Longevity & AgingGHK-Cu Copper Peptide Extends Lifespan by Boosting Mitochondria and Stress Defenses
Researchers tested GHK-Cu — a copper complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide Glycine-Histidine-Lysine found in human plasma — in C. elegans worms and found it significantly extended lifespan while improving multiple markers of health. The compound preserved mitochondrial structure and energy production, prevented age-related fragmentation of mitochondrial networks, and activated two well-established longevity pathways: DAF-16 (FOXO) and SKN-1 (Nrf2). Treated worms showed better movement, feeding, and stress resistance, plus reduced accumulation of aging pigment lipofuscin. This is the first study to mechanistically link GHK-Cu to coordinated mitochondrial and transcriptional anti-aging effects.
