reviewed april 2026|next review october 2026|88 physicians psi has verified|3 published studies
DAHK Peptide
DAHK (aspartyl-alanyl-histidyl-lysine) is the N-terminal tetrapeptide of human serum albumin with the highest copper-binding affinity of any known peptide in human blood, studied for copper transport biochemistry rather than the tissue repair applications of GHK-Cu.
Evidence landscape: 3 published studies
0 published items under this slug.
- 3 Other research
DAHK (Asp-Ala-His-Lys) corresponds to residues 1-4 of human serum albumin, the most abundant protein in blood. Responsible for approximately 75% of copper transport in plasma.
The highest copper(II) binding affinity of any known peptide in human blood (logK = 12.1). This is a biochemistry research compound, not a therapeutic or cosmetic ingredient.
Studied for copper transport biochemistry and antioxidant properties through copper sequestration. Distinct from GHK-Cu's tissue repair and gene modulation applications.
PSI Assessment
DAHK is a biochemistry research compound, not a therapeutic or cosmetic peptide. It is the N-terminal tetrapeptide of human serum albumin, responsible for approximately 75% of copper transport in plasma. The copper-binding biochemistry is well-characterized (logK = 12.1, the highest affinity of any known peptide in human blood). The research focus is copper transport biology and antioxidant properties through copper sequestration. This is fundamentally different from GHK-Cu's tissue repair and gene modulation profile. No topical skincare or therapeutic applications have been developed.
The highest copper-binding affinity of any known peptide in human blood. Primary copper transport site on albumin. Research focus is copper biochemistry, not tissue repair.
DAHK (Asp-Ala-His-Lys) is the N-terminal tetrapeptide of human serum albumin, naturally occurring (the body's own) in blood. It has the highest copper(II) binding affinity of any known peptide in human blood, responsible for approximately 75% of plasma copper transport. The peptide has been studied for anti-inflammatory effects through ROS reduction and copper sequestration. It functions as a copper transport peptide, distinct from GHK-Cu's tissue repair mechanism. The research literature focuses on copper biochemistry rather than clinical applications. No topical skincare or standalone therapeutic products have been developed.
What the evidence supports
DAHK has the highest copper-binding affinity of any known peptide in human blood. It is the primary copper transport site on serum albumin. The copper-binding biochemistry is well-characterized.
What is not yet established
Whether DAHK has any topical skincare utility. Published studies under the specific cosmetic ingredient name. Whether copper chelation by DAHK produces biological effects distinct from GHK-Cu. Clinical applications of any kind.
Research Evidence
The findings below cover the copper transport biochemistry, the albumin biology, and the distinction from tissue repair peptides.
Evidence by condition
Evidence dimensions for DAHK. Copper-binding biochemistry is well-characterized. No therapeutic or cosmetic application data.
| Condition | Mechanism | Animal evidence | Human evidence | Replication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Transport | ||||
| Oxidative Stress | ||||
| Skin Health |
DAHK has the highest copper(II) binding affinity of any known peptide in human blood (logK = 12.1). It is the primary copper transport site on serum albumin, responsible for approximately 75% of plasma copper.
This is established biochemistry with strong replication. The copper-binding characterization is the most robust aspect of DAHK research.
DAHK demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects in cell culture through ROS reduction and NF-kB signaling modulation. The mechanism is attributed to copper sequestration.
Anti-inflammatory effects in cell culture do not predict therapeutic utility. Whether isolated DAHK provides benefit beyond what intact albumin already delivers is not established.
DAHK's research profile is fundamentally different from GHK-Cu. DAHK is a copper transport peptide studied for biochemistry. GHK-Cu is a tissue repair peptide with documented gene modulation across 4,000+ genes.
These are different compounds with different research trajectories. DAHK's value is in understanding copper biology, not as a therapeutic or cosmetic agent.
How DAHK Peptide Works
DAHK (Asp-Ala-His-Lys) is the N-terminal tetrapeptide of human serum albumin that coordinates Cu(II) with the highest affinity of any known peptide in human blood, functioning as the primary copper transport site in plasma.
Blood carries copper using this specific sequence on albumin, the most abundant protein in the bloodstream.
For a more detailed view of the biology, here is what researchers have observed at the molecular level.
N-terminal tetrapeptide of albumin (residues 1-4). Coordinates Cu(II). Responsible for ~75% of plasma copper transport.
What is DAHK Peptide being studied for?
Researchers are studying DAHK Peptide across several health conditions. Each condition below is labeled with the strength of evidence that exists for that specific use, not for DAHK Peptide overall. This means a compound can have human studies for one condition but only animal data for another.
Copper Transport
·Animal StudiesDAHK is the primary copper transport site on serum albumin. The copper-binding biochemistry is well-characterized with strong replication across multiple research groups.
Limitations: This is a biochemistry finding, not a therapeutic application. Whether understanding copper transport translates to clinical utility for isolated DAHK is not established.
Oxidative Stress
·PreclinicalCell culture studies show DAHK reduces reactive oxygen species through copper sequestration. SOD-mimetic activity is demonstrated in vitro.
Limitations: All antioxidant data is from cell culture. No in vivo studies of DAHK as an antioxidant agent. Whether isolated DAHK provides benefit beyond intact albumin is not established.
Skin Health
·PreclinicalDAHK is sometimes included in copper peptide discussions for skincare. The rationale is copper delivery to skin.
Limitations: No published studies support DAHK for topical skincare applications. The compound's research profile is copper biochemistry, not cosmetic use.
Safety and Regulatory Status
FDA Status: Not regulated as a drug or cosmetic ingredient. Research compound.
Availability: Available as a research reagent. Not marketed in consumer products as a standalone ingredient.
Class context: Naturally occurring (the body's own) N-terminal albumin tetrapeptide. Present in all human blood as part of serum albumin. Copper transport biochemistry compound.
Naturally occurring (the body's own) in blood as part of serum albumin. No safety concerns from this naturally present peptide. Isolated DAHK applications are research-focused only.
Peptide Structure
Technical molecular data for researchers and clinicians.
Questions and Comparisons
Questions the evidence raises for a DAHK Peptide discussion.
Comparison and Related Research
DAHK is most often compared with GHK-Cu (tissue repair, different mechanism), alanyl-histidyl-lysine copper (AHK-Cu, hair growth focus), and the broader copper peptide family.
Related compounds
Frequently Asked Questions
References
Each citation links to the original study on PubMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine database.
- 1.Characterization of the DAHK tetrapeptide as the N-terminal copper-binding site of human serum albumin. The study established the high copper(II) affinity (logK = 12.1) and the anti-inflammatory properties through ROS reduction and NF-kB signaling modulation.Bar-Or D et al., 2003 in Biochem Biophys Res Commun. View on PubMed
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects published research as indexed by PSI and should not be used to make treatment decisions. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment.