AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine-Copper) is a copper-binding tripeptide that has gained attention for its hair growth-stimulating properties. While related to the well-known GHK-Cu peptide, AHK-Cu has been specifically studied for its effects on hair follicle biology. Research has shown that AHK-Cu can stimulate the proliferation of dermal papilla cells — the key signaling cells at the base of hair follicles that control hair growth cycling. The peptide increases VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) production, improving blood supply to hair follicles, and modulates beta-catenin signaling involved in hair follicle neogenesis. AHK-Cu has been incorporated into topical hair growth formulations and represents the growing field of peptide-based cosmeceuticals targeting specific tissue functions.
| Research Status | Preclinical |
|---|---|
| Half-Life | Topical (not systemically relevant) |
| Administration | Topical |
| Typical Dosage | 1-3% in topical formulations |
| Molecular Weight | 403.9 Da (with copper) |
| Molecular Formula | C13H24N5O4Cu |
AHK-Cu binds copper(II) ions and delivers them to hair follicles and skin cells, stimulating VEGF production, enhancing dermal papilla cell proliferation, and promoting extracellular matrix remodeling. It activates signaling pathways involved in hair follicle cycling.
All information is presented for Research Use Only (RUO). Not medical advice.