Key takeaways:
~ BPC-157 is a naturally occurring peptide that is found in gastric juice and also available as a supplemental oral or injectable peptide.
~ Studies show it can be used to heal tendon injuries, tissue injuries, and eye injuries.
~ Research studies on BPC-157 show very promising results; however, clinical trials in humans are very limited.
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What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 (body protection compound-157) is a peptide derived from human gastric juice that is 15 amino acids in length. Studies show that it promotes the healing of different tissues, including skin, muscle, bone, and tendons.[ref] A peptide is a short chain of amino acids linked together with peptide bonds. They are produced in the body (e.g. insulin is a peptide) or available as a supplement or medication (e.g. GLP-1 RA medications are peptides).
BPC-157 was first isolated from gastric juice, and it is thought to help protect and heal the stomach on an ongoing basis. Many of the studies in animals point to a role for BPC-157 in the protection against ulcer formation through an interaction with dopamine receptors in the stomach.[ref]
How does BPC-157 work?
There are multiple ways that BPC-157 seems to interact with in helping promote wound healing and growth. Research shows BPC-157 increases the stimulation of blood vessels through VEFG, upregulates early growth response genes, and increases nitric oxide through NOS3 stimulation.[ref] Here are a few of the studies in detail:
- A 2014 study outlined one mechanism of action, showing that BPC-157 enhances growth hormone receptors directly in the tendon, increasing growth hormone in the tendon. [ref]
- As wounds and damaged tissue heal, they rely on the formation of new blood vessels, which is another way that BPC-157 promotes healing.[ref]
- BPC-157 increases the formation of blood vessels by increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). [ref]
Exogenous BPC-157 can be taken orally or injected. It is fairly quickly cleared from the circulation, though, with a half-life of around 30 minutes.
A 2025 review showed that 35 preclinical trials and one clinical study have been completed with BPC-157.[ref]
Let’s take a look at how this plays out in specific injuries and wounds.
Tendon healing:
Many studies have found BPC-157 to be effective in treating tendon injuries:
- A small study in humans found that injecting BPC-157 directly into the knee joint helps with different types of knee pain. A retrospective follow-up found that 87% of the participants receiving BPC-157 injections had significant relief of their knee pain that lasted for at least 6 months to a year (length of the follow-up).[ref]
- A clinical trial in rats found that taking BPC-157 orally in water significantly helped mytendonitis injuries after surgery. [ref]
- Another study in rats found that BPC-157 aided in recovery after an Achilles tendon rupture by promoting the formation of new blood vessels. [ref]
- BPC-157 resolved an “insurmountable deleterious course” to achieve quadracept muscle to bone reattachment in rats. [ref]
One way that BPC-157 is likely working in healing tendon injuries is through increasing VEGF, which promotes blood flow to the area.[ref]
Gastrointestinal tract:
BPC 157 was first isolated in the stomach, and it plays a role there in protecting and healing the lining of the stomach. Studies (mainly in animals) show that supplemental BPC-157 helps to heal wounds or lesions in the stomach and intestines. For example, it is effective for healing lesions from excessive NSAIDs or alcohol.[ref][ref] Another study found that “BPC 157 counteracted stomach and liver lesions and various encephalopathies in NSAIDs and insulin rats.” [ref] BPC-157 completely resolved symptoms after major intestinal surgery in rats. [ref]
Related article: CYP2C8: Prescription Medications and Arachidonic Acid
Clinical trials show that it is safe in inflammatory bowel disease, and animal studies show that BPC 157 helps to heal fistulas in the intestines.[ref] Obviously, talk with your doctor if you have IBD before trying any therapeutic or supplement.
For glaucoma and eye problems:
BPC-157 has shown efficacy in many animal studies and a couple of preclinical trials for eye problems.
- For treating glaucoma and other eye conditions, animal studies show that the BPC-157 normalizes optic nerve pressure and enhances ocular blood flow. [ref][ref]
- BPC-157 has been used in eye drops and is effective in closing corneal incisions in animals. [ref]
Healing myocardial injury:
Keeping the heart muscle healthy is important, of course. Multiple animal studies show that BPC-157 can help with healing injuries to the myocardial tissue, such as injury from a heart attack.
- A study in rats found that BPC 157 counteracted the effects of an induced myocardial injury and significantly decreased oxidative stress. [ref]
- A review study found that BPC 157 counteracted thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis, and also counteracted heart arrhythmias and infarctions. [ref]
Nitric Oxide Connection
Endothelial nitric oxide is a gas produced by the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. It helps to relax the blood vessels and increase blood flow. Endothelial nitric oxide is also involved in cognitive function and protection against neurodegenerative diseases.
Multiple studies show that BPC 157 can increase NOS3, which is the enzyme needed for the synthesis of nitric oxide synthase. This increases nitric oxide in the endothelium, thus promoting wound healing and vascular health. L-arginine is utilized in the synthesis of nitric oxide by NOS3.
- BPC-157 can induce nitric oxide generation and activate eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), which is associated with tissue repair. [ref]
- A study in rats found that the therapeutic effect of BPC-157 was achieved through consolidating the “stimulating and inhibiting effects” of the NO system. [ref]
Related article: NOS3 gene and nitric oxide
Gut-brain axis:
Nerves running from the brain to the intestines can move neurotransmitters and send signals in both directions. Serotonin is produced in the gut in large amounts for gut motility, and it sends signals to the brain, which affects mood and behavior.
- Studies show that BPC-157 may be interacting with the serotonergic system. In rats given BPC-157, serotonin levels in the brain increase in specific regions while simultaneously decreasing in other regions, such as the hippocampus.[ref]
- A 2020 study found that BPC-157 reduced leaky gut syndrome by stabilizing gut permeability after NSAID use.[ref] Reducing leaky gut theoretically can affect the gut-brain axis and reduce inflammation.
- One study found that BPC-157 counteracted schizophrenia like symptoms in rats. [ref] Another animal study showed antidepressant effects that are similar in scope to standard antidepressant medications.[ref]
Related article: How Your Genetic Variants Impact Your Gut Microbiome
Safety Trials and Side Effects
Human safety trials on BPC-157 are limited; however, the studies that have been conducted show BPC-157 to be safe when injected and taken orally. [ref][ref]
A pilot study in only 2 people has recently been conducted, and it found that 20 mg of BPC-157 taken intravenously was safe and did not produce adverse side effects.[ref]
While BPC-157 is a peptide that is produced in the body, that alone doesn’t mean that it is necessarily safe to inject it in large amounts. However, preclinical safety studies report no major toxicity across animal studies (mice, rats, rabbits, dogs) and showed no adverse effects across several organ systems. In fact, many studies have claimed that BPC-157 “does not have a lethal dose”. [ref][ref]
Absorption and metabolism:
BPC-157 is stable in stomach acid, passing through to be absorbed in the intestines. Part of it is metabolized within the first hour, but the remainder can still be detected in circulation for several days.[ref][ref]
Genetic connections:
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