Basic GHK

Technical data

CAS

49557-75-7

Molecular formula

C14H24N6O4

Molecular weight

340.38 g/mol

Identity and composition

Basic GHK is a tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) present endogenously in human plasma, studied in research for its role in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, wound healing and cutaneous regeneration. It is offered as laboratory material in a presentation of 50 mg.

Product for research use.

Chemical identity data (verifiable reference):

• Name: Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), also called Tripeptide-1.
• Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine).
• CAS number: 49557-75-7.
• Molecular formula: C14H24N6O4.
• Molecular weight: 340.38 g/mol.
• PubChem CID: 73587.

This data sheet corresponds to the free form of the peptide (without coordinated copper), which is distinguished from its copper complex GHK-Cu.

Mechanism of action

GHK is a tripeptide with high affinity for the copper(II) ion. The literature describes that it modulates the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, stimulating both the synthesis and the degradation of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, and regulating the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) together with their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2). A review additionally reports that GHK can up-regulate and down-regulate the expression of a large number of human genes involved in skin wound healing and regeneration (Pickart et al., 2015; PMID 26236730).

Important note: much of the biological activity described in the literature corresponds to the copper complex (GHK-Cu); the copper-free form may differ in potency and in some effects, so extrapolations must be made with caution.

Pharmacokinetics

No such was located plasma half-life formally quantified for the free form in the reviewed sources, so no numerical value is reported.

At a qualitative level, the literature documents that the endogenous GHK levels decline with age and that the tripeptide can cross the stratum corneum upon topical application (Pickart et al., 2015; PMID 26236730). These data describe general dynamics, not complete pharmacokinetic parameters of the free form.

Scientific evidence

The available evidence is mainly in vitro (fibroblast and chondrocyte cultures) and preclinical, complemented with some wound-healing and cosmetic-use studies. In preclinical and review studies its participation in collagen synthesis, cutaneous remodeling and wound healing has been investigated (Pickart et al., 2015; PMID 26236730).

No well-characterized advanced-phase clinical trials were identified for the free form in the searches performed. These findings should be interpreted as preliminary and do not constitute evidence of established clinical efficacy.

Research applications

Product for research use.

Ideal for:

• In vitro studies of collagen synthesis and remodeling in fibroblast cultures.
• Preclinical research on wound healing and skin regeneration.
• Comparative work between the free form (GHK) and the complex GHK-Cu.
• Research on MMP/TIMP regulation and gene expression associated with the skin.

Not applicable for:

• clinical use, therapeutic use, or self-administration.
• Applications requiring established clinical efficacy evidence (not available for the free form).
• Directly extrapolating GHK-Cu results as if they were from the free form.

Research protocols

The literature reviewed does not provide numerical doses from studies attributable specifically to the free form of GHK, so no concentrations or quantitative assay guidelines are indicated.

The existing experimental evidence is concentrated on the complex GHK-Cu and comes mostly from in vitro and preclinical models; the working protocols must be defined by the investigator in accordance with the design of their study and the corresponding primary literature. Any assay condition must be validated independently in the investigator's own laboratory.

Reconstitution

As a general standard laboratory guide, lyophilized peptides are usually reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (sterile water with approximately 0.9% benzyl alcohol), which allows multiple withdrawals from the same vial.

Technique recommendations:

• Add the diluent, letting it run slowly down the wall of the vial, without directing the stream directly onto the powder.
• Do not shake vigorously; swirl gently until completely dissolved.
• Calculate the diluent volume according to the desired working concentration for the 50 mg of product.

Sterile water or bacteriostatic saline solution are common options depending on the experimental design.

Stability and storage

General laboratory handling guide:

• Lyophilized (powder): is the most stable form. It is usually stored refrigerated and, for prolonged storage, frozen, protected from light and humidity.
• Reconstituted (in solution): it is advisable to keep it refrigerated and use it within a short time; for longer periods it can be aliquoted and frozen, avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

As a peptide, it is recommended to minimize exposure to room temperature, light and air. These are standard preservation practices; they do not replace the specific batch specifications.

Safety profile

A review describes the molecule as very safe, with no problems reported during its cosmetic use or in wound-healing studies in humans (Pickart et al., 2015; PMID 26236730).

Important limits of this information:

• No such was identified formal regulatory toxicological profile for the free form.
• The safety data come from review literature and cosmetic use, not from regulatory drug evaluations.
• No formally characterized clinical contraindications are available for the free form.

As a research material, it must be handled with the usual laboratory precautions and not intended for clinical use.

Comparative context

The main relevant comparison is between the free form (GHK) and its complex with copper (GHK-Cu):

• Free GHK: molecular weight 340.38 g/mol; lacks the coordinated copper ion.
• GHK-Cu: approximate molecular weight of 404 g/mol for the base complex; it is the form on which most of the experimental evidence exists, for example the stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblasts.

Since most of the experimental data correspond to GHK-Cu, extrapolations of those results to the free form must be made with caution, since the absence of copper may modify the potency and some effects.

History and development

GHK was identified as a tripeptide present in a form endogenous in human plasma. The literature documents that its circulating levels decline with age, which motivated interest in its role in the regeneration and remodeling of tissues.

Much of the subsequent development focused on its complex with copper (GHK-Cu), widely studied in wound-healing contexts and in cosmetic skin-care applications. The review by Pickart et al. (2015; PMID 26236730) compiles much of this body of knowledge, describing it as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in cutaneous regeneration.

FAQ

Certificate of analysis per batch

Basic GHK batch with certificate of analysis published in the COA catalog:

• Lot EXO010626138A — 50 mg, issued 2026-05-25

Scientific references (5)

Peer-reviewed literature on GHK Basic, with its PubMed identifier where available:

• Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data (Pickart L et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2018) PMID 29986520.
• GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration (Pickart, et al. · BioMed Research International · 2015) PMID 26236730.
• The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling (Pickart, et al. · Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition · 2008) PMID 18644225.
• The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide (Pickart, et al. · Aging Pathobiology and Therapeutics · 2020) PMID 35083444.
• Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective (Mortazavi SM, et al. · BioImpacts · 2025) PMID 39963574.

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