Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| GHK-Cu | MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Growth Factors | Growth Factors |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 1-2 mg daily via subcutaneous injection, or topical application at 1-3% concentration in cream/serum. | Research indicates 100-200 mcg per injection site, administered bilaterally into target muscles immediately post-workout. |
| Timing | Evening administration preferred for skin rejuvenation (aligns with nocturnal repair cycles). Topical can be applied morning and evening. | Immediately post-workout (within 5-10 minutes) for optimal satellite cell activation. Must be injected directly into the trained muscle. |
| Cycle Duration | 8-12 weeks for injectable cycles. Topical use can be ongoing. | 4-6 week cycles. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | animal_plus_anecdotal |
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that modulates gene expression affecting 31.2% of human genes. It activates Wnt/beta-catenin signaling for hair follicle growth, stimulates TGF-beta pathway for tissue remodeling, and promotes collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis while modulating metalloproteinase activity. The copper ion serves as a cofactor for enzymes essential to wound healing including superoxide dismutase and lysyl oxidase.
Research indicates 1-2 mg daily via subcutaneous injection, or topical application at 1-3% concentration in cream/serum.
Evening administration preferred for skin rejuvenation (aligns with nocturnal repair cycles). Topical can be applied morning and evening.
8-12 weeks for injectable cycles. Topical use can be ongoing.
MGF is the E domain peptide of the IGF-1Ec splice variant, produced when the IGF-1 gene is mechanically spliced in response to muscle damage or exercise. It activates satellite cells (muscle stem cells), promoting their proliferation and preventing premature differentiation. After exercise/injury, IGF-1 gene is first spliced toward MGF (proliferation phase) then shifts to IGF-1Ea (differentiation phase). MGF uniquely drives the initial proliferative response, expanding the pool of myogenic precursor cells before they fuse with existing muscle fibers.
Research indicates 100-200 mcg per injection site, administered bilaterally into target muscles immediately post-workout.
Immediately post-workout (within 5-10 minutes) for optimal satellite cell activation. Must be injected directly into the trained muscle.
4-6 week cycles.
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