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The Peptide Effect
preclinicalHealing & Recovery

BPC-157

Also known as: Body Protection Compound-157, Bepecin, PL 14736, PL-10

BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from human gastric juice. It has demonstrated potent healing properties across tendons, ligaments, muscles, the gut lining, and the nervous system in preclinical research. It is one of the most widely studied peptides for tissue repair and injury recovery.

Key Facts

Mechanism
BPC-157 upregulates growth hormone receptors, stimulates angiogenesis via the VEGF pathway, modulates nitric oxide synthesis, and activates the FAK-paxillin signaling pathway. It also influences dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, contributing to its neuroprotective effects.
Research Status
preclinical
Half-Life
~4 hours (estimated)
Molecular Formula
C₆₂H₉₈N₁₆O₂₂
Primary Use
Healing & Recovery

Benefits

  • Accelerates tendon, ligament, and muscle healingstrong
  • Protects and heals the gastrointestinal lining (leaky gut, IBS, ulcers)strong
  • Promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) at injury sitesstrong
  • Neuroprotective effects — may aid recovery from traumatic brain injurymoderate
  • Reduces inflammation systemically via nitric oxide modulationmoderate
  • May counteract NSAID-induced gut damagestrong
  • Potential antidepressant and anxiolytic effects via dopamine system modulationpreliminary

Dosage Protocols

RouteDosage RangeFrequencyNotes
Subcutaneous injection200–500 mcg1–2× dailyInject near the injury site for localized healing
Oral (capsule)500–1000 mcg1–2× dailyPreferred for gut-related conditions; stable in gastric acid
Intramuscular injection200–500 mcg1× dailyAlternative to subcutaneous for systemic effects

Medical disclaimer

Dosage information is provided for educational reference only. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.

Side Effects

  • Nausea (usually transient, first few doses)common
  • Injection site redness or irritationcommon
  • Dizziness or lightheadednessrare
  • Headacherare
  • Theoretical concern about promoting growth in existing tumors (no clinical evidence)serious

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is BPC-157 FDA approved?
No. BPC-157 has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for any medical condition. All evidence is from preclinical (animal) studies. It is sold as a research chemical, not a pharmaceutical.
Can I take BPC-157 orally instead of injecting?
Yes. BPC-157 is uniquely stable in gastric acid, making oral administration viable — especially for gut-related conditions. However, subcutaneous injection near an injury site is generally preferred for musculoskeletal healing, as it delivers a higher local concentration.
How long does BPC-157 take to work?
Most anecdotal reports note initial improvements within 1–2 weeks, with significant healing by 4–6 weeks. The timeline depends heavily on the injury type and severity. Tendon injuries typically take longer than muscle injuries.
Can BPC-157 be stacked with TB-500?
Yes. BPC-157 and TB-500 are commonly stacked for healing protocols. BPC-157 promotes localized repair and angiogenesis, while TB-500 upregulates actin and supports systemic tissue repair. They work through complementary mechanisms.
Does BPC-157 need to be refrigerated?
Reconstituted BPC-157 should be refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F) and used within 30 days. Unreconstituted (lyophilized) powder can be stored at room temperature but lasts longer refrigerated.

References

  1. 1
    Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 enhances the growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts(2010)PubMed ↗
  2. 2
    Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract(2011)PubMed ↗
  3. 3
    BPC 157 and its effects on the musculoskeletal system — a systematic review(2020)PubMed ↗
  4. 4
    Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and its effects in the central nervous system(2020)PubMed ↗

Last updated: 2026-02-14