BPC-157 | Reviews, Clinical Trials, and Safety
BPC-157 is a research peptide being studied for its wound healing and regenerative effects.
Compound Overview
Class of Compound:
Peptide
Mechanism of Action:
BPC-157 is known to stimulate vascular endothelial growth factor, which triggers the formation of blood vessels. Also, it blocks the growth-inhibiting action of 4‐hydroxynonenal. Further, it upregulates multiple growth receptors in the body and stimulates the production of fibroblasts, vital to the synthesis of collagen.
Notable Studies:
Also Known As:
PL 14736, Body Protection Compound 157
Research Applications:
- Wound healing
- Digestive health
- Cognitive health
- Muscle growth
Risks:
- Unclear safety profile
- Lack of randomized controlled trials
- Prohibited by WADA
Chemical Structure
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 refers to Body Protection Compound-157, a naturally occurring peptide found in human stomach juices. Composed of a sequence of 15 amino acids, the peptide can also be found in trace amounts in the gastric fluids of other mammals.
The peptide plays a fundamental role in preserving the lining of the GI tract. However, researchers are interested in its application in other areas of the body—particularly in regards to wound healing, neuroprotection, and muscle and tissue growth.
Much of the research on BPC-157 to date has been done in laboratory animals, but researchers are now using the findings to date to help direct further research into the ways BPC-157 may be beneficial for human subjects.
It’s important to understand the potential side effects and risks of BPC-157 - along with dosing considerations, and legal status of the peptide - before purchasing it for research.
Our research team covers all of these questions below, before providing our top recommendation on where qualified researchers can buy BPC-157 online.
What Does BPC-157 Do?
BPC-157 was first isolated from body protection compound (BPC), which is found in the gastric juices and is part of the digestive process [1]. It is composed of 15 amino acids, with the following chemical composition:
H-Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val-OH [2].
The role of BPC in the gastric juice is an important one. As a compound that can promote healing, it helps protect the gastrointestinal tissues from damage and can help prevent and heal stomach ulcers or other injuries to the intestinal lining.
It also promotes angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, allowing for increased oxygenation to the tissues.
Because of these properties, isolated BPC-157 is of great interest to researchers. The peptide shows potential in a number of applications outside of the GI tract, including in its promotion of healing, muscle growth and repair, and injury recovery.
BPC-157 Benefits | Clinical Trials
Researchers have identified numerous potential benefits of BPC-157 in both laboratory animal and human studies, although the evidence available in humans is extremely limited at this time.
Here are some of the potential benefits of BPC-157:
Connects the brain and the digestive system: BPC-157 may play a role in the gut-brain axis, or the direct line of communication between the nervous system and the digestive system. Perhaps surprisingly, the two are deeply interconnected—with digestive health playing a significant role in neurological health and cognitive function [3].
Neuroprotection: BPC-157 has been shown to provide some neuroprotective effects in rats, helping to protect against harmful free radical damage or protect the brain and preserve brain function after exposure to harmful substances [3].
Improved memory: BPC-157 may help improve and preserve memory as a result of its neuroprotective effects.
Mood regulation: Its neuroprotective effects may also help with mood regulation.
Blood flow and angiogenesis: One of the most promising potential benefits of BPC-157 is its angiogenic effect, or its ability to promote the formation of new blood vessels, which may help improve vasculature and blood flow. This effect has been noted in rat studies [4].
Circulation and vasomotor tone pr: Some preclinical studies suggest have noted that BPC-157 modulates blood flow and vasomotor tone blood flow [4, 5, 6].
Reduced physical discomfort: Some early preclinical research suggests that BPC-157 may have nociceptive (pain relieving) properties. This effect was actually noted in a small chart review in humans—one of the few uses of BPC-157 that has human evidence at this time [7].
Increased energy: Because it can activate NO pathways, BPC-157 may help provide an energy boost. NO activators are a common ingredient in preworkout supplements [8].
Wound healing: The angiogenic properties of BPC-157 may also promote faster wound healing. It naturally occurs in the gastric juice and helps to prevent gastric ulcers, and researchers have found that it also helps promote faster healing of wounds in rats [9].
Liver protection: In laboratory animal studies, BPC-157 may be able to help protect the stomach, liver, and other tissues from NSAID medication overdoses. Researchers theorize it may offer similar protective benefits against alcohol and other toxins [10].
Muscle and tissue growth: In test-tube studies, BPC-157 stimulates growth hormone receptor expression—signaling the body to create new tendon tissue. It may also offer similar effects for bone, skin, and muscle [11].
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BPC-157 Side Effects
There is little scientific documentation of BPC-157 side effects in humans, so most potential side effects are extrapolated from preclinical studies and anecdotal reports of human use.
The most common side effects appear to be related to the method of administration, which is typically intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. Common side effects of injections include redness, swelling, itching or skin reactions at the injection site. When these reactions are mild, they typically aren't cause for concern.
In addition, because BPC-157 is a gastric peptide, there have been some informal reports of digestive side effects like nausea, diarrhea, appetite changes, gas and bloating related to its administration. Dizziness and headaches also have been reported.
As an pro-angiogenic agent, it's theoretically possible for BPC-157 to enable cancers to grow. However, not enough is known about this theoretical issue to elucidate a risk-benefit tradeoff and how timing of treatment works into such a tradeoff.
For more discussion of this concern, see our article on potential complications of BPC-157.
We reiterate that there have been no definitive human studies investigating BPC-157 side effects.
BPC-157 administration and dosing should be handled by a researcher who is familiar with BPC-157. Under no circumstances should it be purchased for self-administration or unauthorized experimentation. Researchers may also want to learn more about how BPC-157 affects both erectile dysfunction and cancer.
Is BPC-157 Safe?
The peptide BPC-157 has not been evaluated for safety as part of the drug review process of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor has it been formally evaluated for safety by any international regulatory counterpart of the FDA. Therefore, any claims or insinuations that BPC-157 is “safe” must be taken with a grain of salt.
However, in published research to date, BPC-157 administration has produced minimal side effects in both nonhumans and humans. Specifically, a review of clinical trials on the use of BPC-157 has characterized it as safe both in treating inflammatory bowel disease and wound healing, noting that no events of toxicity had been reported throughout those trials [12].
In fact, the peptide has actually been shown to prevent severe side effects associated with medications for diabetes and psychiatric conditions, including catalepsy, somatosensory disturbance, and QTc prolongation in the heart—which can lead to fatal arrythmia [13, 14].
As with any research involving peptides, prudence and caution are required when administering BPC-157 to test subjects.
BPC-157 Dosage Calculator
Again, there is little research available in humans on BPC-157, so most BPC-157 dosage recommendations are loosely based on equivalent doses used in animal studies and anecdotal reports of human use.
In general, the most widely agreed upon daily dose of BPC-157 is about 250 mcg, delivered via intramuscular injection. A general rule of thumb that may be utilized by researchers is 2-4 mcg per kg of body weight.
However, there are other forms of BPC-157 available - in particular, sublingual capsule tablets which are dissolved under the tongue as well as nasal sprays.
Regardless, most research applications utilize the injected version, and this is also the form that is most often used in both research and clinical settings.
Where to Buy BPC-157 Online? | 2024 Edition
Researchers looking to acquire BPC-157 for their studies are advised to check out our recommended vendor below.
This vendor specialize in selling high-quality peptides for research purposes.
Here's our top recommendation:
Limitless Life
For researchers wondering where to source high quality research peptides, we highly recommend the vendor Limitless Life.
They partner with independent labs to conduct quality testing on all of their products.
They also offer a generous reship policy and they are committed to the safe distribution of research peptides only to qualified researchers.
Below, we’ve shared a little bit more about why we like Limitless Life:
- Partnerships with Third-Party Labs: Limitless Life ensures quality, purity, and potency of their products by employing third-party laboratories to conduct stringent tests on each product batch.
- Easy and Flexible Reship/Returns: Limitless Life ensures customer satisfaction through their incredibly flexible reship and/or return policy. Additionally, they offer optional shipping insurance for extra peace of mind.
- Commitment to Safe Peptide Distribution: Limitless Life is committed to safe and responsible peptide distribution by emphasizing in several places on their website that their peptides are intended for use only by qualified researchers.
- Excellent Reputation: Limitless Life is known in the peptide community as a reputable source of research peptides, and this is evidenced by their remarkably low rate of credit card charge-backs and numerous positive reviews online.
- Useful Resources. Their website offers a wealth of knowledge and advice on the science and terminology of research peptides.
Furthermore, the team at Peptides.org is impressed with the variety of unique offerings and formulations of BPC-157 from Limitless Life.
The research peptides source offers lyophilized powder BPC-157, but they also have options like:
Last, but not least…
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Bacteriostatic Water and BPC-157
When experimenting with peptides like BPC-157, researchers can’t neglect the importance of a properly equipped lab.
To adhere to the proper measures of peptide administration, prep, and storage, a researchers' toolkit should include bac water and sterile vials, to list just a few of the necessities.
While some researchers struggle to equip their labs, spending hours searching the web and navigating low-quality vendors, this is necessary prior to study.
FAQ
BPC-157. Just. Works.
BPC-157 is a fragment of body protection compound, a peptide found in gastric juices that helps protect against stomach ulcers.
It may offer neuroprotective, angiogenic, wound healing and tissue growth properties—and all of these benefits have been noted in preclinical studies, although human research is severely lacking.
BPC-157 is typically administered via subcutaneous injection, and little is known at this time about potential side effects.
It may be legally purchased in the United States for research purposes. As of 2022, it is included in WADA’s prohibited substances list.
For researchers looking to purchase BPC-157, we recommend this top-rated supplier..
References
- Gwyer D, Wragg NM, Wilson SL. Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC 157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue healing. Cell Tissue Res. 2019;377(2):153-159. doi:10.1007/s00441-019-03016-8
- Chang CH, Tsai WC, Hsu YH, Pang JH. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 enhances the growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts. Molecules. 2014;19(11):19066-19077. Published 2014 Nov 19. doi:10.3390/molecules191119066
- Vukojevic J, Milavić M, Perović D, et al. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and the central nervous system. Neural Regen Res. 2022;17(3):482-487. doi:10.4103/1673-5374.320969
- Knezevic M, Gojkovic S, Krezic I, et al. Occlusion of the Superior Mesenteric Artery in Rats Reversed by Collateral Pathways Activation: Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Therapy Counteracts Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome; Intracranial, Portal, and Caval Hypertension; and Aortal Hypotension. Biomedicines. 2021;9(6):609. Published 2021 May 26. doi:10.3390/biomedicines9060609
- Hsieh MJ, Lee CH, Chueh HY, et al. Modulatory effects of BPC 157 on vasomotor tone and the activation of Src-Caveolin-1-endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):17078. Published 2020 Oct 13. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-74022-y
- Lozic M, Stambolija V, Krezic I, et al. In relation to NO-System, Stable Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Counteracts Lidocaine-Induced Adverse Effects in Rats and Depolarisation In Vitro. Emerg Med Int. 2020;2020:6805354. Published 2020 May 27. doi:10.1155/2020/6805354
- Lee E, Padgett B. Intra-Articular Injection of BPC 157 for Multiple Types of Knee Pain. Altern Ther Health Med. 2021;27(4):8-13.
- Harty PS, Zabriskie HA, Erickson JL, Molling PE, Kerksick CM, Jagim AR. Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, safety implications, and performance outcomes: a brief review. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018;15(1):41. Published 2018 Aug 8. doi:10.1186/s12970-018-0247-6
- Sikiric P, Drmic D, Sever M, et al. Fistulas Healing. Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Therapy. Curr Pharm Des. 2020;26(25):2991-3000. doi:10.2174/1381612826666200424180139
- Park JM, Lee HJ, Sikiric P, Hahm KB. BPC 157 Rescued NSAID-cytotoxicity Via Stabilizing Intestinal Permeability and Enhancing Cytoprotection. Curr Pharm Des. 2020;26(25):2971-2981. doi:10.2174/1381612826666200523180301
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 9941957. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Bpc-157. Accessed Sept. 10, 2021.
- Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, Turkovic B, Rokotov DS, Brcic L, Sever M, Klicek R, Radic B, Drmic D, Ilic S, Kolenc D, Aralica G, Safic H, Suran J, Rak D, Dzidic S, Vrcic H, Sebecic B. Toxicity by NSAIDs. Counteraction by stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Curr Pharm Des. 2013;19(1):76-83. doi: 10.2174/13816128130111. PMID: 22950504.
- Strinic D, Belosic Halle Z, Luetic K, Nedic A, Petrovic I, Sucic M, Zivanovic Posilovic G, Balenovic D, Strbe S, Udovicic M, Drmic D, Stupnisek M, Lovric Bencic M, Seiwerth S, Sikiric P. BPC 157 counteracts QTc prolongation induced by haloperidol, fluphenazine, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, sulpiride, and metoclopramide in rats. Life Sci. 2017 Oct 1;186:66-79. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.08.006. Epub 2017 Aug 7. PMID: 28797793.
- Jelovac N, Sikiric P, Rucman R, Petek M, Marovic A, Perovic D, Seiwerth S, Mise S, Turkovic B, Dodig G, Miklic P, Buljat G, Prkacin I. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 attenuates disturbances induced by neuroleptics: the effect on catalepsy and gastric ulcers in mice and rats. Eur J Pharmacol. 1999 Aug 20;379(1):19-31. doi: 10.1016/s0014-2999(99)00486-0. PMID: 10499368.
- United States Anti-Doping Agency. BPC-157: experimental peptide creates risk for athletes. USADA website. https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/bpc-157-peptide-risk/