BPC-157

BPC-157, or Body Protection Compound-157, is a synthetic peptide consisting of 15 amino acids. It is derived from a naturally occurring protein found in human gastric juice. First isolated and characterized in the early 1990s by researchers at the University of Zagreb, BPC-157 has since become one of the most extensively studied peptides in preclinical research.

The peptide is notable for its remarkable stability in gastric juice conditions, which is unusual for peptides that typically degrade rapidly in acidic environments. This stability has led researchers to investigate both injectable and oral administration routes, with animal studies suggesting bioactivity through both pathways.

BPC-157 does not have a known receptor in the traditional sense. Instead, research suggests it exerts its effects through multiple pathways, including the nitric oxide (NO) system, growth factor modulation (particularly VEGF, EGF, and FGF), and interaction with the dopaminergic system. This multi-pathway mechanism may explain its wide range of reported effects across different tissue types.

BPC-157 operates through several interconnected mechanisms that collectively promote tissue protection and repair:

Angiogenesis promotion: Studies indicate BPC-157 stimulates the formation of new blood vessels by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Enhanced blood supply to damaged tissues accelerates the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste products, supporting faster healing.

Nitric oxide system modulation: BPC-157 appears to interact with the nitric oxide (NO) system, helping to maintain NO homeostasis. This is significant because NO plays a crucial role in blood vessel dilation, inflammation regulation, and tissue repair signaling.

Growth factor regulation: Research suggests BPC-157 upregulates the expression of growth hormone receptors and modulates several growth factors including EGF (epidermal growth factor), FGF (fibroblast growth factor), and their respective receptors, promoting cellular proliferation and tissue remodeling.

Anti-inflammatory effects: Animal studies have demonstrated BPC-157's ability to reduce inflammatory markers and counteract the effects of various inflammatory agents, suggesting a direct anti-inflammatory mechanism beyond its healing properties.

Gastrointestinal protection: As a gastric juice-derived peptide, BPC-157 has shown particular efficacy in protecting and repairing gastrointestinal mucosa in animal models, including protection against NSAID-induced damage, alcohol-induced lesions, and inflammatory bowel conditions.

BPC-157 has been the subject of numerous preclinical studies, primarily in animal models. As of 2026, there are no completed large-scale human clinical trials, though several small trials have been conducted or are underway.

Tendon and ligament healing: Multiple rat studies have demonstrated accelerated healing of transected Achilles tendons, with BPC-157-treated groups showing superior mechanical strength and histological organization compared to controls (Staresinic et al., 2003; Chang et al., 2011).

Muscle injury recovery: Animal research has shown faster recovery from crush injuries, with BPC-157 promoting muscle fiber regeneration and reducing fibrosis (Pevec et al., 2010).

Gastrointestinal healing: Extensive animal studies demonstrate protection against various GI insults including ethanol-induced lesions, NSAID damage, and inflammatory bowel disease models (Sikiric et al., 1999; multiple subsequent studies).

Bone healing: Rat studies suggest accelerated bone fracture healing with BPC-157 administration, showing increased bone density and callus formation (Sebecic et al., 1999).

Neuroprotection: Emerging animal research indicates potential neuroprotective effects, with studies showing reduced brain damage following traumatic brain injury and potential benefits for peripheral nerve repair (Tudor et al., 2010).

Important limitations: The vast majority of BPC-157 research has been conducted in rodent models. While results are promising, translation to human outcomes requires further clinical investigation. The peptide has not been approved by the FDA for any therapeutic use.

Based on available preclinical research, BPC-157 has been investigated for the following potential benefits:

• Accelerated wound and tissue healing — including tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones
• Gastrointestinal protection and repair — particularly relevant for NSAID users and those with gut issues
• Reduced inflammation — through modulation of inflammatory pathways
• Enhanced blood vessel formation — supporting tissue repair through improved blood supply
• Potential neuroprotective effects — including peripheral nerve regeneration
• Joint health support — through tendon and ligament repair mechanisms
• Counteracting drug-induced damage — studies show protection against damage from NSAIDs, alcohol, and other agents

It is important to note that these benefits are derived from animal studies and have not been conclusively demonstrated in large-scale human trials.

The following dosage information is based on research protocols reported in scientific literature and community reports. This is not medical advice.

Injectable BPC-157: Research protocols typically use doses ranging from 200-800 mcg per day, administered subcutaneously near the site of injury. Common research dosing based on body weight is approximately 1-10 mcg/kg/day in animal studies.

Oral BPC-157: Oral capsule forms are available, typically in doses of 250-500 mcg. Research suggests oral administration may be particularly effective for gastrointestinal conditions, though systemic absorption and bioavailability differ from injectable forms.

Reconstitution (injectable): BPC-157 typically comes as a lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. Standard reconstitution involves adding 1-2 mL of bacteriostatic water to a typical 5 mg vial.

Cycle length: Research protocols and anecdotal reports typically describe cycles of 4-12 weeks, depending on the condition being addressed. Some protocols include rest periods between cycles.

Storage: Reconstituted BPC-157 should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and used within 2-4 weeks. Lyophilized powder can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for longer periods.

BPC-157 has shown a favorable safety profile in animal studies, with no reported toxic dose (LD-1) identified even at very high concentrations. However, as with any research compound, there are important safety considerations:

Reported side effects (anecdotal): The most commonly reported side effects from community users include mild nausea (particularly with oral administration), dizziness, headache, and injection site reactions (redness, swelling). These are generally reported as mild and transient.

Theoretical concerns: Because BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) and modulates growth factors, there is a theoretical concern about its use in individuals with active cancers, as these same mechanisms could potentially support tumor growth. This has not been definitively established in research but represents a precautionary consideration.

Drug interactions: BPC-157's interaction with the NO system and dopaminergic pathways suggests potential interactions with medications affecting these systems, including blood pressure medications and certain psychiatric drugs.

Contraindications: Pending further research, BPC-157 should be approached with caution by individuals with active malignancies, those on anticoagulant therapy, pregnant or nursing women, and anyone under 18 years of age.

BPC-157 is frequently discussed in combination with other peptides for potentially synergistic effects:

BPC-157 + TB-500 (The "Wolverine Stack"): This is the most popular peptide combination for injury recovery. TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) promotes cell migration and tissue remodeling, while BPC-157 supports angiogenesis and growth factor signaling. Together, they are believed to address different aspects of the healing cascade.

BPC-157 + GHK-Cu: GHK-Cu (copper peptide) supports collagen synthesis and skin remodeling. Combined with BPC-157's tissue repair properties, this stack is sometimes used for comprehensive recovery support.

BPC-157 + KPV: KPV is an anti-inflammatory peptide that may complement BPC-157's healing effects, particularly for gastrointestinal applications.

BPC-157 + Growth Hormone Secretagogues: Some protocols combine BPC-157 with peptides like CJC-1295/Ipamorelin to support overall recovery and tissue repair through elevated growth hormone signaling alongside BPC-157's direct healing mechanisms.