What it is
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide with sequence GEPPPGKPADDAGLV, derived from a naturally occurring protein in gastric juice. Known for its powerful healing properties, BPC-157 promotes tissue repair, making it popular for injury recovery in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It also supports gut health by reducing inflammation, healing ulcers, and promoting digestive tract repair. Studies suggest BPC-157 enhances blood flow to damaged tissues, accelerating recovery from injuries and surgeries.
Mechanism of action
BPC-157 appears to upregulate growth hormone receptor expression, promote angiogenesis (VEGF pathway), modulate the nitric oxide system, and interact with dopaminergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic systems. Its pleiotropic action may explain its broad tissue-healing profile.
Half-life: Short (minutes in plasma); oral bioavailability is low, most clinical data use injection.
Evidence summary
Extensive rodent data demonstrates accelerated tendon-to-bone healing, ligament repair, and gut mucosal protection. Human data is limited โ most evidence is preclinical or anecdotal. No FDA-approved indication exists.
Typical dosing protocols
- Localized injury (tendon, joint): 250 mcg subcutaneous near the site, once or twice daily, 4โ8 weeks
- Systemic recovery or GI issues: 250โ500 mcg subcutaneous, once daily, 4โ8 weeks
- Often stacked with TB-500 for chronic injury (Wolverine protocol)
Side effects & safety
- Generally well-tolerated in rodent studies and anecdotal human use
- Mild injection-site irritation possible
- No published long-term human safety data
Cited studies
- Chang CH, Tsai WC, Lin MS, Hsu YH, Pang JH (2011). The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration. Journal of Applied Physiology.PMID 21148343Read source โ
- Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, et al. (2018). Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and Standard Angiogenic Growth Factors. Current Pharmaceutical Design.PMID 29879878Read source โ
- (2020). Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and Its Role in Healing and Protection of Tissues. Frontiers in Pharmacology.Read source โ
- (2021). BPC 157 Therapy for Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats. Biomedicines (MDPI).Read source โ
- (2019). Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 can improve the healing course of spinal cord injury. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research.Read source โ
- (2021). Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in Reperfusion Injury. Biomedicines (MDPI).Read source โ
- (2020). BPC 157 and Neuroprotection in Models of Stroke. Neurochemical Research.Read source โ
- (2022). BPC 157 resolves major vessel occlusion disturbances. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (NLM).Read source โ
- Krivic A, Anic T, Seiwerth S, Huljev D, Sikiric P (2006). Achilles detachment in rat and stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Journal of Orthopaedic Research.PMID 16435357Read source โ
All content is for research and educational purposes. Peptides described are sold for laboratory research use only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any protocol.
