GHK-Cu for Tendons

GHK-Cu for tendons, or is this really a skin story?

Thread summary

Mostly extrapolation. (shared by @LabRatLouis)
One clinical point people miss: copper status matters. (shared by @PharmD_Nadia)
I looked into it for post-op scar tissue. (shared by @rotator_cuff_rick)

Top answer from @LabRatLouis. Jump to reply

posted by copper_curious OP 2mo ago

I have professional history with GHK-Cu on the skin side, where the literature is genuinely decent. Collagen types I and III, glycosaminoglycans, remodeling gene expression, antioxidant support. Dermatology has taken it seriously for a long time. Then I tore something in my thumb and started seeing GHK-Cu listed in tendon recovery stacks, and I could not find the tendon evidence I assumed must exist. Is there any, or is the whole thing an extrapolation from skin?

Collagen is a process, not a purchase.

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LabRatLouis Top answerBoston, MA10 points2mo ago

Mostly extrapolation. There is limited in vitro and animal work on tenocyte collagen expression, but zero human tendon trials. People see collagen activity in skin data and assume it transfers to tendons. Plausible, but unproven and far less supported than other peptides.

Preclinical is not a promise.

copper_curiousOPMiami, FL10 points2mo ago

That matches what I found. Sounds like it belongs under general connective tissue support rather than a real tendon therapy.

Collagen is a process, not a purchase.

PharmD_NadiaPhoenix, AZ4 points2mo ago

One clinical point people miss: copper status matters. Since it is a copper complex, Wilson's disease or copper overload are hard contraindications. Check your full supplement stack because many people take extra copper without realizing it. Basic safety check for this molecule.

If the vial looks cloudy, the answer is no.

rotator_cuff_rickNaperville, IL4 points2mo ago

I looked into it for post-op scar tissue. Any actual data on scar quality in surgical repairs?

Two years of patience beat six months of panic.

LabRatLouisBoston, MA7 points2mo ago

Wound healing and scar quality have solid data, but that is strictly cutaneous. A skin incision and internal shoulder repair are completely different tissues.

Preclinical is not a promise.

copper_curiousOPMiami, FL6 points2mo ago

I still use it for skin, but I stopped telling clients it does anything for joints.

Collagen is a process, not a purchase.