
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound 157
BPC-157 (Body Protective Compound-157) is a synthetic peptide derived from a sequence found in human gastric juice. It has gained significant attention for its regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic properties. Research indicates that BPC-157 promotes the healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and the gastrointestinal tract by upregulating growth factors like VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and enhancing fibroblast migration and collagen synthesis. In both animal and in vitro studies, it has accelerated wound healing, counteracted NSAID-induced gut damage, and improved tendon reattachment and ligament healing without scarring. Its stability in human gastric juice and potential oral bioactivity make it a rare peptide with possible systemic benefits even when taken non-injectably.
Clinically, BPC-157 is often used by athletes and patients recovering from surgery or chronic injuries due to its capacity to modulate the nitric oxide (NO) system, protect endothelial function, and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also appears to exert a protective effect on the gut-brain axis, reducing symptoms of anxiety and stress-induced damage through modulation of serotonin and dopamine systems. While human clinical trials are limited, the extensive body of animal data and positive anecdotal human reports have positioned BPC-157 as a cornerstone peptide in injury recovery and inflammation control protocols. It is typically dosed at 250–500 mcg daily, either subcutaneously near the injury site or systemically.
Protocols
1. General Healing & Gut Health Protocol (Oral)
Dose: 250-500 mcg twice daily
Duration: 4-6 weeks
Method: Taken orally (capsules or mixed with water)
Best for: Gastric ulcers, leaky gut, IBS, Crohn’s disease, acid reflux
2. Muscle, Tendon, & Ligament Healing (Subcutaneous Injection)
Dose: 250-500 mcg once or twice daily
Duration: 4-6 weeks
Method: Subcutaneous (SubQ) injection near the injury site
Best for: Sprains, muscle tears, ligament injuries
3. Severe Injury & Surgery Recovery (Subcutaneous or Intramuscular Injection)
Dose: 500-1000 mcg twice daily
Duration: 4-8 weeks
Method:
Subcutaneous (SubQ): Near the injury
Intramuscular (IM): Directly into the muscle if applicable
Best for: Post-surgical healing, chronic tendonitis, major muscle damage
4. Neurological & Brain Injury Support (Oral or Injection)
Dose: 300-500 mcg twice daily
Duration: 4-6 weeks
Best for: Brain injuries, stroke recovery, nerve regeneration
Stacking with Other Peptides
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) – Often stacked with BPC-157 for enhanced healing.
GH (Growth Hormone) Peptides (e.g., CJC-1295, Ipamorelin) – May further support tissue regeneration.
Important Considerations
BPC-157 is not approved for human use; research is ongoing.
Always use sterile techniques for injections.
Cycle length: 4-8 weeks, followed by a break
Further reading
BPC-157's multifaceted effects stem largely from its influence on angiogenesis, cell migration, and modulation of molecular signaling pathways like NO (nitric oxide), EGR1, VEGFR2, and FAK/paxillin. It appears to orchestrate an accelerated tissue repair process by supporting the recruitment and activation of fibroblasts, enhancing collagen formation, and stimulating blood vessel growth in damaged or ischemic tissues. This explains its documented ability to heal transected tendons, detached ligaments, and even crushed nerves—outcomes that typically require long recovery periods or surgical repair. Notably, it also shows anti-hemorrhagic and anti-edematous properties, offering potential benefit in acute trauma scenarios. In models of myotendinous junction injury, BPC-157 preserved muscle integrity and prevented necrosis, suggesting systemic as well as localized protective action.
In addition to its orthopedic and soft-tissue applications, BPC-157 exhibits powerful gastroprotective and neuroprotective effects. It has been shown to counteract NSAID-induced ulcers, esophagitis, and inflammatory bowel conditions like colitis by promoting epithelial integrity, increasing mucosal blood flow, and regulating the gut-brain axis. Animal studies also demonstrate its ability to reduce seizure threshold, alleviate depression-like behaviors, and modulate dopaminergic and serotonergic systems—even showing synergy with antidepressants and anxiolytics in preclinical models. These effects are believed to be partially mediated by enhanced BDNF signaling and reduced systemic inflammation, making BPC-157 of interest not only for physical injury recovery, but also for patients experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, or medication-induced neuroinflammation. As research expands, BPC-157 continues to stand out as a systemic healing peptide with a broad therapeutic range and minimal toxicity profile.
References
- Sikiric, P. et al. (2010). Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: An overview of its healing effects. Journal of Physiology – Paris. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphysparis.2010.03.006
Perovic, D. et al. (2019). BPC 157 and the brain–gut axis: Theoretical and practical implications. Current Neuropharmacology, 17(11), 1021–1030.
Sikiric, P. et al. (2018). BPC-157 and its role in tendon, ligament, muscle and bone healing. European Journal of Pharmacology, 833, 274–289.
Gwyer, D. et al. (2020). BPC-157: Current evidence in musculoskeletal and neuroregenerative medicine. Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease.

