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The Peptide Effect
preclinicalGut Health & Immune

KPV

Also known as: Lys-Pro-Val, α-MSH(11-13), Alpha-MSH C-terminal tripeptide

KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Lysine-Proline-Valine) derived from the C-terminal end of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It retains the potent anti-inflammatory activity of the parent hormone without causing skin pigmentation or other melanogenic side effects. It has emerged as one of the most promising peptides for gut health and inflammatory conditions.

Key Facts

Mechanism
KPV enters cells and directly inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation, suppressing the master inflammatory signaling cascade at its source. It significantly reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. Unlike full-length α-MSH, KPV does not activate melanocortin receptors (MC1R-MC5R) and therefore does not trigger melanogenesis. It can penetrate cell membranes and act intracellularly, which accounts for its potent anti-inflammatory effects even at very low concentrations.
Research Status
preclinical
Half-Life
Very short (~minutes in plasma); acts intracellularly
Molecular Formula
C₁₆H₃₀N₄O₄
Primary Use
Gut Health & Immune
Table of Contents

Benefits

  • Powerful anti-inflammatory action without causing immunosuppressionmoderate
  • IBD and colitis treatment potential — reduces gut inflammation in animal modelspreliminary
  • Promotes gut barrier integrity and intestinal epithelial healingpreliminary
  • Antimicrobial properties — inhibits growth of certain pathogenic bacteriapreliminary
  • Reduces skin inflammation (dermatitis, psoriasis) in preclinical modelspreliminary
  • Does not cause skin darkening unlike full α-MSH or melanotan peptidesmoderate

Dosage Protocols

RouteDosage RangeFrequencyNotes
Oral (capsule)200–500 mcg1× dailyPreferred route for gut-related conditions; take on empty stomach
Subcutaneous injection200–500 mcg1× dailyUsed for systemic anti-inflammatory effects or skin conditions
Oral (capsule) — combination200–500 mcg KPV + 200–500 mcg BPC-1571× dailyPopular gut healing stack combining KPV anti-inflammatory with BPC-157 repair signaling

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

  • Injection site irritation or rednesscommon
  • Mild gastrointestinal discomfort with oral dosing (transient)common
  • Mild headacherare
  • Very limited human safety data — long-term effects unknownserious
  • Temporary fatigue during initial dosingrare

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Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

How does KPV help with gut health?
KPV reduces intestinal inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB, the master switch for inflammatory gene expression in gut epithelial cells. In animal studies of colitis, KPV reduced inflammatory markers, improved intestinal barrier function, and accelerated mucosal healing. It is particularly promising because it works locally in the gut when taken orally, directly targeting inflamed tissue.
Should I take KPV orally or by injection?
For gut-related conditions (IBD, leaky gut, intestinal inflammation), oral administration is preferred because the peptide acts directly on the intestinal lining. For systemic anti-inflammatory effects or skin conditions, subcutaneous injection delivers more consistent systemic bioavailability. Many practitioners recommend starting with oral dosing and switching to injection only if needed.
What is the difference between KPV and alpha-MSH?
KPV is the last three amino acids (positions 11-13) of alpha-MSH. Full-length α-MSH activates melanocortin receptors, causing skin tanning, appetite suppression, and sexual effects. KPV retains only the anti-inflammatory activity because it works through a different mechanism — direct NF-κB inhibition inside cells — without activating melanocortin receptors. This means anti-inflammatory benefits without tanning or other hormonal side effects.
Can I stack KPV with BPC-157?
Yes. The KPV + BPC-157 combination is one of the most popular gut healing stacks. KPV provides direct anti-inflammatory action by suppressing NF-κB, while BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis and tissue repair. They work through complementary mechanisms, and many practitioners report synergistic results for conditions like leaky gut, IBS, and post-antibiotic gut repair.
Is KPV approved or regulated by the FDA?
No. KPV is not FDA-approved for any medical condition. All evidence comes from preclinical research (cell culture and animal studies). It is available as a research chemical and through compounding pharmacies. Despite promising animal data, no human clinical trials have been completed, so efficacy and safety in humans are not formally established.

References

  1. 1
    Anti-inflammatory activities of alpha-MSH through p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways(2005)PubMed ↗
  2. 2
    KPV tripeptide inhibits intestinal inflammation through modulation of NF-κB signaling(2005)PubMed ↗
  3. 3
    Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects in vitro and in vivo(2005)PubMed ↗
  4. 4
    Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of the alpha-MSH C-terminal peptide KPV(2008)PubMed ↗

Last updated: 2026-02-14