BPC-157
Also known as: Body Protection Compound-157, Pentadecapeptide, Bepecin, PL 14736, PL-10
BPC-157 is a 15-amino acid peptide derived from a portion of human gastric juice protein. It has been extensively studied in animal models for its notable regenerative properties on tendons, ligaments, muscle, nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract.
BPC-157 is a 1,419.53 Da research peptide. BPC-157 is a 15-amino acid peptide derived from a portion of human gastric juice protein. It has been extensively studied in animal models for its notable regenerative properties on tendons, ligaments, muscle, nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract.
Also called: Body Protection Compound-157, Pentadecapeptide, Bepecin
1,419.53
Molecular Weight
Daltons
3
Strong Evidence
benefits
6
Studies Cited
peer-reviewed
200-300
Typical Dose
mcg
Overview
Body Protection Compound-157 (BPC-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide composed of 15 amino acids. It is a partial sequence of body protection compound (BPC) that is naturally found in human gastric juice. Since its discovery, BPC-157 has been the subject of extensive preclinical research demonstrating many cytoprotective and healing effects across multiple organ systems. Unlike many peptides that degrade rapidly, BPC-157 shows notable stability in human gastric juice, which is unusual for peptides of its size. Research has explored its potential in tendon-to-bone healing, muscle repair, nerve regeneration, anti-inflammatory responses, and gastrointestinal protection. While clinical trial data in humans remains limited, the breadth and consistency of animal study results have generated significant interest in the research community.
Key Takeaways: BPC-157
- Strongest evidence supports BPC-157 for tendon & ligament repair and muscle healing
- Research doses typically range from 200 to 300 mcg via subcutaneous injection
- 3 benefits with strong evidence, 3 moderate, 1 preliminary
- Half-life: Estimated 4+ hours (stable in gastric juice)
- 6 cited research studies in this guide
Mechanism of Action
BPC-157 exerts its effects through multiple pathways. It has been shown to upregulate growth hormone receptor expression and stimulate the FAK-paxillin pathway, which is important for cell migration and tissue repair. The peptide modulates the nitric oxide (NO) system, which plays a role in blood vessel formation and maintenance. It promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) through VEGF pathway activation, supporting nutrient delivery to injured tissues. BPC-157 also interacts with the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic systems, suggesting broader neurological implications. Additionally, it has demonstrated effects on the JAK-2/STAT-3 signaling pathway, which is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and immune regulation. One of its most distinctive mechanisms is the ability to counteract the effects of various toxic agents and NSAIDs on the gastrointestinal lining, providing cytoprotective effects even under chemically challenging conditions.
Research Benefits
BPC-157 at a Glance
BPC-157 exerts its effects through multiple pathways.
Tendon & Ligament Repair
Strong EvidenceMultiple animal studies show BPC-157 accelerates healing of transected tendons, including Achilles tendon, rotator cuff, and medial collateral ligaments. It promotes tendon-to-bone healing and improves biomechanical properties of healed tissue.
Muscle Healing
Strong EvidenceResearch demonstrates accelerated healing of crushed muscle tissue, with improved functional recovery. BPC-157 appears to promote muscle fiber regeneration and reduce scar tissue formation in animal models.
Gastrointestinal Protection
Strong EvidenceExtensive research shows protective effects against gastric ulcers, inflammatory bowel conditions, and NSAID-induced damage. BPC-157 stabilizes the GI tract lining and accelerates mucosal healing.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Moderate EvidenceStudies demonstrate reduced inflammation markers and modulation of the inflammatory response pathway. BPC-157 may reduce edema and promote resolution of inflammatory processes.
Nerve Regeneration
Moderate EvidenceAnimal studies show promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration after transection or crush injuries. BPC-157 may accelerate nerve sprouting and functional recovery of neurological pathways.
Blood Vessel Formation
Moderate EvidenceBPC-157 promotes angiogenesis through VEGF-related pathways, potentially improving blood supply to injured areas. This mechanism supports its broader tissue healing properties.
Bone Healing
PreliminaryPreliminary research suggests accelerated bone fracture healing and improved bone-tendon junction repair. Studies are primarily in animal models with segmental bone defects.
Research Dosing Protocols
Research Purposes Only: All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
| Research Protocol | Dose Range | Route |
|---|---|---|
| General research protocols | 200–300 mcg | Subcutaneous injection |
| Systemic research protocols | 250–500 mcg | Subcutaneous injection |
| GI-focused research protocols | 250–500 mcg | Oral (BPC-157 acetate or arginate salt) |
| Localized research protocols | 200–300 mcg | Subcutaneous near site of interest |
Frequency
1-2 times daily
Timing
Morning and/or evening, consistent timing preferred
Cycle Length
4-12 weeks typical research protocol
Research Notes
- 1Research doses are commonly weight-adjusted in animal studies, but human-equivalent dosing remains under investigation.
- 2Both oral and injectable routes have shown activity in preclinical research.
- 3BPC-157 shows unusual stability in gastric juice compared to other peptides of similar size.
- 4The arginate salt form may offer improved oral bioavailability over the acetate form.
- 5No formal human clinical dose-finding trials have been published to date.
Reconstitution Guide
Standard Reconstitution
Vial Size
5 mg
Bacteriostatic Water
2 mL
Concentration
25 mcg
per 0.1 mL (10 units)
Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Materials
BPC-157 vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringes.
Equilibrate Temperature
Remove the vial from storage and allow it to reach room temperature (5-10 minutes).
Sanitize
Swab the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol.
Draw Water
Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a syringe.
Add Water to Vial
Insert the needle into the peptide vial and direct the water stream against the glass wall — not directly onto the powder.
Mix Gently
Swirl the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Never shake. The solution should be clear and colorless.
Store Properly
Refrigerate at Refrigerated (2-8°C / 36-46°F) after reconstitution. Up to 30 days refrigerated after reconstitution.
Storage Temperature
Refrigerated (2-8°C / 36-46°F) after reconstitution
Shelf Life
Up to 30 days refrigerated after reconstitution
Important Notes
- •Use bacteriostatic water (not sterile water) for multi-use vials.
- •Store unreconstituted vials in freezer (-20°C) for long-term storage.
- •Allow vial to reach room temperature before adding water.
- •Direct the water stream against the glass wall, not directly onto the powder.
- •Swirl gently; never shake the vial.
- •Solution should be clear and colorless. Discard if cloudy or discolored.
BPC-157 Dosing Calculator
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BPC-157 Reconstitution Calculator
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Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- !Nausea (primarily with oral administration at higher doses)
- !Injection site redness or irritation (transient, typically resolves within hours)
- !Dizziness (reported infrequently in anecdotal accounts)
- !Headache (mild, infrequent)
- !Fatigue (reported in some cases during initial use)
- !No significant adverse effects observed in published animal studies at standard research doses
- !Long-term safety data in humans is not available
Potential Interactions
- ⚡May interact with growth hormone and growth factor pathways, caution with concurrent GH-related compounds.
- ⚡Potential interaction with NO-modulators (e.g., sildenafil, nitroglycerin) due to effects on nitric oxide system.
- ⚡May influence dopaminergic and serotonergic systems — consider interactions with psychiatric medications.
- ⚡Anti-inflammatory effects may theoretically interact with immunosuppressive medications.
- ⚡No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted in humans.
Important: Side effects and interactions listed here are compiled from published research and community reports. This is not a complete list. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for most research peptides. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Research Studies
The following studies are referenced in this profile. PubMed IDs are provided where available for independent verification.
Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract
thorough review of BPC-157's cytoprotective effects on the GI tract, including protection against NSAIDs, alcohol, and various toxic agents. Discusses the peptide's stability in gastric juice and multiple mechanisms of action.
Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 enhances the growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts
Demonstrated that BPC-157 upregulates growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts and promotes tendon healing through FAK-paxillin signaling pathway activation.
BPC 157 and the NO system in rats with Achilles tendon defect
Showed BPC-157 accelerated Achilles tendon healing in rats through modulation of the nitric oxide system, with improved biomechanical properties of healed tissue.
Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in skeletal muscle healing
Demonstrated accelerated healing of transected and crushed skeletal muscle in rats treated with BPC-157, with improved functional recovery compared to controls.
Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 attenuates disturbances induced by neuroleptics
Explored BPC-157's interactions with dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, showing potential for counteracting neuroleptic-induced catalepsy and other disturbances in animal models.
BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis through VEGF-related pathway
Demonstrated that BPC-157 promotes blood vessel formation through VEGF, CD34, and FVIII pathways, supporting its role in tissue repair through improved blood supply.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all published research. Studies are selected for relevance and quality. Click PubMed IDs to verify sources independently. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of the peptide for any clinical use.
Frequently Asked Questions
BPC-157 is a 15-amino acid synthetic peptide derived from a portion of the body protection compound (BPC) found naturally in human gastric juice. It has been extensively studied in animal models for tissue repair, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties.
BPC-157 has been primarily researched for tendon and ligament repair, muscle healing, gastrointestinal protection, nerve regeneration, and anti-inflammatory effects. The majority of published studies are in animal models.
In research settings, BPC-157 is typically administered via subcutaneous injection near the area of interest, or orally for gastrointestinal studies. Both routes have demonstrated activity in preclinical studies.
No. BPC-157 is not FDA-approved for any clinical use. It is classified as a research compound. Human clinical trials are limited, and regulatory status varies by country.
BPC-157 acetate and arginate refer to different salt forms. The arginate (arginine salt) form is generally considered more stable, especially for oral use, while the acetate form is more commonly available for injectable research preparations.
BPC-157 has shown activity via oral administration in animal studies, which is unusual for peptides. Its stability in gastric juice is a unique property. The arginate salt form may offer better oral bioavailability.
Unreconstituted BPC-157 should be stored frozen (-20°C). After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, it should be refrigerated (2-8°C) and used within 30 days. Protect from light.
Published animal studies report no significant adverse effects at standard research doses. Anecdotal reports from the research community mention occasional mild nausea, injection site irritation, and headache. Long-term safety data in humans is not available.
Research & Educational Use Only
All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
The information presented here is compiled from published research studies and is intended for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider.