Pal-AHK (topical) (200mg)

Description

Pal-AHK Peptide

Pal-AHK is a synthetic peptide composed of amino acids alanine, histidine, and lysine, with the addition of a palmitoyl group. Studies have only investigated the potential properties of AHK. Still, Pal-AHK likely has similar potential since adding palmitoyl to the AHK molecule may not significantly alter the compound’s mechanism of action. Palmitoyl may enhance a compound’s ability to penetrate the skin cells of various species, making it potentially more impactful in delivering any action. Research in AHK indicates one of the key potential properties of AHK and Pal-AHK may be an ability to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for skin integrity.

Collagen is a major structural protein that provides strength and elasticity to the skin, while elastin is responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and flexibility. Increasing these proteins’ production may improve skin texture, firmness, and hydration. In addition to its potential for collagen and elastin production, Pal-AHK may also exhibit anti-oxidative benefits. Oxidative stress is a major factor in the aging process, as it causes damage to cells and tissues. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, the main cause of oxidative stress. By scavenging these free radicals, antioxidants can help prevent or reduce aging signs, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Studies have suggested that Pal-AHK may also have the potential to induce hair growth due to anti-oxidative action and interaction with various molecules and growth factors. Examples include transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Bcl-2/Bax ratio, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), caspase-3, poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and others.

Chemical Makeup

Molecular formula: C₃₁H₅₆N₆O₅
Molecular weight: 592.8

Research and Clinical Studies

Pal-AHK Peptide and Antioxidation

Tripeptide AHK was first developed from albumin hydrolysate.⁽²⁾⁽²⁾ The addition of palmitoyl may improve the permeability of the peptide through skin cells while preserving any anti-oxidative potential. Scientists report that the tripeptide may reduce the expression of TGF-β1.⁽³⁾  TGF-β1 is a molecule that supports the formation of new blood vessels, and considered to stimulate the production of extracellular matrix components, regulating the inflammatory response. Excessive activity may lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage in certain contexts. Thus, reducing TGF-β1 levels in the skin may help to mitigate this action. The potential antioxidant properties of Pal-AHK are attributable to its unique amino acid composition. ⁽⁴⁾ Researchers suggest that the peptide “provides an increased dermal cell multiplication and viability to help to the production of collagen.” Researchers posit that AHK may enhance dermal cell multiplication and viability, possibly contributing to the production of collagen.

Pal-AHK Peptide and Hair

No research exists on the impact of Pal-AHK on hair growth. Still, other derivatives of AHK suggest that similar compounds may possibly promote the growth of hair follicles via the proliferation of dermal papilla cells and blocking their apoptosis.⁽⁵⁾ The researchers suggested that AHK “stimulated the elongation of […] hair follicles […] and the proliferation of DPCs.”

Pal-AHK may achieve similar potential by elevating the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and reducing negative growth factors such as cleaved caspase-3 and PARP. The Bcl-2/Bax ratio plays an important role in the regulation of apoptosis. Bcl-2 is considered an anti-apoptotic protein that inhibits cell death, while Bax is a pro-apoptotic protein that promotes cell death. Thus, a higher Bcl-2/Bax ratio would indicate a predominance of Bcl-2, which inhibits apoptosis and promotes cell survival.

Pal-AHK’s potential to promote hair growth by preventing dermal papilla cell apoptosis also involves reducing the levels of the cleaved forms of caspase-3 and PARP. According to research, this possibly significantly lowered apoptosis levels in these cell types.⁽⁶⁾ Furthermore, studies report that Pal-AHK may increase the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which, combined with reducing TGF-β1 may also help reduce hair shedding and promote hair growth.⁽⁷⁾

VEGF is a protein that plays an important role in angiogenesis. It is also thought to promote the growth of blood vessels around hair follicles, which may help supply nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicle and support hair growth.

Pal-AHK Peptide and Skin

Although blocking TGF-β1 tends to have antiproliferative action, Pal-AHK may stimulate the proliferation of skin cells and collagen synthesis via other pathways. The specific potential of Pal-AHK on the skin are yet to be investigated, but the main molecule -AHK, has been suggested by researchers to yield positive properties in preliminary laboratory research. One such potential is the viability and proliferation of dermal fibroblasts, key cells responsible for producing skin’s essential proteins, including collagen.

Studies using normal dermal fibroblasts found that AHK appeared to increase cell growth and viability while potentially promoting the production of collagen type I.⁽⁸⁾ This was determined by isolating the amount of collagen type I produced by fibroblasts in cell culture after incubation with various amounts of AHK. Results suggested that AHK may increase collagen type I production, with studies reporting a 300% increase compared to a control group. The findings suggest that AHK may potentially renew the extracellular matrix.

Pal-AHK peptide is available for research and laboratory purposes only. Please review and adhere to our Terms and Conditions before ordering.

References:

1. Tsuge, N., Eikawa, Y., Nomura, Y., Yamamoto, M., & Sugisawa, K. (1991). The anti-oxidative activity of peptides prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of egg-white albumin. Journal of the Agricultural Chemical Society of Japan.
2. Shimura, H., Tanaka, R., Shimada, Y., Yamashiro, K., Hattori, N., & Urabe, T. (2017). Glycyl-alanyl-histidine protects PC12 cells against hydrogen peroxide toxicity. BMC biochemistry, 18(1), 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12858-017-0089-x
3. Nirmal, B. (2018). Key MessAges. IADVL Textbook of Trichology, 163.
4. Kecel-Gunduza, S., Kocb, E., Bicaka, B., Kokcub, Y., Ozela, A. E., & Akyuzc, S. (2020). IN SILICO ANALYSIS FOR CHARACTERIZING THE STRUCTURE AND BINDING PROPERTIES OF ALA-HIS-LYS (AHK) TRIPEPTIDE. The Online Journal of Science and Technology-July, 10(3).
5. Pyo, H. K., Yoo, H. G., Won, C. H., Lee, S. H., Kang, Y. J., Eun, H. C., Cho, K. H., & Kim, K. H. (2007). The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Archives of pharmacal research, 30(7), 834–839. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02978833
6. Anastassakis, K. (2022). Copper Tripeptides Copper tripeptides. In Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z: Vol. 2 Drugs, Herbs, Nutrition and Supplements (pp. 225-230). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
7. Sadgrove, N. J., & Simmonds, M. S. J. (2021). Topical and nutricosmetic products for healthy hair and dermal antiaging using “dual-acting” (2 for 1) plant-based peptides, hormones, and cannabinoids. FASEB bioAdvances, 3(8), 601–610. https://doi.org/10.1096/fba.2021-00022
8. Patt, L. M., & Procyte, A. (2009). Neova® DNA Repair Factor Nourishing Lotion Stimulates Collagen and Speeds Natural Repair Process. skin, 1, 2.

NOTE: These products are intended for laboratory research use only. Pal-AHK (topical) for sale (200mg) is not intended for personal use. Please review and adhere to our Terms and Conditions before ordering.

Dr. Marinov

Dr. Marinov (MD, Ph.D.) is a researcher and chief assistant professor in Preventative Medicine & Public Health. Prior to his professorship, Dr. Marinov practiced preventative, evidence-based medicine with an emphasis on Nutrition and Dietetics. He is widely published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and specializes in peptide therapy research.