BPC-157
Body Protection Compound 157
The body's own repair signal, isolated from gastric juice.
Half-life
~ several hours (subcutaneous); stable orally
Mol. weight
1419.55 g/mol
Sequence
Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val
Discussions
1 threads
Overview
BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) derived from a protective protein discovered in human gastric juice. With no sequence homology to any other known peptide, it is one of the most extensively studied tissue-repair compounds in preclinical research, demonstrating accelerated healing across tendon, ligament, muscle, bone, nerve, skin, cornea, and the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Mechanism of action
BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and activating the VEGFR2 receptor, building new capillary networks that deliver oxygen and nutrients to injured tissue. In tendon fibroblasts it upregulates growth hormone receptor expression and activates the FAK-paxillin pathway to accelerate cell migration and outgrowth, while protecting cells from oxidative (H₂O₂) stress. It modulates nitric oxide synthesis and interacts with the dopamine/serotonin systems, which may explain its observed effects on mood and gut function. It also stabilizes the gut barrier, reduces bacterial translocation, and promotes healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers by increasing blood flow, reducing acid secretion, enhancing mucus production, and promoting epithelial cell migration. Notably, it can counteract the impairment of healing caused by corticosteroids.
Researched benefits
- Accelerated healing of transected tendons and ligaments with improved biomechanical strength
- Promotes tendon-to-bone healing even in the presence of corticosteroids
- Supports gut lining integrity and healing of gastric/duodenal ulcers
- Reduces inflammation at injury sites and modulates angiogenesis
- Neuroprotective and mood-related effects observed in animal models
Considerations
- Almost all evidence is preclinical (animal and in-vitro models); robust human clinical trials are lacking
- Long-term human safety data is limited
- Should be researched only under professional guidance
- Not FDA-approved for any indication
Key Academic Literature & Studies
Search more in PubMedPeer-reviewed citations and clinical trials evaluating BPC-157 in scientific literature.
Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and its role in accelerating tendon healing and angiogenesis
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research · 2019 · PMID: 31829241 · DOI: 10.1186/s13018-019-1481-9
Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in clinical trials and animal models of gastrointestinal lesions
Current Pharmaceutical Design · 2018 · PMID: 29898969 · DOI: 10.2174/1381612824666180614082950
BPC 157 enhances the growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts
Molecules · 2014 · PMID: 25415472 · DOI: 10.3390/molecules191119066
Articles & logs
Understanding the Angiogenesis Pathway
How BPC-157's effect on VEGF and VEGFR2 drives tissue repair — a plain-language breakdown of the science.
By Editorial Team
The Gut-Healing Connection
From ulcers to leaky gut — why a peptide discovered in gastric juice is uniquely suited to GI repair research.
By Dr. M. Reyes
BPC-157 and the Growth Hormone Receptor
A newer finding: BPC-157 upregulates GH receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts — what it may mean for recovery.
By Community Member