Serum zTripeptydem Miedzi do Walki z Wypadaniem Włosów: Badanie Kliniczne Kontrolowane Placebo (2021)

Najważniejsze odkrycia w pigułce
  • Serum z tripeptydem miedziowym poprawiło wzrost włosów: Grupa leczona (serum z tripeptydem miedziowym + Swertia japonica z frakcyjną radiofrekwencją nano) wykazała poprawę 26–50% w porównaniu z 0–25% w grupie placebo
  • Bezpieczne i dobrze tolerowane: Brak poważnych zdarzeń niepożądanych; tylko jeden przypadek łagodnego swędzenia skóry głowy w grupie leczonej w całym 6-miesięcznym badaniu
  • Połączone podejście dostarczania: Pierwsze badanie testujące serum z tripeptydem miedziowym dostarczane za pomocą frakcyjnej radiofrekwencji nano w męskim łysieniu androgenowym
  • Dowody w skali pilotażowej: Było to małe badanie koncepcyjne (6 pacjentów) — wyniki są obiecujące, ale wymagają potwierdzenia w większych badaniach
  • Wszyscy pacjenci ukończyli leczenie: 100% retencja w obu grupach przez 6 miesięcy, co sugeruje doskonałą tolerancję
Podsumowanie dowodów
Projekt badania Randomizowane, pojedynczo zaślepione, kontrolowane placebo badanie porównawcze
Wielkość próby 6 mężczyzn (3 aktywne leczenie, 3 placebo)
Czas trwania 6 miesięcy z sesjami miesięcznymi
Główny wynik Active group: 26–50% improvement (Scale 1) vs placebo: 0–25% improvement (Scale 0)
Poziom dowodów Poziom 4 — Badanie pilotażowe / seria przypadków (bardzo mała próba)
O tym badaniu
Autor Ruri D. Pamela
Czasopismo Czasopismo of Kliniczne & Experimental Dermatology Research, Vol. 12, Article 590
Opublikowano 28 December 2021
Typ badania Randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled comparative pilot study
Finansowanie Highside Corp., Tokyo, Japan
Pełna praca Zobacz pełny tekst
Zastrzeżenie medyczne: Ten artykuł podsumowuje opublikowane badania kliniczne wyłącznie w celach edukacyjnych. Nie stanowi porady medycznej. Było to małe badanie pilotażowe (6 uczestników) — wyniki są wstępne i wymagają potwierdzenia w większych badaniach. Przed rozpoczęciem leczenia wypadania włosów zawsze skonsultuj się z wykwalifikowanym specjalistą.
Zrecenzowano przez: Esther Bodde, MD — Lekarz i recenzent treści medycznych w Hairgenetix. Dr Bodde zapewnia, że wszystkie streszczenia badań klinicznych wiernie odzwierciedlają oryginalne dane badawcze, metodologię i wnioski. Uwaga: To badanie ma znaczące ograniczenia ze względu na bardzo małą wielkość próby, które są transparentnie omówione w sekcji Ograniczenia poniżej.

Dlaczego to badanie ma znaczenie

Most copper peptide research has focused on GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) in laboratory settings — studying its effects on isolated hair follicles or reviewing its gene expression profile. What has been missing is clinical research testing whether topical copper tripeptide serums actually improve hair growth in real patients.

This 2021 pilot study by Ruri D. Pamela addresses that gap. It is one of the first clinical studies to test a copper tripeptide-containing serum in men with pattern hair loss, using a proper placebo-controlled design. While the sample is small (6 patients), it represents an important step in the evidence chain: moving from laboratory proof-of-concept to human clinical testing.

The study also introduces an innovative delivery approach — using nano-fractional radiofrequency to create micro-channels in the scalp before applying the copper tripeptide serum. This builds on the same principle that makes microneedling so effective for hair growth: physical scalp stimulation combined with enhanced topical absorption produces better results than either approach alone.

Co zrobili badacze

The researcher recruited 6 men aged 35–65 with moderate to severe male pattern hair loss (Hamilton-Norwood Scale IV to VI). These men were randomly assigned to one of two groups:

Parametr Active Group (n = 3) Placebo Group (n = 3)
Urządzenie treatment Nano-fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva®) Nano-fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva®)
Topical application Serum containing copper tripeptide + Swertia japonica extract Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)
Częstotliwość sesji Monthly Monthly
Czas trwania 6 miesięcy 6 miesięcy
Assessment Blinded investigator photos, patient self-assessment, trichoscopy Same assessments

Both groups received the same radiofrequency treatment — the only difference was what was applied to the scalp afterwards. The investigator who assessed results from photographs was blinded (did not know which group each patient was in), adding objectivity to the evaluation.

What Is a Randomised Single-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study?

This study design gives researchers confidence that any improvement is due to the treatment, not other factors. Patients are randomly assigned to groups (randomised), the person assessing results doesn't know who got what (single-blind), and the comparison group receives a dummy treatment (placebo-controlled). This is a strong study design — though with only 6 participants, the statistical power is very limited. Think of it as a well-designed experiment that needs to be repeated on a much larger scale to confirm the findings.

Co odkryto

1. Poprawa oceniana przez badacza

Odkrycie: The blinded investigator assessed the active treatment group as showing Scale 1 improvement (26–50% improvement) at the final visit, while the placebo group showed Scale 0 improvement (0–25%).

The investigator compared standardised photographs taken at baseline and at 6 months. The active group showed visually noticeable improvement that the blinded evaluator rated as meaningful, while the placebo group (same radiofrequency, saline instead of serum) showed minimal change.

2. Obserwacje trichoskopowe

Odkrycie: At baseline, trichoscopy revealed classic signs of androgenetic alopecia in both groups: hair diameter diversity (hairs of very different thicknesses), perifollicular pigmentation (brown halos around follicles), and yellow dots (empty follicle openings filled with sebum). The active group showed improvement in these markers over the treatment period.

3. Bezpieczeństwo i tolerancja

Odkrycie: No serious adverse events were reported in either group. The only adverse event was one case of mild scalp itching in the active treatment group. All 6 patients completed the full 6-month treatment course — a 100% retention rate.

The excellent tolerability is notable. Six months of monthly radiofrequency treatments with topical serum application produced essentially no side effects, suggesting this approach is well-suited for long-term maintenance therapy.

Pamela 2021 Copper Tripeptide Study Results: improvement scale comparison and study design overview
Figure 1. Key outcomes from Pamela (2021) — copper tripeptide serum + nano-fractional radiofrequency vs placebo over 6 months. Data source: J Clin Exp Dermatol Res, Vol. 12, Article 590.

Jak działa to leczenie: nauka stojąca za kombinacją

1. Trypeptyd miedziowy — stymulacja i ochrona mieszków

Copper tripeptide (GHK-Cu) is one of the most studied peptides in regenerative medicine. Research shows it affects 31.2% of human genes, upregulating genes involved in tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and blood vessel formation while downregulating inflammatory and tissue-destructive genes. In hair specifically, the AHK-Cu study (2007) demonstrated that copper peptides promote hair follicle elongation and protect follicular cells from premature death (apoptosis).

2. Ekstrakt z Swertia japonica — wsparcie przeciwzapalne i przeciwutleniające

Swertia japonica is a plant used in traditional Japanese medicine. The extract contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help create a healthier scalp environment for hair growth. Scalp inflammation is increasingly recognised as a factor in androgenetic alopecia progression.

3. Frakcyjna radiofrekwencja nano — ulepszone dostarczanie i stymulacja

The Venus Viva® device delivers radiofrequency energy through tiny pin-like electrodes, creating controlled micro-injuries similar to microneedling but with the added benefit of thermal energy. This serves a dual purpose: it triggers the wound healing cascade (releasing growth factors like PDGF, VEGF, and FGF) while simultaneously creating micro-channels that enhance serum absorption. This delivery principle is the same one that makes microneedling + topical combinations so effective.

Kontekst wyników

The improvement seen in the active group (26–50% on the investigator scale) over 6 months is encouraging, but context is essential:

Study Leczenie Czas trwania Główny wynik
Pamela 2021 (this study) Cu-tripeptide serum + RF 6 miesięcy 26–50% improvement (Scale 1) vs 0–25% placebo
Dhurat 2013 Microneedling + minoxidil 12 weeks +91.4 hairs/cm² (82% reported >50% improvement)
Kuceki 2025 MN + Cu peptides + drugs 5–7 sessions 26.5% TSAR improvement
Lee/Kim 2016 GHK peptide + 5-ALA 6 miesięcy +71.5 hairs/cm² (50 mg/mL group)

The improvement level is broadly comparable to other copper peptide studies, though direct comparison is difficult because this study used a categorical improvement scale rather than exact hair counts. The 6-month duration and monthly sessions make it a less intensive protocol than weekly microneedling regimens.

Key limitation: With only 3 patients per group, even a single unusually responsive or non-responsive patient could substantially skew the results. The findings should be interpreted as promising preliminary evidence, not definitive proof.

Jak to badanie wpisuje się w bazę dowodową peptydów miedziowych

Study Year Temat Typ Kluczowy wkład
Pyo/Won et al. 2007 AHK-Cu peptide Badanie laboratoryjne Udowodniło, że peptydy miedziowe promują wzrost mieszków i redukują śmierć komórek
Pickart & Margolina 2018 GHK-Cu review Przegląd Udokumentowało wpływ na 31,2% genów; związany z wiekiem spadek
Lee/Kim et al. 2016 GHK + 5-ALA RCT (n=45) +71.5 hairs/cm² with GHK peptide treatment vs placebo
Pamela (this study) 2021 Cu-tripeptide + Swertia Pilot (n=6) Pierwsze kliniczne testowanie serum z Cu-tripeptydem + dostarczanie RF
Kuceki et al. 2025 Cu peptides + MN Retrospective (n=7) 26,5% poprawa przy kombinacji mikronakłuwania + peptydy miedziowe

This study adds a unique piece to the copper peptide puzzle: it demonstrates the concept of using energy-based devices (radiofrequency) to deliver copper peptide serums, rather than relying on simple topical application. The principle is the same as microneedling — physical scalp stimulation + enhanced ingredient absorption — but using a different technology.

Protokół leczenia zastosowany w tym badaniu
Parametr Specyfikacja
Urządzenie Venus Viva® nano-fractional radiofrequency
Serum aktywne Copper tripeptide + Swertia japonica extract
Placebo Normal saline (0.9% NaCl)
Aplikacja Serum aplikowane bezpośrednio po zabiegu radiofrekwencji
Częstotliwość sesji Miesięcznie (raz w miesiącu)
Całkowity czas trwania 6 miesięcy (6 sesji)
Populacja pacjentów Men aged 35–65, Hamilton-Norwood IV–VI
Warunki Kliniczne

Note: Venus Viva® jest profesjonalnym urządzeniem używanym w warunkach klinicznych. Zasadę zwiększonego wchłaniania preparatów miejscowych można również osiągnąć przez mikronakłuwanie, które jest szerzej dostępne. Kluczowym spostrzeżeniem z tego badania jest podejście kombinowane: fizyczna stymulacja skóry głowy, po której następuje aplikacja serum z peptydami miedziowymi.

Ograniczenia badania

  • Very small sample size: With only 6 patients total (3 per group), this study has extremely limited statistical power. Results could be substantially influenced by individual variation. This is the most significant limitation
  • No statistical significance testing: The paper does not report p-values or statistical tests. With n=3 per group, meaningful statistical analysis is not possible
  • Categorical outcome scale: Results were reported as improvement categories (0–25%, 26–50%) rather than exact hair counts or measurements, making precise comparison with other studies difficult
  • Industry funding: The study was funded by Highside Corp. (Tokyo, Japan), which may have a commercial interest in the serum product. This does not invalidate the findings but adds a potential source of bias
  • Single-blind only: While the investigator assessing photos was blinded, patients knew whether they received the active serum or saline, which could influence self-reported satisfaction scores
  • No long-term follow-up: The study ended at 6 months. Whether improvements are maintained after treatment cessation is unknown
  • Moderate-to-severe cases only: Participants had Hamilton-Norwood IV–VI, representing more advanced hair loss. Results may differ for earlier-stage patients
  • Combined treatment effect: Both groups received radiofrequency, so the study measures the added effect of the serum — not the serum alone. It cannot separate the contributions of copper tripeptide and Swertia japonica individually

Co to oznacza dla Twoich włosów

This pilot study adds to the growing body of evidence that combining copper peptide application with physical scalp stimulation is more effective than either approach alone. While the sample size is too small for definitive conclusions, the results are consistent with what larger studies have found:

The practical takeaway: You do not necessarily need a Venus Viva® device to benefit from this principle. The combination of microneedling (which is widely available and extensively studied) with a copper peptide serum works through the same mechanisms: creating micro-channels for enhanced absorption while triggering the body's wound healing response. The key is choosing a copper peptide formulation with proven bioactive ingredients and applying it after scalp stimulation to maximise absorption.

Wyjaśnienie kluczowych terminów

Copper Tripeptide (GHK-Cu)
A small peptide (three amino acids: glycine, histidine, lysine) naturally bound to copper. It occurs naturally in human plasma and declines with age. Research shows it stimulates collagen production, promotes tissue repair, and activates genes involved in hair follicle growth.
Nano-Fractional Radiofrequency
A technology that delivers radiofrequency energy through tiny pin-like electrodes to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. Unlike traditional microneedling (which uses physical needles), it combines mechanical disruption with thermal energy. The Venus Viva® device used in this study is one commercial system for this approach.
Swertia japonica
A plant from the gentian family used in traditional Japanese medicine. Its extract contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, it was combined with copper tripeptide to create the active serum formulation.
Hamilton-Norwood Scale
A classification system (grades I to VII) used to measure the severity of male pattern hair loss. This study included grades IV to VI, representing moderate to severe hair loss with significant crown thinning and frontal recession.
Placebo-Controlled
A study design where one group receives the actual treatment while another receives an inactive substitute (placebo). In this study, the placebo was normal saline (salt water) applied after the same radiofrequency procedure, allowing researchers to isolate the effect of the active serum ingredients.
Trichoscopy
A non-invasive diagnostic technique using a specialised microscope (dermoscope) to examine the scalp and hair at high magnification. It reveals features invisible to the naked eye, such as hair diameter variation, follicular condition, and inflammation markers.
Perifollicular Pigmentation (Peripilar Sign)
A brown or dark halo visible around hair follicles under trichoscopy. It indicates mild inflammation around the follicle and is commonly seen in androgenetic alopecia. Its presence or reduction can indicate treatment response.
Single-Blind Study
A study design where one party (typically the evaluator) does not know which treatment each participant received. In this study, the investigator assessing photographs was blinded, but patients knew whether they received the active serum or saline.

Dalsze lektury

Więcej recenzowanych badań na temat wypadania włosów i terapii peptydami miedziowymi znajdziesz w naszym centrum badań naukowych.

Często zadawane pytania

Jak wiarygodne są wyniki badania z zaledwie 6 pacjentami?

Very limited. A study with 6 participants (3 per group) is considered a pilot study — it demonstrates that a concept is worth investigating further, but cannot prove that a treatment works. With so few patients, one unusually responsive individual could skew the entire result. Think of it as a promising early signal, not a proven conclusion. The results become meaningful when viewed alongside larger studies on copper peptides and physical scalp stimulation that show consistent positive effects.

Czym jest frakcyjna radiofrekwencja nano i czym różni się od mikronakłuwania?

Both create controlled micro-injuries in the scalp, but they use different mechanisms. Microneedling uses physical needles (typically 0.25–1.5 mm) to puncture the skin. Nano-fractional radiofrequency uses tiny electrodes that deliver heat energy, creating micro-injuries through thermal ablation. The end result is similar: channels for topical absorption, growth factor release, and wound healing response. Microneedling is more widely available, more extensively studied for hair loss, and can be done at home (with shorter needles). Radiofrequency devices like Venus Viva® are clinical-grade only.

Czy mogę uzyskać tę samą korzyść stosując mikronakłuwanie z serum z peptydami miedziowymi?

Likely yes. The underlying principle — physical scalp stimulation + copper peptide delivery — is the same regardless of whether you use microneedling or radiofrequency. In fact, microneedling has a larger evidence base for hair growth than radiofrequency. The Kuceki 2025 study demonstrated significant results (26.5% improvement) using microneedling combined with copper peptide serums, and the Gupta 2022 meta-analysis confirmed microneedling's efficacy across multiple studies.

Czym jest Swertia japonica i czy przyczynia się do wzrostu włosów?

Swertia japonica is a plant used in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine. The extract has documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While there is limited research on its specific effects on hair growth, scalp inflammation is a known contributing factor in androgenetic alopecia. The anti-inflammatory properties may help create a healthier scalp environment. However, since this study combined Swertia japonica with copper tripeptide, it is impossible to determine how much each ingredient contributed independently.

Czy to jest to samo co GHK-Cu stosowane w innych badaniach nad peptydami miedziowymi?

"Copper tripeptide" and "GHK-Cu" both refer to the same molecule: glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to a copper ion. The Pickart & Margolina 2018 review documented its extensive gene-modulating effects, and the AHK-Cu 2007 study tested a related variant on hair follicles in the lab. This study tests it in actual patients for the first time in combination with radiofrequency delivery.

Czy powinienem czekać na większe badania przed wypróbowaniem serum z peptydami miedziowymi?

That is a personal decision. The safety data is reassuring — copper peptides have shown excellent tolerability across all studies, with no serious adverse effects. The efficacy evidence is growing: lab studies (AHK-Cu 2007), a 45-patient RCT (Lee/Kim 2016), combination studies (Kuceki 2025), and now this pilot study all point in the same direction. Waiting for a single "definitive" large trial may mean missing years of potential benefit from an ingredient with a strong safety profile.

Dlaczego badanie było finansowane przez firmę?

Industry-funded research is common in dermatology and cosmetic science. Highside Corp. (Tokyo, Japan) funded this study, which means they had a potential commercial interest in positive results. This does not automatically invalidate the findings, but it is important context. The study's single-blind design and placebo control add credibility, but the very small sample size means the results should be interpreted cautiously. Independent replication in a larger, independently funded trial would significantly strengthen the evidence.

Jakie stopnie Hamilton-Norwood zostały uwzględnione i czy wyniki różnią się w zależności od nasilenia?

Patients had Hamilton-Norwood stages IV to VI — representing moderate to severe hair loss. This is notable because more advanced hair loss is generally harder to treat (more follicles may be permanently miniaturised). The fact that improvement was observed even at these stages is encouraging. Earlier-stage patients (NW II–III) might potentially see even better results, though this has not been tested for this specific combination. The Dhurat 2013 study included NW III–IV patients and saw strong results.

Cytowanie oryginalnego badania
Pamela RD. Evaluation Efficacy of Topically Applied Serum Containing Copper Tripeptide and Swertia Japonica Extract in Male Pattern Baldness: A Placebo-Controlled Case Study. Czasopismo of Kliniczne & Experimental Dermatology Research. 2021;12:590. Available at: longdom.org.
Jak cytować to streszczenie:
Hairgenetix Research Hub. "Copper Tripeptide Serum for Hair Loss: A Placebo-Controlled Kliniczne Study (2021) — A Plain-Language Summary of Pamela (2021)." Hairgenetix, 2025. Available at: https://hairgenetix.com/blogs/articles/copper-tripeptide-serum-hair-loss-clinical-study-2021
Ostatnia aktualizacja: March 2026 — Przegląded for accuracy against the original publication. Cross-references updated to include 2024 and 2025 studies.
O centrum badawczym Hairgenetix — Hairgenetix przekłada recenzowane badania naukowe dotyczące włosów na przystępne streszczenia, abyś mógł podejmować świadome decyzje dotyczące pielęgnacji włosów. Każdy artykuł opiera się na opublikowanych badaniach klinicznych, jest recenzowany przez lekarza (dr Esther Bodde, MD) i zawiera bezpośrednie linki do oryginalnych badań. Prezentujemy badania transparentnie — w tym ograniczenia badań — ponieważ świadomi konsumenci podejmują lepsze decyzje. Nasze formulacje z peptydami miedziowymi opierają się na tej samej nauce GHK-Cu udokumentowanej w tym i powiązanych badaniach klinicznych.
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