That would be GHK-Basic. It is copperless. It blends with the excess copper ions in the GHK-cu and conveniently reduces the sting.
Additionally:
Signaling Molecule for Tissue Repair : GHK Basic acts as an endogenous signal released during tissue injury, triggering processes like fibroblast migration and gene expression changes related to repair and regeneration. It is found in human plasma, saliva, and urine, with levels declining from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL at age 60.
Potent Antioxidant Activity : GHK Basic is a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytotoxic byproducts of lipid peroxidation (e.g., acrolein and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal). At 10µM, it can reduce ROS levels by nearly 50% in cells. Its ability to quench hydroxyl radicals is stronger than that of glutathione (GSH), a major cellular antioxidant.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects : In cellular models, GHK Basic reduces the expression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. It modulates inflammatory pathways, including NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling, which are central regulators of the body's inflammatory response.
Copper Homeostasis and Gene Regulation : While GHK Basic itself is copper-free, its primary biological function is intrinsically linked to copper. Its histidine residue has a high affinity for copper (II) ions, allowing it to act as a natural copper carrier. It modulates the expression of over 4,000 human genes, influencing pathways involved in tissue remodeling, oxidative stress response, and inflammation. Its gene-regulating effects are often studied in comparison to its copper-bound form.
