GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) / Studies

Natural peptide · 3 amino acids · 340.4 Da

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) studies and research data

PepBank has 27 GHK studies with results. 15 of them gave GHK, with 43 results, grouped by what the studies measured. In each group, results from studies in people come first. Data as of 2026-10-30.

Searches 43 results and 31 papers. Newer studies from Europe PMC

Results in people

0% of 43 results

Results in animals

65% of 43 results

Results in lab cells

35% of 43 results

From computer models

0% of 43 results

The molecule

GHK identity

Identifiers, parent molecule, targets and development stage, from curated data.

GHK is glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, also called prezatide or tripeptide-1. This record covers the free tripeptide. Copper coordination produces the separate ghk-cu substance. Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and peptide extensions are separate products. The free peptide has no established drug development phase in this profile.

Kind: Natural peptide · 3 residues
Identifiers: ChEMBLCHEMBL1814493 (opens in a new tab)PubChem CID73587 (opens in a new tab)UNII39TG2H631E (opens in a new tab)DrugBankDB11296 (opens in a new tab)CAS49557-75-7
Development: No known clinical developmentChEMBL CHEMBL1814493 reports no maximum phase. This does not prove that no development programme exists. This profile assigns no development phase to free GHK. Copper-complex development belongs in ghk-cu. Source (opens in a new tab)

Targets

No molecular target is recorded for this peptide.

Sequence and structure

Residues, differences from the parent, calculated properties and 3D structure. Source values and calculated values are shown separately.

Sequence

3 amino acids

H-

GHK

-OH

Properties

From identity sources

Formula: C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄
Molecular weight: 340.38 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass: 340.1859 Da

GSRS UNII 39TG2H631E(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-13
PubChem CID 73587(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-13
ChEMBL CHEMBL1814493(opens in a new tab)retrieved 2026-10-13

Calculated from the sequence

pKa set

Average mass: 340.38 Da; Sum of ExPASy residue masses + water · ExPASy Compute pI/Mw; FindMod
Monoisotopic mass: 340.1859 Da; Sum of ExPASy residue masses + water · ExPASy FindMod
Isoelectric point (pI): 9.70; pH of zero net charge, EMBOSS pKa set · EMBOSS iep, Epk.dat
Net charge at pH 7.4: 1.05; Henderson-Hasselbalch, EMBOSS pKa set · EMBOSS iep, Epk.dat
GRAVY (hydropathy): −2.500; Mean Kyte-Doolittle hydropathy · Kyte and Doolittle 1982; Negative: hydrophilic on average.
Extinction coefficient, 280 nm (Cys reduced): 0 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹; 5500 x Trp + 1490 x Tyr · Pace et al. 1995 (ExPASy ProtParam); No Trp or Tyr: absorbance at 280 nm cannot measure this peptide.
Instability index: 85.60; Dipeptide instability weights (DIWV) · Guruprasad et al. 1990; Above 40: classed as possibly unstable (ExPASy).
Aliphatic index: 0.0; Mole % A + 2.9 V + 3.9 (I + L) · Ikai 1980
Boman index: 3.09 kcal/mol; Mean solubility value (negated) · Boman 2003; Above 2.48: high protein-binding potential (Boman).
Hydrophobic moment (μH): Not calculated; The sequence is too short for this method.
pI with each pKa set: EMBOSS 9.70Bjellqvist (ExPASy) 8.76IPC peptide 10.04IPC protein 9.07

Defined and validated for proteins; use with care for short peptides.
Assumes an ideal alpha helix. Many short peptides are not helical.

@pepdb/chem 0.2.0 · EMBOSS pKa set · ExPASy residue masses

Net charge by pH

pI 9.70 · Net charge at pH 7.4: 1.05

Point or use arrow keys

Henderson-Hasselbalch, EMBOSS pKa set. Calculated, not measured.

Show as table

pH	Net charge
0	3.00
1	3.00
2	2.98
3	2.80
4	2.28
5	2.01
6	1.76
7	1.22
8	0.83
9	0.27
10	−0.10
11	−0.61
12	−0.94
13	−0.99
14	−1.00

Composition

Positive67% (2)H K
Special33% (1)G

3 residues. Each residue counts in one class; F and W count as aromatic.

A Ala0 · 0%

I Ile0 · 0%

L Leu0 · 0%

M Met0 · 0%

V Val0 · 0%

F Phe0 · 0%

W Trp0 · 0%

Y Tyr0 · 0%

H His1 · 33%

K Lys1 · 33%

R Arg0 · 0%

D Asp0 · 0%

E Glu0 · 0%

N Asn0 · 0%

Q Gln0 · 0%

S Ser0 · 0%

T Thr0 · 0%

C Cys0 · 0%

G Gly1 · 33%

P Pro0 · 0%

3D structure

No 3D structure

No experimental structure (PDB) and no UniProt entry for an AlphaFold model are listed for this peptide. Synthetic peptides often have neither. The sequence view above is the reference.

2D structure

Draws the structure in your browser with RDKit (about 2.3 MB, loaded once).

SMILES fromPubChem CID 73587(opens in a new tab)

C1=C(NC=N1)C[C@@H](C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)O)NC(=O)CN

Results by area

GHK results by year and outcome

Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

Studies by year

27 of 31 studies have results (87%), published 1977 to 2026. Top row: every study. Bottom row: studies with results about GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine), by class. The rows use different scales.

Studies
Human
Animal
Lab
Computer model
Natural levels, tool or combination only

Studies31 in all, 1977 to 2026

Studies with results27 in all, 1977 to 2026

Retracted studies are left out. A study with results in two classes counts in both.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

What the studies measured

People first in each area, then animals, then lab cells. Counts are exact and come from studies that gave the peptide.

GHK studies on liver

6 results · people 0 · animals 6 · lab 0

Top 3 of 6 results

In animals with toxic liver damage, Gly-His-Lys at 2.5 mu/kg increased hepatocyte division.Patologicheskaia fiziologiia i eksperimental'naia terapiia, 2003
In the reported study, Gly-His-Lys injections increased hepatocyte division.Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2002
In animals with toxic liver damage, Gly-His-Lys at 150 mu/kg increased hepatocyte division.Patologicheskaia fiziologiia i eksperimental'naia terapiia, 2003

GHK studies on immune system and inflammation

5 results · people 0 · animals 5 · lab 0

Top 4 of 5 results

In animals with liver damage, Gly-His-Lys at 1.5 mu/kg corrected immune responsiveness.Patologicheskaia fiziologiia i eksperimental'naia terapiia, 2003
In sleep-deprived mice, GHK prevented increased hippocampal MCP-1 levels compared with saline treatment.Aging pathobiology and therapeutics, 2023
In the reported study, Gly-His-Lys injections reduced antibody-producing cells in a dose-dependent manner.Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2002
In animals with liver damage, Gly-His-Lys at 150 mu/kg had a more potent immune-suppressing effect.Patologicheskaia fiziologiia i eksperimental'naia terapiia, 2003

GHK studies on skin, hair and wounds

5 results · people 0 · animals 5 · lab 0

Top 3 of 5 results

In rats with cutting wounds, GHK in hydrogels increased healing degree compared with no treatment.International journal of biological macromolecules, 2020
In rats with cutting wounds, GHK in hydrogels increased healing degree compared with GHK in water.International journal of biological macromolecules, 2020
In rats with cutting wounds, GHK in hydrogels reduced healing time compared with no treatment.International journal of biological macromolecules, 2020

GHK studies on mood, stress and behavior

4 results · people 0 · animals 4 · lab 0

Top 3 of 4 results

In rats, Gly-His-Lys increased time spent in open maze arms.Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2015
In rats in a foot-shock model, Gly-His-Lys reduced aggressive behavior.Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2017
In rats, Gly-His-Lys reduced time spent in closed maze arms.Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2015

GHK studies on bones and joints

7 results · people 0 · animals 2 · lab 5

Top 3 of 7 results

In guinea-pigs, complete Colladel accelerated bone healing more than Colladel without GHK.Biomaterials, 1996
In minipigs, gel with GHK healed bone defects faster than the same gel without GHK.Acta chirurgiae orthopaedicae et traumatologiae Cechoslovaca, 1995
In cells from chick embryos, GHK increased growth mostly on ISC-40 support.Biomaterials, 1995

GHK studies on blood levels and clearance

2 results · people 0 · animals 2 · lab 0

2 results

In rats, GHK rapidly degraded to HK after a single intravenous dose.Journal of chromatography. B, Biomedical sciences and applications, 1997
In rats, HK was rapidly eliminated after an intravenous GHK dose.Journal of chromatography. B, Biomedical sciences and applications, 1997

GHK studies on pain

2 results · people 0 · animals 2 · lab 0

2 results

In rats in a foot-shock model, Gly-His-Lys reduced pain.Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2017
In mice, Gly-His-Lys increased the time before paw licking in a hot-plate test, indicating reduced pain.Eksperimental'naia i klinicheskaia farmakologiia, 2015

GHK studies on cells, genes and aging

4 results · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 3

4 results

In sleep-deprived mice, GHK prevented increased hippocampal nitrotyrosine levels compared with saline treatment.Aging pathobiology and therapeutics, 2023
In cells, GHL increased growth of human KB cells in serum limited medium containing BSA.Cytobios, 1980
In cells, GHL increased growth of human HeLa cells in serum limited medium containing BSA.Cytobios, 1980
In cells, GHL did not increase growth of human WI-38 cells in serum limited medium containing BSA.Cytobios, 1980

GHK studies on memory and thinking

1 result · people 0 · animals 1 · lab 0

1 result

In mice with sleep deprivation, GHK prevented learning impairment compared with saline.Aging pathobiology and therapeutics, 2023

GHK studies on receptors and cell signals

7 results · people 0 · animals 0 · lab 7

Top 5 of 7 results

In lab tests, GHK formed adducts with HNE.Chemical research in toxicology, 2007
In cells from rat liver, Gly-His-Lys increased phosphorylase a activity in a dose-dependent manner.Peptides, 1995
In lab tests, acrolein completely disappeared after reacting with GHK for 4h.Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis, 2008
In cells from rat liver, Gly-His-Lys stimulation was associated with increased IP3 production.Peptides, 1995
In lab tests, Gly-His-Lys interacted with AT1 receptors.Peptides, 1995

Trials and papers

GHK trials

Registered trials that test the peptide, with phase, status and dates. A dot marks trials with posted results.

StatusPhase

0 trials match. Highest phase first. Data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

No trial matches these filters.

3 more mention it but do not test it. They are not trials of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine): they only measure it (a blood level or an eligibility term) or name it in their text.

Papers

Studies on this peptide. Some have results. The others have none yet.

Sort

Design

31 studies match. Retracted studies are left out.

Showing 24 of 31 studiesquery qry_dc2eb7df1f59ed793d467b01

Studies with results

27 studies in all, 22 on this page

Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 2019

6 results

Oxidized alginate hydrogels with the GHK peptide enhance cord blood mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis: A paradigm for metabolomics-based evaluation of biomaterial design.

Klontzas et al. 2019Acta biomaterialiacited by 56

PMID 30772514DOI 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.02.017PUB-30772514

Full text at the publisher6 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (6)

Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 2007

12 results

A therapeutic approach for diabetic wound healing using biotinylated GHK incorporated collagen matrices.

Arul et al. 2007Life sciencescited by 54

PMID 17049946DOI 10.1016/j.lfs.2006.09.018PUB-17049946

Full text at the publisher12 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (12)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2020

10 results

Hydrogels based on low-methoxyl amidated citrus pectin and flaxseed gum formulated with tripeptide glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine improve the healing of experimental cutting wounds in rats.

Synytsya et al. 2020International journal of biological macromoleculescited by 30

PMID 33031852DOI 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.09.251PUB-33031852

Full text at the publisher5 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was given (plus 5 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (10)

In vitro (cell-free) · 2007

6 results

Glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) is a quencher of alpha,beta-4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal: a comparison with carnosine. insights into the mechanism of reaction by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, and computational techniques.

Beretta et al. 2007Chemical research in toxicologycited by 20

PMID 17672515DOI 10.1021/tx700185sPUB-17672515

Full text at the publisher2 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was given (plus 4 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (6)

Animal study (in vivo) · guinea-pigs · 1996

5 results

Morphological features of bone healing under the effect of collagen-graft-glycosaminoglycan copolymer supplemented with the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys.

Pohunková et al. 1996Biomaterialscited by 19

PMID 8842360DOI 10.1016/0142-9612(95)00310-xPUB-08842360

Full text at the publisher1 result where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was given (plus 4 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (5)

In vitro (cell-free) · 2008

5 results

Acrolein sequestering ability of the endogenous tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK): characterization of conjugation products by ESI-MSn and theoretical calculations.

Beretta et al. 2008Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysiscited by 13

PMID 18378108DOI 10.1016/j.jpba.2008.02.012PUB-18378108

Full text at the publisher1 result where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was given (plus 4 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (5)

Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 1999

3 results

Effectiveness of polyamidoamine dendrimers modified with tripeptide growth factor, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, for enhancement of function of hepatoma cells.

Kawase et al. 1999Journal of bioscience and bioengineeringcited by 10

PMID 16232640DOI 10.1016/s1389-1723(99)80222-9PUB-16232640

Full text at the publisher3 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (3)

Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2015

6 results

Anxiolytic effects of Gly-His-Lys peptide and its analogs.

Bobyntsev et al. 2015Bulletin of experimental biology and medicinecited by 9

PMID 25900608DOI 10.1007/s10517-015-2847-3PUB-25900608

Full text at the publisher3 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was given (plus 3 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (6)

Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 1993

1 result

H-Gly-His psi (NHCO)Lys-OH, partially modified retro-inverso analogue of the growth factor glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine with enhanced enzymatic stability.

Dalpozzo et al. 1993International journal of peptide and protein researchcited by 8

PMID 8349414DOI 10.1111/j.1399-3011.1993.tb00478.xPUB-08349414

Full text at the publisher1 result where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

Publisher page See results (1)

In vitro (cells) · chick · 1995

5 results

Effect of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine on the proliferation and synthetic activity of chick embryo chondrocytes.

Pesáková et al. 1995Biomaterialscited by 8

PMID 8562779DOI 10.1016/0142-9612(95)93115-tPUB-08562779

Full text at the publisher5 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was given

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Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 1977

5 results

Determination of the microscopic and macroscopic acid dissociation constants of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and related histidine peptides.

Rabenstein et al. 1977Biochemistrycited by 7

PMID 14668DOI 10.1021/bi00624a026PUB-00014668

Full text at the publisher5 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

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Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 1997

4 results

Simultaneous determination of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and its metabolite, L-histidyl-L-lysine, in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with post-column derivatization.

Endo et al. 1997Journal of chromatography. B, Biomedical sciences and applicationscited by 7

PMID 9187381DOI 10.1016/s0378-4347(96)00460-4PUB-09187381

Full text at the publisher2 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was given (plus 2 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

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Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 2004

2 results

Formation equilibria of nickel complexes with glycyl-histidyl-lysine and two synthetic analogues.

Conato et al. 2004Journal of inorganic biochemistrycited by 7

PMID 14659644DOI 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2003.09.010PUB-14659644

Full text at the publisher2 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

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Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 2023

3 results

GHK peptide prevents sleep-deprived learning impairment in aging mice.

Rosenfeld et al. 2023Aging pathobiology and therapeuticscited by 7

PMID 37035833PMC10081520DOI 10.31491/apt.2023.03.109PUB-37035833

Rights unknown3 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was given

Source link See results (3)

Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 1999

5 results

Immobilization of tripeptide growth factor glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine on poly(vinylalcohol)-quarternized stilbazole (PVA-SbQ) and its use as a ligand for hepatocyte attachment.

Kawase et al. 1999Biological & pharmaceutical bulletincited by 6

PMID 10513632DOI 10.1248/bpb.22.999PUB-10513632

Full text at the publisher5 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

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In vitro (cells) · rat · 1995

5 results

Glycyl-histidyl-lysine interacts with the angiotensin II AT1 receptor.

García-Sáinz et al. 1995Peptidescited by 5

PMID 8545239DOI 10.1016/0196-9781(95)02015-oPUB-08545239

Full text at the publisher4 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was given (plus 1 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

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Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 2015

10 results

In vitro studies of antimicrobial activity of Gly-His-Lys conjugates as potential and promising candidates for therapeutics in skin and tissue infections.

Kukowska et al. 2015Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letterscited by 5

PMID 25556094DOI 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.12.029PUB-25556094

Full text at the publisher10 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

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Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 1995

7 results

Binding of the growth factor glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine by heparin.

Rabenstein et al. 1995FEBS letterscited by 4

PMID 7498545DOI 10.1016/0014-5793(95)01286-5PUB-07498545

Full text at the publisher7 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

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In vitro (cells) · 1980

5 results

Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a growth promoting factor for human cells.

Williams et al. 1980Cytobioscited by 3

PMID 7418444PUB-07418444

Full text at the publisher3 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was given (plus 2 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

Publisher page See results (5)

Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 2007

7 results

New GHK hydrophobic derivatives: interaction with phospholipid bilayers.

Almiñana et al. 2007Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfacescited by 3

PMID 17383163DOI 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2007.02.006PUB-17383163

Full text at the publisher7 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

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Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 2024

10 results

Evaluation of GHK peptide-heparin interactions in multifunctional liposomal covering.

Nikolaeva et al. 2024Journal of liposome researchcited by 3

PMID 37144381DOI 10.1080/08982104.2023.2206894PUB-37144381

Full text at the publisher10 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was a tool, carrier or part of a combination

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Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 2017

3 results

Effects of Tripeptide Gly-His-Lys in Pain-Induced Aggressive-Defensive Behavior in Rats.

LА et al. 2017Bulletin of experimental biology and medicinecited by 2

PMID 29181666DOI 10.1007/s10517-017-3943-3PUB-29181666

Full text at the publisher2 results where GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) was given (plus 1 on tools or combinations, listed separately)

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More studies

2 studies

PubMed tag: none · 1977

Growth-modulating serum tripeptide is glycyl-histidyl-lysine.

Schlesinger et al. 1977Experientiacited by 22

PMID 858356DOI 10.1007/bf02002806PUB-00858356

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

Indexing hint: Animal study · 1987

Effects of glycyl-histidyl-lysine on Morris hepatoma 7777 cells.

Barra et al. 1987Cytobioscited by 3

PMID 3319436PUB-03319436

Full text at the publisher

Publisher page

No result for GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) (1 study on this page, 2 in all)

These studies name GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) but give no result for it (for example, the results concern another peptide in the study).

PubMed tag: none · 2012

Next-generation personalized drug discovery: the tripeptide GHK hits center stage in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Meiners et al. 2012Genome medicinecited by 7

PMID 22999295PMC3580440DOI 10.1186/gm371PUB-22999295

Rights unknown

Source link

Newer studies

PepBank reads each paper before it shows the results. This search looks in Europe PMC for newer papers that PepBank has not read yet.

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) studies: 27 papers with results

Page 1 of 1

Hydrogels based on low-methoxyl amidated citrus pectin and flaxseed gum formulated with tripeptide glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine improve the healing of experimental cutting wounds in rats.
Synytsya A · International journal of biological macromolecules · 2020
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 10 results
Morphological features of bone healing under the effect of collagen-graft-glycosaminoglycan copolymer supplemented with the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys.
Pohunková H · Biomaterials · 1996
Animal study (in vivo) · guinea-pigs · 5 results
Anxiolytic effects of Gly-His-Lys peptide and its analogs.
Bobyntsev II · Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2015
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 6 results
GHK peptide prevents sleep-deprived learning impairment in aging mice.
Rosenfeld M · Aging pathobiology and therapeutics · 2023
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 3 results
Simultaneous determination of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and its metabolite, L-histidyl-L-lysine, in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with post-column derivatization.
Endo T · Journal of chromatography. B, Biomedical sciences and applications · 1997
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 4 results
Effects of Tripeptide Gly-His-Lys in Pain-Induced Aggressive-Defensive Behavior in Rats.
Sever'yanova LА · Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2017
Animal study (in vivo) · rat · 3 results
[Effect of Gly-His-Lys peptide and its analogs on pain sensitivity in mice].
Bobyntsev II · Eksperimental'naia i klinicheskaia farmakologiia · 2015
Animal study (in vivo) · mouse · 4 results
[Pharmacological correction of immuno-metabolic disorders with the peptide Gly-His-Lys in hepatic damage induced by tetrachloromethane].
Smakhtin MIu · Patologicheskaia fiziologiia i eksperimental'naia terapiia · 2003
Animal study (in vivo) · 7 results
[The role of collagen implants containing the tripeptide gly-his-lys in bone healing process.].
Adam M · Acta chirurgiae orthopaedicae et traumatologiae Cechoslovaca · 1995
Animal study (in vivo) · minipig · 6 results
Tripeptide Gly-His-Lys is a hepatotropic immunosuppressor.
Smakhtin MY · Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2002
Other design · 3 results
Effect of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine on the proliferation and synthetic activity of chick embryo chondrocytes.
Pesáková V · Biomaterials · 1995
In vitro (cells) · chick · 5 results
Glycyl-histidyl-lysine interacts with the angiotensin II AT1 receptor.
García-Sáinz JA · Peptides · 1995
In vitro (cells) · rat · 5 results
Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a growth promoting factor for human cells.
Williams MV · Cytobios · 1980
In vitro (cells) · 5 results
Glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) is a quencher of alpha,beta-4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal: a comparison with carnosine. insights into the mechanism of reaction by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, and computational techniques.
Beretta G · Chemical research in toxicology · 2007
In vitro (cell-free) · 6 results
Acrolein sequestering ability of the endogenous tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK): characterization of conjugation products by ESI-MSn and theoretical calculations.
Beretta G · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis · 2008
In vitro (cell-free) · 5 results
A therapeutic approach for diabetic wound healing using biotinylated GHK incorporated collagen matrices.
Arul V · Life sciences · 2007
Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 12 results
Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine as a novel co-former in co-amorphous systems: Enhanced aqueous solubility and physical stability.
Huang Q · European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences · 2026
Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 11 results
In vitro studies of antimicrobial activity of Gly-His-Lys conjugates as potential and promising candidates for therapeutics in skin and tissue infections.
Kukowska M · Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters · 2015
Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 10 results
Evaluation of GHK peptide-heparin interactions in multifunctional liposomal covering.
Nikolaeva V · Journal of liposome research · 2024
Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 10 results
Binding of the growth factor glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine by heparin.
Rabenstein DL · FEBS letters · 1995
Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 7 results
New GHK hydrophobic derivatives: interaction with phospholipid bilayers.
Almiñana N · Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces · 2007
Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 7 results
Oxidized alginate hydrogels with the GHK peptide enhance cord blood mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis: A paradigm for metabolomics-based evaluation of biomaterial design.
Klontzas ME · Acta biomaterialia · 2019
Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 6 results
Determination of the microscopic and macroscopic acid dissociation constants of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and related histidine peptides.
Rabenstein DL · Biochemistry · 1977
Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 5 results
Immobilization of tripeptide growth factor glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine on poly(vinylalcohol)-quarternized stilbazole (PVA-SbQ) and its use as a ligand for hepatocyte attachment.
Kawase M · Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin · 1999
Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 5 results
Effectiveness of polyamidoamine dendrimers modified with tripeptide growth factor, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, for enhancement of function of hepatoma cells.
Kawase M · Journal of bioscience and bioengineering · 1999
Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 3 results
Formation equilibria of nickel complexes with glycyl-histidyl-lysine and two synthetic analogues.
Conato C · Journal of inorganic biochemistry · 2004
Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 2 results
H-Gly-His psi (NHCO)Lys-OH, partially modified retro-inverso analogue of the growth factor glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine with enhanced enzymatic stability.
Dalpozzo A · International journal of peptide and protein research · 1993
Not a test of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) alone · 1 result

Status and safety

Regulatory and safety

Approval and sport status, and the safety outcomes reported in study results. Laws and labels change, so check the regulator for the current status.

Regulatory status by jurisdiction, with date and source
Jurisdiction	Body	Status	As of	Source
US	FDA	The openFDA active-ingredient search returned no matches for prezatide, GHK, tripeptide-1, or glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. The FDA 503A nomination document lists GHK-Cu for non-injectable routes. The FDA safety page names injectable GHK-Cu. These entries do not establish free-GHK eligibility. The 503B nomination document contains no free-GHK entry under these names. Compounding eligibility remains unresolved. Sources: https://www.fda.gov/media/94155/download?attachment and https://www.fda.gov/media/94164/download and https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/certain-bulk-drug-substances-use-compounding-may-present-significant-safety-risks	13 Oct 2026	api.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
EU	EMA	The EMA medicines file contains no prezatide, GHK, glycyl, or tripeptide match on 2026-10-13. This check covers central authorisations only. This review did not check orphan designations or national authorisations.	13 Oct 2026	ema.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
Sport	WADA	Status unknown The cited WADA 2026 PDF and the official list page returned empty content during this review.	2026 List	wada-ama.org (opens in a new tab)

Safety outcomes

2 safety results for GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine).

No safety results from studies in people

The safety results below come from animal or lab studies. They do not show what happens in people.

Animal evidence· 2

In toxic liver damage, Gly-His-Lys at 150 mu/kg deteriorated serum biochemical indices.
Animal study (in vivo)
In toxic liver damage, Gly-His-Lys at 150 mu/kg worsened dystrophic liver changes.
Animal study (in vivo)

Doses studied · 11

The doses that these studies used. They are not recommendations.

0.5, 5, and 50 μg/kgAnimal
Species
rats
Route
intraperitoneal
Duration
Not reported
Design
Animal study (in vivo)
0.5 μg/kgAnimal
Species
rats
Route
intraperitoneal
Duration
Not reported
Design
Animal study (in vivo)
15 mg/kg per dayAnimal
Species
mice
Route
injection
Duration
five days
Design
Animal study (in vivo)
5, 15, 50 and 150 μg/kgAnimal
Species
rats
Route
intraperitoneal
Duration
Not reported
Design
Animal study (in vivo)
0.5, 1.5, 5, 15, and 50 mg/kgAnimal
Species
mice
Route
intraperitoneal
Duration
Not reported
Design
Animal study (in vivo)
2.5 mu/kgAnimal
Species
Not reported
Route
intraperitoneal
Duration
10-day
Design
Animal study (in vivo)

Doses studied in the study results, as given in the studies.
Dose as reported	Class	Species	Route	Duration	Design
0.5, 5, and 50 μg/kg	Animal	rats	intraperitoneal	Not reported	Animal study (in vivo)
0.5 μg/kg	Animal	rats	intraperitoneal	Not reported	Animal study (in vivo)
15 mg/kg per day	Animal	mice	injection	five days	Animal study (in vivo)
5, 15, 50 and 150 μg/kg	Animal	rats	intraperitoneal	Not reported	Animal study (in vivo)
0.5, 1.5, 5, 15, and 50 mg/kg	Animal	mice	intraperitoneal	Not reported	Animal study (in vivo)
2.5 mu/kg	Animal	Not reported	intraperitoneal	10-day	Animal study (in vivo)

6 of 11 shown

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.

Data

Data and API

Data version, change history and code for this peptide.

Data version 30856030 Oct 2026

Peptide

Peptide id: PEP-000024
Peptide version: 10
Peptide hash: 3ca814bcf7616882…
Data version: 308560

Latest changes

27 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 256687
22 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 254519
21 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 213615
14 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 212206
14 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 198202
14 Oct 2026UpdatedData version 194689

For developers

curl -s https://pepbank.io/v1/briefs/ghk

Evidence summary for GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine): counts by class, key results with sources, notices, data version.

Peptide as JSON Evidence summary as JSON

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Bone and jointMusculoskeletal	No results	Animal: 2 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 5 results from 1 study: 3 increase, 2 not reported. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	7
Receptor activity and mechanismPharmacology	No results	No results	Lab: 7 results from 3 studies: 3 increase, 2 decrease, 2 not reported. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	7
Liver fat and liver functionLiver	No results	Animal: 6 results from 2 studies: 4 increase, 2 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	6
Wound healingSkin and wound	No results	Animal: 5 results from 1 study: 3 increase, 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	5
Anxiety and moodMental health and mood	No results	Animal: 4 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	4
Immune responseImmune and inflammation	No results	Animal: 4 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 2 decrease, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	4
Cell proliferation and differentiationCancer	No results	No results	Lab: 3 results from 1 study: 2 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	3
PainNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 2 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	2
PharmacokineticsPharmacology	No results	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 2 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	2
Cognition and memoryNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	1
Inflammation markersNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	1
Oxidative stressNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	1

Outcome group	Human	Animal	Lab	Computer model	Total
Bone and jointMusculoskeletal	No results	Animal: 2 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	Lab: 5 results from 1 study: 3 increase, 2 not reported. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	7
Receptor activity and mechanismPharmacology	No results	No results	Lab: 7 results from 3 studies: 3 increase, 2 decrease, 2 not reported. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	7
Liver fat and liver functionLiver	No results	Animal: 6 results from 2 studies: 4 increase, 2 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	6
Wound healingSkin and wound	No results	Animal: 5 results from 1 study: 3 increase, 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	5
Anxiety and moodMental health and mood	No results	Animal: 4 results from 2 studies: 2 increase, 2 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	4
Immune responseImmune and inflammation	No results	Animal: 4 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 2 decrease, 1 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	4
Cell proliferation and differentiationCancer	No results	No results	Lab: 3 results from 1 study: 2 increase, 1 no significant change. Strongest design: In vitro (cells)	No results	3
PainNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 2 results from 2 studies: 1 increase, 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	2
PharmacokineticsPharmacology	No results	Animal: 2 results from 1 study: 2 not reported. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	2
Cognition and memoryNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	1
Inflammation markersNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	1
Oxidative stressNervous system and cognition	No results	Animal: 1 result from 1 study: 1 decrease. Strongest design: Animal study (in vivo)	No results	No results	1

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) studies and research data

GHK identity

Targets

Sequence and structure

Sequence

Properties

Net charge by pH

Composition

3D structure

2D structure

GHK results by year and outcome

What the studies measured

GHK studies on liver

GHK studies on immune system and inflammation

GHK studies on skin, hair and wounds

GHK studies on mood, stress and behavior

GHK studies on bones and joints

GHK studies on blood levels and clearance

GHK studies on pain

GHK studies on cells, genes and aging

GHK studies on memory and thinking

GHK studies on receptors and cell signals

GHK trials

Papers

Studies with results

Oxidized alginate hydrogels with the GHK peptide enhance cord blood mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis: A paradigm for metabolomics-based evaluation of biomaterial design.

A therapeutic approach for diabetic wound healing using biotinylated GHK incorporated collagen matrices.

Hydrogels based on low-methoxyl amidated citrus pectin and flaxseed gum formulated with tripeptide glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine improve the healing of experimental cutting wounds in rats.

Glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) is a quencher of alpha,beta-4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal: a comparison with carnosine. insights into the mechanism of reaction by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, and computational techniques.

Morphological features of bone healing under the effect of collagen-graft-glycosaminoglycan copolymer supplemented with the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys.

Acrolein sequestering ability of the endogenous tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK): characterization of conjugation products by ESI-MSn and theoretical calculations.

Effectiveness of polyamidoamine dendrimers modified with tripeptide growth factor, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, for enhancement of function of hepatoma cells.

Anxiolytic effects of Gly-His-Lys peptide and its analogs.

H-Gly-His psi (NHCO)Lys-OH, partially modified retro-inverso analogue of the growth factor glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine with enhanced enzymatic stability.

Effect of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine on the proliferation and synthetic activity of chick embryo chondrocytes.

Determination of the microscopic and macroscopic acid dissociation constants of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and related histidine peptides.

Simultaneous determination of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and its metabolite, L-histidyl-L-lysine, in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with post-column derivatization.

Formation equilibria of nickel complexes with glycyl-histidyl-lysine and two synthetic analogues.

GHK peptide prevents sleep-deprived learning impairment in aging mice.

Immobilization of tripeptide growth factor glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine on poly(vinylalcohol)-quarternized stilbazole (PVA-SbQ) and its use as a ligand for hepatocyte attachment.

Glycyl-histidyl-lysine interacts with the angiotensin II AT1 receptor.

In vitro studies of antimicrobial activity of Gly-His-Lys conjugates as potential and promising candidates for therapeutics in skin and tissue infections.

Binding of the growth factor glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine by heparin.

Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a growth promoting factor for human cells.

New GHK hydrophobic derivatives: interaction with phospholipid bilayers.

Evaluation of GHK peptide-heparin interactions in multifunctional liposomal covering.

Effects of Tripeptide Gly-His-Lys in Pain-Induced Aggressive-Defensive Behavior in Rats.

More studies

Growth-modulating serum tripeptide is glycyl-histidyl-lysine.

Effects of glycyl-histidyl-lysine on Morris hepatoma 7777 cells.

Next-generation personalized drug discovery: the tripeptide GHK hits center stage in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Newer studies

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) studies: 27 papers with results

Regulatory and safety

Animal evidence· 2

Doses studied · 11

Data and API

Peptide

Latest changes

For developers

Related peptides

GHK results by year and outcome

GHK studies on liver

GHK studies on immune system and inflammation

GHK studies on skin, hair and wounds

GHK studies on mood, stress and behavior

GHK studies on bones and joints

GHK studies on blood levels and clearance

GHK studies on pain

GHK studies on cells, genes and aging

GHK studies on memory and thinking

GHK studies on receptors and cell signals

GHK trials

Papers

Studies with results

Oxidized alginate hydrogels with the GHK peptide enhance cord blood mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis: A paradigm for metabolomics-based evaluation of biomaterial design.

A therapeutic approach for diabetic wound healing using biotinylated GHK incorporated collagen matrices.

Hydrogels based on low-methoxyl amidated citrus pectin and flaxseed gum formulated with tripeptide glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine improve the healing of experimental cutting wounds in rats.

Glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) is a quencher of alpha,beta-4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal: a comparison with carnosine. insights into the mechanism of reaction by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, and computational techniques.

Morphological features of bone healing under the effect of collagen-graft-glycosaminoglycan copolymer supplemented with the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys.