Description

AHK-Cu Peptide: Benefits for Hair Growth and Skin Health

What is AHK-Cu?

AHK-Cu peptide is a tripeptide made of alanine, histidine, and lysine, with a copper ion coordinated by these amino acids. It naturally occurs in the bloodstream and may regulate growth, development, and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells.

Also called copper AHK, this peptide supports hair growth and skin tissue health. It primarily targets fibroblasts, which maintain the extracellular matrix (ECM) and secrete biological substances such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), promoting the formation of new blood vessels.

The copper ion in AHK-Cu contributes to enzyme activity for collagen and elastin synthesis, both crucial for skin structural integrity. Additionally, copper may act as an antioxidant, supporting skin and hair health.

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Chemical Information

• Molecular Formula: C15H25CuN6O4

• Molecular Weight: 416.9 g/mol

• Other Names: ALA-HIS-LYS-CU, L-Alanyl-κN-L-histidyl-κN,κN3-L-lysinato(2-)]copper Monohydrochloride

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Antioxidative Potential of AHK-Cu

AHK-Cu demonstrates potent antioxidant properties due to its amino acid structure. These properties may enlarge hair follicles and enhance growth. Researchers also suggest that AHK-Cu supports dermal cell multiplication, collagen production, wound healing, and anti-aging processes.

Increased dermal cell activity helps maintain collagen turnover, which is vital for healthy skin.

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Hair Follicle Development

Studies show that AHK-Cu peptide stimulates dermal fibroblasts, which produce VEGF. VEGF is essential for new blood vessel formation, supplying hair follicles with nutrients and oxygen.

AHK-Cu may also reduce transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), influencing cell proliferation and apoptosis. In vitro research suggests the peptide promotes hair follicle elongation and dermal papilla cell (DPC) proliferation. It also reduces apoptotic DPCs by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and decreasing cleaved caspase-3 and PARP levels.

Overall, AHK-Cu may enhance angiogenesis around hair follicles, supporting healthy hair growth.

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AHK-Cu and Alopecia Research

Formulations containing AHK-Cu peptide, growth factors, and other peptides showed positive results for hair growth and follicle viability in animal studies. Researchers suggest that these formulations may benefit individuals with secondary alopecia, encouraging further clinical trials.

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Skin Tissue Integrity

AHK-Cu may stimulate fibroblast growth and collagen production, particularly collagen type I. Studies observed that AHK boosts dermal fibroblast survival, multiplication, and collagen output—up to three times higher than control groups.

This activity suggests that AHK-Cu can rejuvenate the extracellular matrix, improve skin function, and maintain structural integrity.

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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. Kecel-Gunduza, S., Kocb, E., Bicaka, B., Kokcub, Y., Ozela, A. E., & Akyuzc, S. (2020). IN SILICO ANALYSIS FOR CHARACTERIZING THE STRUCTURE AND BINDING PROPERTIES OF ALA-HIS-LYS (AHK) TRIPEPTIDE. The Online Journal of Science and Technology-July, 10(3).
4. 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/
5. Sadgrove NJ, Simmonds MSJ. Topical and 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/
6. Patt, L. M., & Procyte, A. (2009). Neova® DNA Repair Factor Nourishing Lotion Stimulates Collagen and Speeds Natural Repair Process. skin, 1, 2.