AHK-Cu
Also known as: L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+, tripeptide-copper complex, AHK copper complex
Copper-binding tripeptide / growth factor peptide
What it is
AHK-Cu (L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+) is described as a growth factor for various differentiated cell types. Per PMID 17703734, it stimulates proliferation of dermal fibroblasts, elevates production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and decreases secretion of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) by dermal fibroblasts. In dermal papilla cells (DPCs), AHK-Cu promotes cell proliferation and may reduce apoptosis via elevation of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and reduction of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP levels, thereby supporting hair follicle growth.
Class: Copper-binding tripeptide / growth factor peptide
What it's studied for
- Hair follicle growth promotion / androgenetic alopecia or hair loss In vitro only
- AHK-Cu at 10^-12 to 10^-9 M stimulated elongation of human hair follicles ex vivo and proliferation of dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in vitro. At 10^-9 M, reduced apoptotic DPC numbers (not statistically significant), elevated Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and reduced cleaved caspase-3 and PARP levels, suggesting promotion of DPC sur PMID 17703734 Pyo HK et al. Archives of Pharmacal Research, 2007.
Community-reported dosing
| Route | Dose | Frequency / Duration | Population / context | Source tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In vitro / ex vivo (cell and tissue culture medium) | 10^-12 M to 10^-9 M (i.e., 1 pM – 1 nM) | Not explicitly stated (in vitro / ex vivo experiment) | in_vitro | Research PMID 17703734 |
Tier key: Research = PMID-cited study · [C] = scraped community source · [S] = model-synthesized from aggregate community reports (softer evidence). How we source.
Safety signals
- No adverse or toxic effects were reported in the in vitro/ex vivo study at concentrations of 10^-12 to 10^-9 M; however, no formal safety or toxicology assessment was conducted in humans or animals. PMID 17703734
Frequently asked
What is AHK-Cu and what is it used for?
AHK-Cu (L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+) is a tripeptide-copper complex described in research as a growth factor for differentiated cells. The only peer-reviewed study identified found that it stimulated human hair follicle elongation ex vivo and proliferation of dermal papilla cells in vitro at concentrations of 10^-12 to 10^-9 M. It also elevated VEGF production and reduced TGF-β1 secretion by dermal fibroblasts. No human clinical trial data are available from the reviewed literature.
What dose of AHK-Cu should I use?
I'm not a medical professional and can't recommend a protocol for you specifically. What research has shown: the only available published study tested AHK-Cu at 10^-12 to 10^-9 M (1 pM – 1 nM) in cell culture and ex vivo hair follicle models — no human dosing data exist in the reviewed literature.
How do I inject or apply AHK-Cu?
I'm not a medical professional and can't recommend a protocol for you specifically. What research has shown: the reviewed literature only applied AHK-Cu in cell culture and ex vivo tissue settings at nanomolar concentrations. No human administration route, injection technique, or topical application protocol is described in the available abstracts.
Is AHK-Cu approved by the FDA?
The reviewed literature does not state the FDA regulatory status of AHK-Cu. Manual verification with official FDA databases or a licensed healthcare provider is required.
What are the side effects or safety concerns with AHK-Cu?
The only reviewed study was conducted in vitro and ex vivo and did not report adverse effects at concentrations of 10^-12 to 10^-9 M. No human safety, tolerability, or pharmacokinetic data exist in the reviewed literature. The absence of human data means the safety profile in people is unknown — please consult a licensed healthcare provider.
Can I stack AHK-Cu with minoxidil or other hair loss treatments?
I can't recommend combining compounds — that's a prescribing decision. Here's what has been studied individually: AHK-Cu has only been studied in vitro/ex vivo; no combination or stacking data are available in the reviewed literature.
How does AHK-Cu promote hair growth?
Based on PMID 17703734, AHK-Cu is proposed to promote hair follicle growth by stimulating proliferation of dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and reducing their apoptosis. Mechanistically, it elevated the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and reduced levels of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP — markers associated with reduced apoptotic activity. It also stimulated dermal fibroblast proliferation, increased VEGF production, and decreased TGF-β1 secretion. These findings are from in vitro and ex vivo models only.
Where can I buy AHK-Cu?
I don't recommend vendors or sources. Please consult a licensed provider.
Has AHK-Cu been tested in human clinical trials?
Based on the reviewed literature, no human clinical trial data are available for AHK-Cu. The only identified study was conducted in vitro using cultured dermal papilla cells and ex vivo using isolated human hair follicles. Human efficacy and safety data are lacking.
Can AHK-Cu treat my hair loss or alopecia?
I can't suggest treatments for medical conditions. Please speak with a licensed healthcare provider. What the research shows: one in vitro/ex vivo study found AHK-Cu stimulated human hair follicle elongation and dermal papilla cell proliferation in laboratory conditions, but no human clinical evidence of efficacy for alopecia treatment was found in the reviewed literature.
References
- [1] PMID 17703734 — AHK-Cu at 10^-12 to 10^-9 M stimulated elongation of human hair follicles ex vivo and proliferation of dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in vitro. At 10^-9 M, reduced