AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) vs Humanin
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 profileHumanin
Humanin is a 21-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of the mitochondrial genome — discovered in 2001 through a screen for neuroprotective factors in Alzheimer's disease. It is the founding member of a new class of peptide hormones encoded by mitochondria, not nuclear DNA. Circulating humanin levels decline sharply with age and are inversely correlated with cardiovascular disease risk, insulin resistance, and cognitive decline.
Full profile| AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) | Humanin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Anti-Aging & Longevity | Anti-Aging & Longevity |
| Also known as | AHK copper peptide, Ala-His-Lys copper, hair growth copper peptide, AHK-copper complex | HN, HNG (Gly14-Humanin — more potent analog), Mitochondrial-derived peptide |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Research-stage |
| Dosing range | 0.1%–1% %, Daily topical application (scalp) | 100mcg–2mg mcg, Daily or 3–5x weekly |
| Administration | Topical (scalp serum/solution), Subcutaneous (microneedling-assisted delivery) | Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal (for CNS applications), Intravenous (clinical studies) |
| Key side effects | Mild scalp irritation, Contact dermatitis (rare), Temporary scalp redness or tingling, Transient scalp shedding at initiation (shedding phase) | Generally well-tolerated in animal studies, No significant adverse effects reported at research doses, Potential interaction with GH/IGF-1 axis (IGF-1 suppresses humanin production), Long-term human safety data limited |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 3 references |
Key differences
- Administration: AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) — Topical (scalp serum/solution), Subcutaneous (microneedling-assisted delivery); Humanin — Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal (for CNS applications), Intravenous (clinical studies).
- Dosing units differ: AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is dosed in %, Humanin in mcg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is typically Daily topical application (scalp); Humanin is Daily or 3–5x weekly.
- Research depth: this profile cites 2 sources for AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) vs 3 for Humanin.
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.
Humanin
Humanin acts through multiple receptors (CNTFR/WSX-1/gp130 trimeric complex and FPRL1) to exert neuroprotection, cardioprotection, and metabolic effects. Key findings: humanin inhibits neuronal apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease models by blocking IGFBP-3 death signaling, reduces cardiovascular disease markers in clinical studies, improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic models, and reduces oxidative stress. IGF-1 downregulates humanin production — individuals on GH/IGF-1 therapies may have suppressed endogenous humanin. Centenarians have elevated humanin levels compared to age-matched controls.
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.