AHK-Cu

Product Information

Name: AHK-Cu
Peptide Sequence: Ala-His-Lys-Cu
Molecular Formula: C17H28
Molecular Weight: 232.40422
Appearance: Blue Lyophilized powder

What Is AHK-Cu?

AHK-Cu is a short peptide that is complexed with (chemically linked to) a copper molecule. In the case of AHK, the copper atom is linked between the alanine and histidine residues of the alanine-histidine-lysine peptide. The copper atom is bound to three of the nitrogen atoms in the tripeptide. AHK-Cu has been heavily researched as a skin conditioning agent and has recently gained interest as a potential treatment for hair loss after promising bench-top experiments.

Research Application

AHK-Cu is of primary interest for its effects on fibroblasts, cells that are responsible for the growth and maintenance of extracellular matrix (the stuff between cells). Fibroblasts also secrete substances, like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promote the growth of blood vessels. AHK-Cu has been studied extensively in animal and laboratory models by the cosmeceutical industry for its effects on skin health, collagen synthesis, and hair growth.

AHK-Cu Research and The Reduction of Wrinkles

Copper and copper peptides are common additives in things like sunscreen and skin creams. Research in animal models indicates that AHK-Cu is an effective stimulator of collagen synthesis. Collagen has several important effects on the skin. First, it provides structure to the skin and makes it tauter. Second, collagen attracts water. When water enters the skin, it hydrates cells as well as the extracellular matrix, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Simply put, AHK-Cu can reduce wrinkles in animal models

AHK-Cu Research and Hair Loss

AHK-Cu affects hair loss in two ways. First, it promotes the growth of blood vessels by stimulating the secretion of VEGF. Blood vessels are necessary to supply nutrients to hair follicles. Studies in animals show that AHK-Cu not only improves blood flow to existing hair follicles, but that it can promote the growth of new hair follicles by encouraging the growth of blood vessels.

The second way that AHK-Cu affects hair loss, at least in animals models, is by down-regulating TGF-β1. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is the major hormone involved in male pattern baldness and thinning hair in both men and women as they age. DHT produces many of its effects through TGF-β1. By down-regulating TGF-β1, AHK-Cu can directly reduce the impact of DHT and protect hair follicles from negative stress.