AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) vs Epithalon
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two anti-aging & longevity peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper)
Copper-chelating tripeptide structurally related to GHK-Cu but optimized for scalp and hair follicle applications. AHK-Cu activates hair follicle stem cells and prolongs the anagen (active growth) phase, making it a key research compound for androgenetic alopecia and diffuse hair loss. Used topically as an alternative or complement to minoxidil and finasteride.
Full profileEpithalon
Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from Epithalamin, a polypeptide extract of the pineal gland. It has been studied since the 1980s by Russian researchers, primarily Vladimir Khavinson, for its ability to activate telomerase and extend telomere length — one of the few compounds with direct evidence of telomere elongation in human cells.
Full profile| AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) | Epithalon | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Anti-Aging & Longevity | Anti-Aging & Longevity |
| Also known as | AHK copper peptide, Ala-His-Lys copper, hair growth copper peptide, AHK-copper complex | Epitalon, Epithalone, Tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Research-stage |
| Dosing range | 0.1%–1% %, Daily topical application (scalp) | 5mg–20mg mg, daily for 10–20 day cycles, 1–2x per year |
| Administration | Topical (scalp serum/solution), Subcutaneous (microneedling-assisted delivery) | Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (clinical studies), Intranasal |
| Key side effects | Mild scalp irritation, Contact dermatitis (rare), Temporary scalp redness or tingling, Transient scalp shedding at initiation (shedding phase) | Generally very well-tolerated, Injection site discomfort, Vivid dreams (commonly reported), Improved sleep depth (often reported as benefit) |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 2 references |
Key differences
- Administration: AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) — Topical (scalp serum/solution), Subcutaneous (microneedling-assisted delivery); Epithalon — Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (clinical studies), Intranasal.
- Dosing units differ: AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is dosed in %, Epithalon in mg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is typically Daily topical application (scalp); Epithalon is daily for 10–20 day cycles, 1–2x per year.
How each works
AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper)
AHK-Cu activates β-catenin/Wnt signaling in dermal papilla cells and promotes VEGF expression around hair follicles. Studies demonstrate extended anagen phase duration, increased follicle size, and upregulation of hair growth factors in treated scalp tissue. The copper component supports tyrosinase activity for follicle pigmentation and metalloenzymes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling around follicles.
Epithalon
Epithalon activates telomerase (hTERT), the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length. In vitro and animal studies show telomere elongation, extended cell lifespan, and reduced DNA oxidation. Russian clinical studies in aging populations report improved melatonin rhythms, immune function, and reduced cancer incidence over multi-year follow-up.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.