, GGH or HGG. However, the peroxidase-like activity of cuzymes depends on the sequence of the tripeptide (Cu-GGG > Cu-HGG > Cu-GGH). When ABTS was used as the substrate, the activity of Cu-GGG was 326 ± 1.5 U mg-1 which was 2.5 times higher than that of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Copper-tripeptide complexes were also used to degrade trypan blue dye. By...

Authors
Le Truc Nguyen, Wing Fat Ho, Kun-Lin Yang
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1039/d0ra02472d
PubMed
35515638
Open original source
1980Laboratory research
Evidence strength D · 48/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Automated baseline based on evidence tier; full-text risk-of-bias review may revise it

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide may function by facilitating copper uptake into cells

This study linked the growth-modulating tripeptide to copper handling and established copper complexation as central to the GHK-Cu hypothesis.

Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1038/288715a0
Open original source
1992Laboratory research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Stimulation of sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+.

Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-copper (II) complex (GHK-Cu) is a naturally occurring tripeptide with potential healing properties. We studied the effect of GHK-Cu on the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) by normal human fibroblasts in culture. Cells were incubated with 3H glucosamine and 35S sulfate and the radioactivity of isolated GAGs was determined. GHK-Cu induced a dose-dependent increase of the synthesis of total GAGs secreted into the culture medium and those associated with the cell layer. The effect of GHK-Cu was biphasic with a maximal stimulation at 10(-9) to 10(-8) M. At higher concentrations, the rate of synthesis returned progressively to that of control cultures....

Authors
Y Wegrowski, F X Maquart, J P Borel
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1016/0024-3205(92)90504-i
PubMed
1522753
Open original source
2007Laboratory research
Evidence strength B · 65/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

ESI-MS study of the mechanism of glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu(II) complex transport through model membrane of stratum corneum.

In mammalian organisms copper can be found mainly in the form of complex with specific tripeptide, GHK-Cu (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu(II)). GHK-Cu is the basic form in which copper is transported in tissues and permeates through cell membranes. The penetration ability of GHK-Cu through the stratum corneum and its role in copper ions transport process is the key issue for its cosmetic and pharmaceutical activity. The permeability phenomenon was studied by use in vitro model system-Flynn diffusion cell with the liposome membrane. The earlier studies on the influence of different ligands on the migration rate of copper ions through model membrane provide evidence for hampering role of...

Authors
Lena Mazurowska, Mirosław Mojski
Source
peer_reviewed_research
DOI
10.1016/j.talanta.2006.11.034
PubMed
19071668
Open original source
2025Insufficient evidence
Evidence strength B · 68/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective.

Peptides are promising and attractive anti-wrinkle active ingredients, amongst which glycyl-histidyl-lysine peptide (GHK) is one of the most broadly promoted peptide for topical application. This simple sequence of amino acid residues not only has the capability of tissue regeneration and the enhancement of collagen and glycosaminoglycans synthesis but also is able to increase nerve outgrowth and angiogenesis. Consequently, GHK has several properties, from wound healing to prevention/reduction wrinkles. GHK-Cu and Pal-GHK are metal complex and palmitoylated derivatives of GHK, respectively. Although GHK-Cu and Pal-GHK are widely used in anti-wrinkle products available on the cosmetic...

Authors
Seyedeh Maryam Mortazavi, Seyyed Ali Mohammadi Vadoud, Hamid Reza Moghimi
Source
systematic_review_or_meta_analysis
DOI
10.34172/bi.30071
PubMed
39963574
Open original source
2025Insufficient evidence
Evidence strength B · 68/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

Are We Ready to Measure Skin Permeation of Modern Antiaging GHK-Cu Tripeptide Encapsulated in Liposomes?

Cosmetically active compounds (CACs), both of lipophilic and hydrophilic origin, have difficulty reaching the deeper layers of the skin, and this shortcoming significantly reduces their efficacy. One such CAC that occurs naturally in the human body and displays many beneficial properties (via reducing fine lines and wrinkles, tightening skin, improving its elasticity, etc.) is the glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine tripeptide complex of copper (GHK-Cu). GHK-Cu is a fairly hydrophilic compound with limited permeation through the lipophilic stratum corneum. On the other hand, liposomes capable of encapsulating GHK-Cu may improve its permeation potential. The present review discusses various issues...

Authors
Karolina Ogórek, Kinga Nowak, Emilia Wadych, Lena Ruzik, Andrei R Timerbaev, Magdalena Matczuk
Source
systematic_review_or_meta_analysis
DOI
10.3390/molecules30010136
PubMed
39795193
Open original source
2008Insufficient evidence
Evidence strength B · 68/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling.

Tissue remodeling follows the initial phase of wound healing and stops inflammatory and scar-forming processes, then restores the normal tissue morphology. The human peptide Gly-(L-His)-(L-Lys) or GHK, has a copper 2+ (Cu(2+)) affinity similar to the copper transport site on albumin and forms GHK-Cu, a complex with Cu(2+). These two molecules activate a plethora of remodeling related processes: (1) chemoattraction of repair cells such as macrophages, mast cells, capillary cells; (2) anti-inflammatory actions (suppression of free radicals, thromboxane formation, release of oxidizing iron, transforming growth factor beta-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha and protein glycation while increasing...

Authors
Loren Pickart
Source
systematic_review_or_meta_analysis
DOI
10.1163/156856208784909435
PubMed
18644225
Open original source
2012Insufficient evidence
Evidence strength B · 68/100 · ProvisionalHow this is rated

This score estimates how strongly this source can support scientific claims. It is not a prestige score, and the grade does not transfer automatically to every claim that cites the source.

Grade guide: A+/A is the strongest represented support; B+/B is substantial but qualified; C is limited, indirect, observational, or preclinical; D/E is weak, mechanistic-only, anecdotal, or insufficient.

Source authority
18/100
Directness
15/100
Reporting quality
10/100

Provisional ratings are automated baselines from structured metadata. They are not completed full-text risk-of-bias reviews and may change after editorial assessment.

Methodology: WPF-ESR-1.0

The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health.

Oxidative stress, disrupted copper homeostasis, and neuroinflammation due to overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines are considered leading causative factors in development of age-associated neurodegenerative conditions. Recently, a new mechanism of aging-detrimental epigenetic modifications-has emerged. Thus, compounds that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity as well as compounds capable of restoring copper balance and proper gene functioning may be able to prevent age-associated cognitive decline and ward off many common neurodegenerative conditions. The aim of this paper is to bring attention to a compound with a long history of safe use in wound healing and antiaging...

Authors
Loren Pickart, Jessica Michelle Vasquez-Soltero, Anna Margolina
Source
systematic_review_or_meta_analysis
DOI
10.1155/2012/324832
PubMed
22666519
Open original source

Scientific context

Chemistry and represented biological context

Existing reviewed chemistry is preserved as scientific context. Chemistry and mechanism information do not establish clinical efficacy or safety.

Open chemistry and biological context ↓
Chemical identity

Molecular and structural record

Structured record
Molecular formula
C14H22CuN6O4
Molecular weight (Da)
401.91
Amino acid sequence
Gly-His-Lys
SMILES
C1=C(NC=N1)CC(C(=O)NC(CCCCN)C(=O)O)NC(=O)CN.[Cu]
InChI
1S/C14H24N6O4.Cu/c15-4-2-1-3-10(14(23)24)20-13(22)11(19-12(21)6-16)5-9-7-17-8-18-9;/h7-8,10-11H,1-6,15-16H2,(H,17,18)(H,19,21)(H,20,22)(H,23,24);
InChIKey
DIWZQABMLHSNJR-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Chemical identity describes the recorded molecular information. It does not establish biological activity, clinical efficacy, safety, or therapeutic suitability.

Explore further

Continue through the research system

Move from this peptide record into the project's broader evidence, research, comparison, and methodology systems.

Research discovery

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Examine represented peptide records side by side.

Evidence system

Explore how scientific evidence is represented and reviewed.

Research hub

Enter the broader research and intelligence environment.

Methodology

Review project methods, boundaries, and interpretation rules.

Research

How the scientific record is developing

Chronology, unresolved research questions, opportunities, and researcher activity remain descriptive rather than evaluative.

Research chronology

  1. 1973 · study · Temporal status not established

    Tripeptide in human serum which prolongs survival of normal liver cells and stimulates growth in neoplastic liver

    peer_reviewed_research

  2. 1980 · study · Temporal status not established

    Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide may function by facilitating copper uptake into cells

    peer_reviewed_research

  3. 1988 · study · Temporal status not established

    Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+.

    peer_reviewed_research

  4. 1992 · study · Temporal status not established

    Stimulation of sulfated glycosaminoglycan synthesis by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+.

    peer_reviewed_research

  5. 1993 · study · Temporal status not established

    In vivo stimulation of connective tissue accumulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ in rat experimental wounds.

    peer_reviewed_research

  6. 1995 · study · Temporal status not established

    Effects of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex on osteoblastic cell spreading, attachment and phenotype.

    peer_reviewed_research

  7. 2000 · study · Temporal status not established

    Expression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(2+).

    peer_reviewed_research

  8. 2000 · study · Temporal status not established

    The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by fibroblast cultures.

    peer_reviewed_research

  9. 2006 · study · Temporal status not established

    Evaluation of the effects of topical tripeptide-copper complex and zinc oxide on open-wound healing in rabbits

    peer_reviewed_research

  10. 2007 · study · Temporal status not established

    ESI-MS study of the mechanism of glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu(II) complex transport through model membrane of stratum corneum.

    peer_reviewed_research

  11. 2008 · study · Temporal status not established

    The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling.

    systematic_review_or_meta_analysis

  12. 2012 · study · Temporal status not established

    The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health.

    systematic_review_or_meta_analysis

  13. 2015 · study · Temporal status not established

    GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration

    systematic_review_or_meta_analysis

  14. 2018 · study · Temporal status not established

    Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data

    systematic_review_or_meta_analysis

  15. 2020 · study · Temporal status not established

    The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide.

    peer_reviewed_research

  16. 2020 · study · Temporal status not established

    Copper-tripeptides (cuzymes) with peroxidase-mimetic activity.

    peer_reviewed_research

  17. 2022 · study · Temporal status not established

    Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ attenuates cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema and inflammation by reducing oxidative stress pathway.

    peer_reviewed_research

  18. 2023 · study · Temporal status not established

    Relief of ovalbumin-induced airway remodeling by the glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+ tripeptide complex via activation of SIRT1 in airway epithelial cells.

    peer_reviewed_research

  19. 2023 · study · Temporal status not established

    Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+ rescues cigarette smoking-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction via a sirtuin 1-dependent pathway.

    peer_reviewed_research

  20. 2024 · study · Temporal status not established

    The glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu2+ tripeptide complex attenuates lung inflammation and fibrosis in silicosis by targeting peroxiredoxin 6.

    peer_reviewed_research

  21. 2025 · study · Temporal status not established

    Copper Complexes with New Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Hyaluronan Conjugates Show Antioxidant Properties and Osteogenic and Angiogenic Synergistic Effects.

    peer_reviewed_research

  22. 2025 · study · Temporal status not established

    Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective.

    systematic_review_or_meta_analysis

  23. 2025 · study · Temporal status not established

    Are We Ready to Measure Skin Permeation of Modern Antiaging GHK-Cu Tripeptide Encapsulated in Liposomes?

    systematic_review_or_meta_analysis

  24. 2026 · study · Temporal status not established

    Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ (GHK-Cu) Attenuates CuSO4 or LPS induced-inflammation in Zebrafish larvae model.

    peer_reviewed_research

  25. 2026 · study · Temporal status not established

    PubChem Compound Summary for CID 378611, GHK-Cu

    government_publication

The represented chronology reflects records currently included in the governed dataset and does not claim to represent the entire scientific literature.

What still needs investigation

Claim traceability

No institutional claim record is currently represented for this peptide.

Evidence is missing or not represented as studied; this is not a conclusion that the intervention does not work.

Researchers represented in the evidence record12 bibliographic identities · open to inspect

These are bibliographic author identities derived from represented records. Name strings are not proof of unique real-world researcher identity, and publishing organizations are not treated as institutional affiliations.

F X Maquart

5 represented evidence records

Years represented: 1988, 1992, 1993, 2000

Publishing organizations appearing in records: peer_reviewed_research

Qin Zhang

4 represented evidence records

Years represented: 2022, 2023, 2024

Publishing organizations appearing in records: peer_reviewed_research

J C Monboisse

2 represented evidence records

Years represented: 1988, 1993

Publishing organizations appearing in records: peer_reviewed_research

J P Borel

2 represented evidence records

Years represented: 1988, 1992

Publishing organizations appearing in records: peer_reviewed_research

Jia Liu

2 represented evidence records

Years represented: 2023, 2024

Publishing organizations appearing in records: peer_reviewed_research

Jinrui Miao

2 represented evidence records

Years represented: 2023, 2024

Publishing organizations appearing in records: peer_reviewed_research

Liming Yan

2 represented evidence records

Years represented: 2022, 2023

Publishing organizations appearing in records: peer_reviewed_research

Loren Pickart

2 represented evidence records

Years represented: 2008, 2012

Publishing organizations appearing in records: systematic_review_or_meta_analysis

Mingming Deng

2 represented evidence records

Years represented: 2023, 2024

Publishing organizations appearing in records: peer_reviewed_research

Y Wegrowski

2 represented evidence records

Years represented: 1992, 2000

Publishing organizations appearing in records: peer_reviewed_research

Yiding Bian

2 represented evidence records

Years represented: 2023, 2024

Publishing organizations appearing in records: peer_reviewed_research

A Siméon

2 represented evidence records

Years represented: 2000

Publishing organizations appearing in records: peer_reviewed_research

Connections

Follow the scientific relationships

Connections appear only when they are represented by the project’s underlying records.

Open 3 represented connections ↓

institution

peer_reviewed_research

represented evidence source

institution

systematic_review_or_meta_analysis

represented evidence source

institution

government_publication

represented evidence source

Traceability

Follow the record back to its source

The experience makes incomplete links visible instead of presenting a false impression of perfect provenance.

Source publication state

A governed source may be verified and approved for publication while its claim-to-evidence link is still incomplete.

Reviewer provenance state

“Human scientist reviewed: no” means that specific source-path attribution is not recorded. It does not silently negate the separate publication-review state.

Domain conclusion → Evidence

Connected

Evidence → Source

Connected

Source → Original record

Connected

Traceability documents how the project connects statements to records. It does not establish that a source is scientifically valid or that a claim is clinically true.

Reconciled for 6 domain conclusions and 0 featured studies.

Detailed study-to-domain mappings and original-source paths appear in the GHK-Cu evidence-governance section.

Inspect the ranked source records

Observational archive

What contributors reported

Observational archive data is intentionally separated from published scientific evidence.

Observational boundary

Insufficient eligible observations are available for display under the current filters.

Insufficient eligible observations are currently represented to display aggregated findings for this peptide.

Research + media

Media connected to this scientific record

Only media explicitly linked through the project’s relationship system appears here.

No scientifically connected media is currently represented for this peptide.

Sources + provenance

Read the scientific record with its boundaries intact

The public record organizes reviewed evidence; it does not establish scientific truth by itself.
Association, mechanism, observation and regulatory status must not be represented as proof of clinical efficacy or safety.
Observational reports describe contributor experiences and cannot establish causation, effectiveness, safety or clinical benefit.
Contradictory and qualifying evidence must remain visible rather than being silently discarded.
Absence of represented evidence is not evidence that research does not exist.
Research gaps identify unresolved questions; they are not negative conclusions.
Regulatory status is distinct from scientific evidence quality.
Media relationships provide context and explanation; they do not increase the strength of scientific evidence.
A section with no represented records is an incomplete project record, not a scientific conclusion.
Researcher and institutional relationships are shown only when supported by represented records and must not be interpreted as rankings or endorsements.

Generated: 11/8/2026, 5:24:47 PM

global evidence atlas

GHK-Cu research, ranked and separated by purpose

This is a deduplicated literature screening registry—not a claim that every mention directly proves efficacy or safety. Machine proposals remain visibly separate from governed human appraisal.

103Discoverable source universe
103Ranked screening records
6Research domains
0Accountably approved conclusions

103 matching records · ranked 2026-09-18

Page 1 of 5

Count reconciliation: 103 discoverable source records match the peptide identity query; 103 are retained in this bounded, ranked screening view; 0 belong to the separate governed layer labeled “Accountably approved conclusions.” Domain totals overlap because one publication may inform several questions.

governance and regulatory context

GHK-Cu: what this atlas does and does not establish

Last checked
2026-09-18
Accountable publication approval
Not yet approved by a named accountable reviewer. Machine screening only.

No new outcome conclusion is inferred from discovery metadata. Named accountable approval is required for governed scientific conclusions.

2 FDA structured product label record(s) were identified for this compound name in openFDA. Label presence reflects an approved product exists under that name; it is not a claim about the specific formulation, dose, or use being discussed anywhere else on this page.

Known limitations of this pass

  • no patent candidate retained after literal filter

19 of 103 screening records carry a machine-proposed evidence-strength grade; the remainder are unassigned pending further review.

GHK-Cu evidence · ranking key

How evidence is ranked

A tier describes the evidentiary role and design strength of a source. It is not a popularity score, proof that every conclusion is correct, or a substitute for claim-level review.

A

Practice-defining evidence

Large, well-conducted randomized trials; prespecified major outcomes; rigorous systematic reviews or meta-analyses; and major regulatory assessments.

B

Strong supporting evidence

Smaller randomized trials, strong prospective cohorts, prespecified secondary analyses, and high-quality comparative-effectiveness studies.

C

Contextual evidence

Retrospective cohorts, claims-database studies, pharmacovigilance analyses, mechanistic human research, and well-documented case series.

D

Signal-generating evidence

Case reports, conference abstracts, preclinical research, hypothesis-generating analyses, and expert commentary.

Tier and confidence answer different questions

Tier classifies source design and evidentiary role. Confidence reflects risk of bias, sample size, comparator quality, outcome relevance, follow-up, missing data, directness, replication, reporting quality, and whether conclusions stay within the measured results.

Funding and conflicts are disclosed and considered, but sponsorship never automatically changes a tier. Corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern override the original rating.

peptide explorer

Structural visualization and provenance

Evidence-class labeling remains visible even when interactive rendering is unavailable. Representative geometry is not an experimentally determined or predicted biological conformation.

Fully specified molecular identity

Molecular formula
C14H23CuN6O4+
Molecular weight
402 g/mol
Exact identity / sequence notation
Gly-His-Lys·Cu(II) (GHK-Cu; prezatide copper)
Identity-defining modifications
  • Cu(II) coordination complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine
  • Metal coordination is identity-defining and is not depicted by the residue schematic
  • Apo-GHK (PubChem CID 73587) is a distinct identity
PubChem CID
71587328
InChIKey
Not applicable / not verified

The viewer shows the GHK peptide backbone only. It does not claim a coordination geometry or a physical copper-complex conformer.

Sources: NIH PubChem — Prezatide copper / GHK-Cu · reviewed 2026-09-17

Representative sequence-derived model
Structure source
Generated from this record's governed amino-acid sequence
Identifier
Not applicable — not a database structure
Method
Schematic layout ordered by residue position only; not a molecular-dynamics, homology, or fold prediction
Confidence / limitations
Illustrative only. Not physically accurate; carries no structural, binding-site, or activity meaning.
Provenance
WPF governed PeptideChemistry record
Retrieved / last reviewed
2026-09-17

This is a representative, sequence-derived model ordered by residue position only. It is not the peptide's experimentally determined or predicted biological conformation, and it carries no claim about real bond angles, distances, secondary structure, binding sites, or activity.

Suggested citation

  • APA

    World Peptide Foundation. (n.d.). GHK-Cu — Peptide Scientific Intelligence. World Peptide Foundation. (Reviewed September 8, 2026.) https://www.worldpeptidefoundation.org/directory/ghk-cu

  • AMA / Vancouver

    World Peptide Foundation. GHK-Cu — Peptide Scientific Intelligence. World Peptide Foundation website. Reviewed September 8, 2026. https://www.worldpeptidefoundation.org/directory/ghk-cu