GHK Peptide Protocol Guide
GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma whose concentration declines significantly with age. Unlike GHK-Cu, this copper-free form retains potent bioactivity including wound healing acceleration, collagen and elastin synthesis stimulation, anti-inflammatory gene modulation, and the ability to reset approximately 4,000 human genes toward healthier expression patterns. This protocol covers subcutaneous dosing at 100-200mcg daily, topical application options, cycling strategies, and stacking for comprehensive tissue repair and rejuvenation research.
Protocol Overview
- Compound
- GHK (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine)
- Category
- Wound Healing / Skin Rejuvenation
- Mechanism
- Naturally occurring tripeptide that modulates gene expression, stimulates collagen synthesis, accelerates wound healing, and exerts anti-inflammatory effects
- Molecular Weight
- 340.38 g/mol
- Half-Life
- ~2-4 hours (SubQ)
- Form
- Lyophilized powder (5mg vials)
- Route
- Subcutaneous / Topical
- Frequency
- 1x daily (SubQ) or 2x daily (topical)
- Cycle Length
- 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
Dosing Protocol
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory | 100 mcg | 1x daily | SubQ | 1 week |
| Standard | 200 mcg | 1x daily | SubQ | 4-8 weeks |
| Topical | 0.5-1% serum | 2x daily | Topical | Ongoing |
| Advanced | 200 mcg + topical | SubQ 1x + topical 2x | Combined | 4-8 weeks |
Key principle: GHK works at remarkably low concentrations. More is not necessarily better; consistent daily dosing at the standard level produces optimal gene modulation and tissue repair signals.
Reconstitution Guide
Standard Reconstitution
- Vial: 5mg GHK lyophilized powder
- Diluent: 2mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 2.5mg/mL (2,500mcg/mL)
- 200mcg dose: 8 units (0.08mL) on insulin syringe
- Vial yield: ~25 doses at 200mcg
Storage & Handling
- Pre-reconstitution: Room temperature or refrigerated
- Post-reconstitution: Refrigerate at 2-8°C
- Stability: Use within 28 days once reconstituted
- Handling: Swirl gently, do not shake or vortex
Administration Guide
Subcutaneous Injection
- Syringe: 29-31ga insulin syringe
- Sites: Abdomen, thigh, or near target area
- Timing: Morning on an empty stomach preferred
- Rotation: Rotate sites to prevent lipodystrophy
- Local use: Inject near wound or target skin area for localized effects
Topical Application
- Concentration: 0.5-1% GHK in carrier
- Application: Clean skin, apply thin layer
- Frequency: Morning and evening
- Can combine: With SubQ protocol for enhanced results
Expected Timeline
Side Effects & Monitoring
Common Side Effects
- Mild injection site redness (transient)
- Slight skin flushing at application site
- Very rare: mild headache during initial use
GHK is a naturally occurring peptide and is exceptionally well-tolerated. Adverse effects are rare and typically minor.
Precautions
- Individuals with copper metabolism disorders should use caution
- Avoid use on actively infected wounds
- Limited human clinical trial data for systemic use
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Stacking Recommendations
Compatible Compounds
- BPC-157: Synergistic wound healing and tissue repair
- TB-500: Complementary tissue remodeling pathways
- GHK-Cu: Copper-bound form for enhanced collagen synthesis
- Epithalon: Anti-aging synergy via telomerase activation
- Collagen peptides: Provide substrate for collagen production
Popular Stacks
- Wound Repair: GHK 200mcg + BPC-157 250mcg daily
- Anti-Aging: GHK 200mcg + Epithalon 5mg alternate days
- Skin Rejuvenation: GHK SubQ + GHK-Cu topical
Blood Work Recommendations
| Panel | Markers | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Panel | Serum copper, ceruloplasmin | Baseline, Week 4 |
| Inflammation | CRP, ESR, IL-6 | Baseline, Week 4, Week 8 |
| Liver Function | ALT, AST, GGT | Baseline, Week 8 |
| Skin Assessment | Elasticity measurement, photography | Baseline, Week 4, Week 8 |
GHK is naturally present in the body, so adverse metabolic effects are unlikely. Monitoring copper levels is a reasonable precaution given GHK's copper-binding affinity.
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