GHK-Cu 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.
GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It plays a role in wound healing, skin regeneration, and anti-inflammatory signaling. Levels decline significantly with age, which has driven interest in topical and injectable supplementation.
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| GHK-Cu | Humanin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Anti-Aging & Longevity | Anti-Aging & Longevity |
| Also known as | Copper Peptide GHK-Cu, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper, Copper Tripeptide-1 | HN, HNG (Gly14-Humanin — more potent analog), Mitochondrial-derived peptide |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Research-stage |
| Dosing range | 1mg–3mg mg, daily to every other day (injectable); twice daily (topical) | 100mcg–2mg mcg, Daily or 3–5x weekly |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, Topical application (cream, serum — most common consumer use), Intradermal injection (skincare clinics) | Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal (for CNS applications), Intravenous (clinical studies) |
| Key side effects | Injection site redness (transient), Mild skin irritation with topical (typically resolves with reduced frequency), Rarely reported: metallic taste (with injectable use at higher doses) | 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 | 4 references | 3 references |
Key differences
- Administration: GHK-Cu — Subcutaneous injection, Topical application (cream, serum — most common consumer use), Intradermal injection (skincare clinics); Humanin — Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal (for CNS applications), Intravenous (clinical studies).
- Dosing units differ: GHK-Cu is dosed in mg, Humanin in mcg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: GHK-Cu is typically daily to every other day (injectable); twice daily (topical); Humanin is Daily or 3–5x weekly.
- Research depth: this profile cites 4 sources for GHK-Cu vs 3 for Humanin.
How each works
GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu has been studied for its ability to stimulate collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promote wound healing, and exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Gene-expression work by Pickart and colleagues found GHK altered expression (>50% up or down) in roughly 32% of assayed human genes — the basis of the widely-cited '~4,000 genes' figure. Its evidence is strongest for in-vitro and topical/cosmetic use; robust human trials of injectable/systemic GHK-Cu are lacking.
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.