AHK-Cu
Ala-His-Lys copper complex — ≠ GHK-Cu; thin evidence pack.
Editorial review:Evidence snapshot
This drawer marks papers. It is not a plan, a dose, or a source. A paper is a bounded report. It is not a protocol. Grades name the object. They are not a safety rating.
Identity lock. AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide Ala-His-Lys (AHK). Free peptide PubChem CID 7408502; formula C15H26N6O4 / MW 354.41; CAS 126828-32-8. A dedicated PubChem CID for the copper complex is not cleanly locked — honest thin identity, do not invent one. AHK-Cu ≠ GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper — separate drawer). AHK-Cu ≠ DAHK (Asp-Ala-His-Lys albumin N-terminus copper-binding analogue — different sequence; do not pad this drawer with DAHK papers). Human clinical trials of AHK-Cu are essentially absent. This drawer marks a thin preclinical / in-vitro set. It is not use advice.
Bottom line
PubMed evidence specific to AHK-Cu is sparse. The clearest object-matched paper is an in-vitro human hair-follicle / dermal papilla study of the L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine–copper complex. A Vitamin C–linker AHK derivative paper is a related peptide object, not Cu-complex proof. GHK-Cu reviews and a small GHK-Cu post-laser trial are different-molecule context only — never grade them as AHK-Cu. Refuse hair-growth or “copper peptide” glow from this thin set.
Papers
AHK-Cu / AHK objects (primary thin set)
PMID 17703734 — Pyo 2007
Tested: L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine–copper complex (AHK-Cu) on human hair growth parameters in vitro (dermal papilla cells / follicle culture framing).
Does not show: a controlled human alopecia trial, systemic AHK-Cu efficacy, or equivalence to GHK-Cu clinical papers.
PMID 29567599 — Jung 2018
Tested: Vitamin C–linker-conjugated tripeptide AHK (Vit C-AHK) on BMP-2-induced osteogenic differentiation in mouse C2C12 myoblasts.
Does not show: AHK-Cu hair or skin clinical efficacy; this is a derivative / non-copper-complex laboratory object.
Different object — GHK-Cu context only (do not grade as AHK-Cu)
PMID 29986520 — Pickart 2018
Tested: review of regenerative/protective actions of GHK-Cu (gene-data framing).
Does not show: AHK-Cu efficacy; GHK-Cu is a separate drawer.
PMID 26236730 — Pickart 2015
Tested: review of GHK as a natural modulator of cellular pathways in skin regeneration.
Does not show: AHK-Cu human trials.
PMID 39963574 — Mortazavi 2025
Tested: review of topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide (notes paucity of robust clinical studies in the GHK family narrative).
Does not show: AHK-Cu clinical approval or hair-growth RCT evidence.
PMID 16847171 — Miller 2006
Tested: small randomized post-CO2-laser facial care study with topical GHK-Cu (n=13; rater-confirmed differences largely absent).
Does not show: AHK-Cu results; included only as GHK-Cu contrast / separate-object reminder.
What is not established
Any controlled human clinical efficacy for AHK-Cu. Hair-growth, anti-aging, or wound indications in people. Equivalence to GHK-Cu (different peptide). That DAHK albumin-analogue papers are AHK-Cu evidence. A locked copper-complex PubChem CID for UI badges. This drawer does not provide use advice, schedules, or sourcing.
Selected sources
Reported experiences
Reported topics are not established benefits.Risks and unknowns
Compare experiences with care.
Join the discussion
Verified members can contribute to compound conversations.