GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) vs TB-500
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two healing & recovery peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide)
The free tripeptide component of GHK-Cu before copper complexation. GHK naturally occurs in human plasma, saliva, and urine and promotes wound healing, collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory activity. While it readily chelates copper to form GHK-Cu in vivo, research distinguishes the independent effects of free GHK from the copper-complexed form on gene expression and tissue remodeling.
Full profileTB-500
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, an endogenous protein involved in cell migration, tissue repair, and inflammation regulation. It has shown significant healing properties in preclinical models across muscle, tendon, ligament, and cardiac tissue.
Full profile| GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) | TB-500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Healing & Recovery | Healing & Recovery |
| Also known as | GHK tripeptide, Gly-His-Lys, copper chelating tripeptide, GHK free tripeptide | Thymosin Beta-4, Tβ4, TB500 |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Preclinical only |
| Dosing range | 0.5mg–2mg mg, Daily or every other day (topical or SC) | 2mg–10mg mg, twice weekly (loading), weekly (maintenance) |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, Topical (cream/serum) | Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection |
| Key side effects | Minimal reported side effects, Mild injection site irritation, Rare topical sensitization, No significant systemic effects at research doses | Head rush / lightheadedness (transient), Lethargy at higher doses, Injection site discomfort, Nausea (rare) |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 2 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) is research-stage, while TB-500 is preclinical only.
- Administration: GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) — Subcutaneous injection, Topical (cream/serum); TB-500 — Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection.
- Frequency: GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) is typically Daily or every other day (topical or SC); TB-500 is twice weekly (loading), weekly (maintenance).
How each works
GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide)
Free GHK directly upregulates collagen, elastin, and laminin synthesis in fibroblasts through TGF-β pathway activation and metalloproteinase modulation. Loren Pickart's decades of research identified GHK as a potent tissue remodeling signal whose plasma concentrations decline with age. At physiologic concentrations, GHK resets approximately 31% of dysregulated gene expression associated with aging back toward a younger phenotype.
TB-500
TB-500 promotes healing by upregulating actin, which drives cell migration to injury sites. Animal studies show accelerated repair of muscle tears, tendon injuries, and corneal wounds. It also demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties and has been studied for cardiac tissue repair following ischemic injury.
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.