BPC-157
aka Body Protection Compound 157 · Pentadecapeptide BPC 157
A synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from human gastric juice protein BPC, with an extensive rodent literature on tendon, ligament, gut, and nerve healing — and almost no controlled human data.
Mechanism of action
Upregulates VEGF-A and the VEGFR2–Akt–eNOS pathway to promote angiogenesis, modulates the nitric oxide system, increases fibroblast migration and collagen organization, and stabilizes gut mucosal integrity.
Doses used in published studies
Rodent studies commonly use 10 µg/kg. Human dosing is extrapolated, unvalidated, and not supported by controlled trials.
These figures describe what researchers administered under supervision. They are reported for accuracy and are not a protocol, recommendation, or substitute for clinical guidance.
Reported benefits
- Accelerated tendon-to-bone and ligament healing in rat models
- Protective effects on NSAID- and colitis-induced gut injury in rodents
- Nerve regeneration signals after crush injury in animals
Risks & unknowns
- No published long-term human safety data
- Angiogenic mechanism raises theoretical tumor-promotion concerns
- Grey-market products frequently fail identity and purity testing
- Anti-doping sanction risk for tested athletes
Legal & regulatory status
In 2022 the FDA placed BPC-157 on the 503A bulk-substances 'Category 2' list, effectively removing it from legal US compounding. It is prohibited in sport by WADA (S0 non-approved substances). Sold widely as a 'research chemical' — not a legal dietary supplement in the US.
Check status in your state or country →Key studies
- Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Novel Therapy in Gastrointestinal Tract
Current Pharmaceutical Design · 2011
- BPC 157 and Tendon Healing: Experimental Evidence Review
Journal of Orthopaedic Research / PubMed index · 2019