AHK (Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine) is a tripeptide related to GHK that shares copper-binding properties. It has been studied for its ability to stimulate hair follicle growth and promote wound healing through collagen synthesis and growth factor upregulation. Evidence is limited to in vitro studies and animal models.
Category: Cosmetic / Research. Evidence rating: D (animal/preclinical only).
Clinical status: Research-only
AHK chelates copper ions similarly to GHK. It stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation via Wnt/beta-catenin pathway activation, promotes collagen synthesis, and enhances growth factor signaling for hair follicle enlargement.
Safety considerations: Minimal safety data available — research-only compound.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Production method | synthetic |
|---|---|
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
Related peptides: AHK-Cu (Copper AHK).
Both are tripeptides that bind copper. GHK (Gly-His-Lys) has more extensive research, while AHK (Ala-His-Lys) has a different N-terminal amino acid. Both show hair growth and skin repair activity in preclinical studies.
AHK (Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine) is a tripeptide related to GHK that shares copper-binding properties. It has been studied for its ability to stimulate hair follicle growth and promote wound healing through collagen synthesis and growth factor upregulation. Evidence is limited to in vitro studies and animal models.
On the PeptideAtlas A–F scale, AHK (Ala-His-Lys) is rated D (Preclinical Only). Mostly animal or preclinical evidence
Research-only
AHK chelates copper ions similarly to GHK. It stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation via Wnt/beta-catenin pathway activation, promotes collagen synthesis, and enhances growth factor signaling for hair follicle enlargement.