Side-by-side · Research reference

5-Amino-1MQvsGHK-Cu

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-StrongDraft8/38 cited

BHuman-MechanisticReviewed8/47 cited

5-Amino-1MQ

NNMT inhibitor · Methylation / SAM modulation

100–200 mgDaily dose (oral)Neelakantan 2018

AnimalEvidence levelNeelakantan 2018

HoursHalf-life (est)

Oral · Once daily fasted

GHK-Cu

Tripeptide · Skin / Hair / Wound Healing

1–2 mgSQ dosePickart 2018

HumanMechanisticPickart 2018 Zink 2003

HoursHalf-life

SQ or topical · Local · Daily or 2-3×/week

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

5-Amino-1MQ

GHK-Cu

Primary target

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)Neelakantan 2018

Copper-dependent enzymes (lysyl oxidase, SOD); regulator of >4000 human genesPickart 2018

Pathway

NNMT inhibition → preserved cellular SAM + NAD⁺ → restored methylation balance + ↑ thermogenic gene expressionNeelakantan 2018

Cu(II) delivery via GHK chelation → ↑collagen / elastin / GAG synthesis; ↓inflammatory cytokines; ↑hair follicle growth-factor signalingPickart 2018

Downstream effect

Reversal of HFD-induced obesity in murine models; improved metabolic profileNeelakantan 2018

Skin firmness + texture improvement, accelerated wound healing, hair regrowth, anti-inflammatory actionPickart 2018 Zink 2003

Feedback intact?

—

Replaces declining endogenous levels

Origin

Selective small-molecule inhibitor designed in academic medicinal chemistry programsNeelakantan 2018

Endogenous tripeptide first isolated from human plasma; declines from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL at age 60Pickart 2018

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

5-Amino-1MQ

GHK-Cu

Standard dose

100–200 mg / day oralNeelakantan 2018

Anecdotal community range; murine doses scaled.

—

Frequency

Once daily, fasted

Daily or 2–3× per week (SQ)

Lower / starter dose

50 mg / day

0.5 mg / day SQ

Evidence basis

Animal-strong; no human RCT dataNeelakantan 2018

Human-mechanistic + topical clinical studiesPickart 2018

Duration

8–12 weeks per cycle

8–12 weeks for visible skin / hair effect

Form

Oral capsule

—

Timing

Morning fasted preferred

No specific time; evening preferred for topicals

Half-life

Hours (estimated; no human PK published)

Hours (estimated; rapid tissue uptake)

Standard SQ dose

—

1–2 mg / dayPickart 2018

Anecdotal injectable range; topical creams use 0.1–2% solutions.

Topical concentration

—

0.1–2.0% in serum / cream

Reconstitution

—

Bacteriostatic water; light-protected

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

5-Amino-1MQ

GHK-Cu

GI symptoms

Mild nausea (anecdotal)

—

Methylation disruption

Theoretical risk if NNMT is over-inhibited (B vitamin metabolism)

—

Long-term safety

Unknown — no human trials

—

Cancer risk

Unclear — NNMT also studied in oncology contexts

—

Pregnancy / OB

Avoid

Avoid topical and SQ — insufficient data

Drug interactions

Theoretical with niacin / B-vitamin supplements

—

Injection site reaction

—

Erythema, mild pruritus (common)

Topical irritation

—

Mild redness, transient stinging

Copper accumulation

—

Theoretical with very high chronic doses

Allergic reaction

—

Rare hypersensitivity to copper

Wilson disease

—

Contraindicated

Absolute Contraindications

5-Amino-1MQ

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Active malignancy

GHK-Cu

·Wilson disease (copper-overload disorder)
·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Known copper hypersensitivity

Relative Contraindications

5-Amino-1MQ

·Methylation-sensitive conditions (MTHFR mutation)
·Concurrent niacin / NAD+ precursor supplementation (theoretical interference)

GHK-Cu

·Hemochromatosis (copper-iron crosstalk theoretical)
·Concurrent copper-chelator therapy

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

5-Amino-1MQ

GHK-Cu

1. Form

Oral capsule. No injection.

Add 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water to a 50 mg vial → 25–50 mg/mL. Use within 30 days, refrigerated.

2. Administration

Take with water, fasted preferred.

SQ — local to the area of interest (face, scalp) for skin / hair indications. Rotate sites.

3. Timing

Morning fasted.

Anytime; evening preferred. Topical: apply to clean dry skin.

4. Storage

Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.

Lyophilised: room temp, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate, light-protected, ≤30 days.

5. Caveat

Monitor B-vitamin status with chronic use.

30–31G, short (4–6 mm) for shallow SQ. Topical: clean fingertips, no needle.

06Stack Synergy

5-Amino-1MQ

— no documented stacks

GHK-Cu

+ BPC-157

Moderate

View BPC-157 →

GHK-Cu drives ECM remodelling and copper-dependent enzymes; BPC-157 upregulates VEGFR2 angiogenesis and fibroblast migration. The pathways are non-overlapping and complementary — together they accelerate wound healing more than either alone in anecdotal protocols.

GHK-Cu: 1–2 mg SQ · daily near wound
BPC-157: 250–500 mcg SQ · daily near wound
Primary benefit: Combined ECM rebuilding + angiogenesis for tissue repair