GHK Basic

The Regenerative Copper-Free Tripeptide

What is GHK Basic?

GHK, short for Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine, is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It plays a fundamental role in tissue repair, gene regulation, and cell signaling. In its basic (non-copper-bound) form, GHK is the foundational molecule behind the more widely known GHK-Cu, but it still exhibits powerful biological and regenerative functions—particularly when administered via injectable routes.

GHK Basic is being explored for its systemic effects on inflammation control, wound healing, skin rejuvenation, hair growth, and anti-aging at the genomic level.

Key Difference: GHK Basic is the unbound version of GHK-Cu and can bind to copper ions in vivo, but without pre-loading the peptide. This provides more targeted copper utilization and may reduce risks associated with excess copper.

Biological Functions of GHK

GHK has been shown to:

  • Regulate over 4,000 human genes involved in repair, immunity, and remodeling
  • Activate tissue remodeling enzymes like metalloproteinases
  • Modulate TGF-β and other cytokines to reduce chronic inflammation
  • Stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen/elastin synthesis
  • Promote angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)

These effects make GHK Basic a potent system-wide repair signal, even without the copper molecule attached.

Reference: Pickart L, Margolina A. “GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration.” BioMed Research International. 2015;2015:648108. doi:10.1155/2015/648108

Why Injectable GHK Basic?

While topical GHK-Cu is popular for skin and hair applications, injectable GHK Basic offers systemic benefits, allowing the peptide to circulate and act on internal organs, vasculature, and connective tissues.

Advantages of Injectable GHK Basic:

  • Bypasses digestive degradation
  • Enables full-body tissue regeneration
  • Delivers precise, modulated copper binding in vivo
  • Allows higher bioavailability for anti-aging and recovery use
  • Suitable for joint, skin, lung, and neurological support

Clinical and Experimental Benefits

🔬 Anti-Aging and Gene Modulation

  • Reverses gene expression associated with aging
  • Downregulates pro-inflammatory and cancer-associated genes
  • Supports cellular detoxification, DNA repair, and stem cell pathways

🛠️ Tissue Healing and Wound Repair

  • Accelerates healing in skin, tendon, muscle, and nerve tissue
  • Supports recovery from surgery, trauma, and overuse injuries

💆 Skin, Hair, and Collagen Support

  • Promotes skin elasticity and reduces fine lines
  • Encourages hair follicle activity and scalp repair
  • May reduce hyperpigmentation and scar formation

🧠 Neuroprotective Effects

  • Shown in models to enhance cognitive resilience and protect neurons
  • May support mood stabilization and mental clarity

Reference: Hong Y, et al. “GHK peptide regulates stem cells and prevents cellular senescence.” Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:7307634.

Dosing and Protocol (Research Use)

Injectable GHK Basic is typically administered subcutaneously (SC) or intramuscularly (IM), depending on the desired outcome.

Common experimental dosing:

  • Daily dose: 2–5 mg SC once daily or in split doses
  • Cycle length: 20–30 days, repeated 2–3x per year for anti-aging or recovery
  • Localized use: May be injected near joints or injury sites for targeted repair

It is often stacked with BPC-157, TB-500, or KPV for enhanced healing protocols.

Injectable GHK Basic may bind to endogenous copper in circulation, which can help prevent excess systemic copper exposure associated with GHK-Cu megadosing.

Safety and Side Effects

GHK is endogenous, meaning it is naturally produced by the body and well-tolerated. Injectable GHK Basic has not shown toxicity or adverse effects in available preclinical studies or anecdotal use.

Reported effects:

  • Mild increase in energy and sleep quality
  • Healthier skin tone and complexion
  • Injection site irritation (rare and mild)

No hormonal suppression, liver toxicity, or cardiovascular risk has been documented in responsible use.

Reference: Pickart L. “The Human Tripeptide GHK and Tissue Remodeling.” Journal of Biomaterials Science. 2010;21(4):545–563.

Conclusion

GHK Basic is one of the most versatile and scientifically supported peptides in regenerative and anti-aging medicine. Whether used to accelerate recovery, reverse age-related cellular decline, improve skin and hair quality, or modulate inflammation, GHK Basic offers a non-hormonal, naturally intelligent approach to healing and longevity.

When combined with proper nutrition, activity, and biohacking protocols, GHK Basic can be a cornerstone in systemic rejuvenation and performance optimization.