BPC-157
Healing & Recovery PeptideresearchAlso known as: Body Protection Compound-157, Bepecin, PL 14736, PL-10
A 15-amino acid synthetic peptide derived from human gastric juice that promotes healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, gut lining, and other tissues through multiple regenerative pathways.
Overview
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide consisting of 15 amino acids, originally isolated from human gastric juice. It is one of the most widely researched healing peptides in the biohacking and regenerative medicine communities. BPC-157 has demonstrated remarkable tissue-protective and regenerative properties across a wide range of animal studies, affecting tendons, ligaments, muscles, the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, and the vascular system. Its mechanism involves upregulation of growth factor expression, promotion of angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), modulation of the nitric oxide system, and interaction with the dopaminergic system. While human clinical trials remain limited, the extensive preclinical evidence and widespread anecdotal use have made BPC-157 one of the most popular peptides for injury recovery and gut health.
Mechanism of Action
BPC-157 works through multiple interconnected pathways: (1) Upregulates growth factor receptors including VEGF, EGF, and FGF to promote angiogenesis and tissue repair; (2) Modulates the nitric oxide (NO) system, promoting vasodilation and blood flow to injured areas; (3) Interacts with the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic neurotransmitter systems, offering neuroprotective effects; (4) Promotes reticulin and collagen formation, accelerating tendon and ligament repair; (5) Counteracts the damaging effects of NSAIDs, alcohol, and other GI-toxic agents on the gut lining; (6) Activates the FAK-paxillin pathway involved in cell migration and wound healing; (7) Modulates inflammatory cytokines to reduce excessive inflammation while supporting productive healing responses.
Molecular Formula
C62H98N16O22
Molecular Weight
1419.53 g/mol
Sequence
Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val
Dosage Protocols
Dose Range
250mcg – 500mcg
Frequency
Twice daily
Route
subcutaneous
Cycle Length
4-12 weeks
Inject as close to the injury site as possible for localized healing. Split into morning and evening doses.
Source: Community protocols and clinical guidance
Side Effects
| Effect | Severity |
|---|---|
| Injection site redness | mild |
| Nausea | mild |
| Dizziness | mild |
| Headache | mild |
| Fatigue | mild |
Pros & Cons
Extremely well-studied in animal models with consistent healing effects across virtually every tissue type
Unique stability in gastric juice allows effective oral administration, unlike most peptides
Very favorable safety profile with minimal reported side effects even at high doses
Multi-system benefits spanning gut, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neurological systems
Can be injected locally near injury site for targeted healing
Lacks human randomized controlled trials — most evidence is from animal studies
Not FDA-approved and regulatory status is uncertain in many jurisdictions
Quality varies significantly between suppliers; purity is a concern with research-grade peptides
Banned by WADA, making it unusable for competitive athletes
Theoretical concern about promoting growth in existing tumors due to angiogenic properties (not demonstrated)
Research Studies
Legal Status
Not FDA-approved. Available as a research chemical in many countries. Classified as a 'research peptide' in the US. Banned by WADA for competitive athletes. Subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny.
Related Peptides
Semaglutide
An FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, producing significant weight loss of 15-17% body weight in clinical trials.
Tirzepatide
A first-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that produces up to 22.5% body weight loss, approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity management.
Ipamorelin
A highly selective growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) that stimulates GH release with minimal impact on cortisol, prolactin, or appetite, making it the cleanest GHRP available.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
An orally active, non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin to raise GH and IGF-1 levels for up to 24 hours per dose, with notable effects on sleep, appetite, and body composition.