Body Protecting Compound 157 (BPC-157 ): Overview, Potential Benefits, and Safety
What is Body Protecting Compound 157 (BPC-157 )?
Body Protecting Compound 157 (BPC-157 ) is a synthetic peptide derived from a sequence found in human gastric juice. It consists of 15 amino acids (a pentadecapeptide) and has been extensively studied in animal models for its tissue-healing and protective properties156.
Potential Benefits of BPC-157
Tissue Healing and Regeneration
- Accelerates healing of skin, muscle, bone, ligament, and tendon injuries in animal studies1256.
- Promotes collagen formation and tissue regeneration, outperforming some growth factors in early phases of healing2.
- Supports wound healing and reduces inflammation, with observed benefits in various injury models56.
Gastrointestinal Protection
- Demonstrates protective effects on the stomach and intestines, including reducing ulcers and inflammation in animal models2356.
- May aid in healing of intestinal anastomoses and fistulas, and shows benefits in models of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis235.
Neurological and Vascular Effects
- In animal studies, BPC-157 has shown neuroprotective effects after brain injury or stroke, improving functional recovery and reducing neuronal damage8.
- Appears to modulate gene expression related to vascularization and nitric oxide signaling, suggesting potential benefits for blood flow and antioxidant activity8.
Other Reported Effects (Mostly Animal Data)
- May improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and enhance cellular regeneration35.
- Suggested benefits for mood, cognition, and possibly conditions like traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, and depression, but these claims are not substantiated in humans358.
Mechanisms of Action (Proposed)
- Promotes nitric oxide synthesis and activates pathways involved in tissue repair and angiogenesis268.
- Inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress, possibly acting as an antioxidant68.
- Stimulates growth factor production and cellular migration relevant to healing126.
Administration
- BPC-157 has been studied in animals via injection, oral, and topical routes.
- Oral absorption in humans is unproven, but animal studies suggest possible systemic effects even with oral dosing6.
Human Evidence and Safety
- Human Studies:
Only two very small pilot studies in humans exist (one for bladder pain, one for knee pain, each with fewer than 20 participants)7. Both reported pain relief and no adverse effects, but these studies are far too limited to draw conclusions about efficacy or safety in humans7. - Regulatory Status:
BPC-157 is not approved for medical use by the FDA, European Medicines Agency, or other major health authorities47. It is classified as an unapproved drug and is on the U.S. Department of Defense’s prohibited list for dietary supplements4. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned its use in sports7. - Safety:
There is insufficient evidence regarding safety in humans. Animal studies have not reported major toxicity, but the lack of comprehensive human data means risks are unknown467. - Legality:
It is illegal to market BPC-157 for human consumption in most countries, though it is still widely available online47.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Animal Evidence/Claims | Human Evidence | Regulatory Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tissue healing | Strong (skin, tendon, muscle, GI tract, nerve) | Extremely limited | Not approved; prohibited |
| GI protection | Strong (ulcers, IBD, fistulas) | None | Not approved; prohibited |
| Neurological | Some (stroke, brain injury models) | None | Not approved; prohibited |
| Safety | No major toxicity in animals | Unknown | Not approved; prohibited |
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing various health conditions. If you have questions about Body Protecting Compound-157 (BPC-157 ) or would like more information on our services, consult with our experts today!
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
Key Takeaways
- BPC-157 shows promising tissue healing, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects in animal studies, especially for musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal conditions123568.
- There is no robust evidence for its safety or effectiveness in humans. Only two very small human studies exist, and no major health authorities have approved its use467.
- BPC-157 is banned for use in sports and is considered an unapproved drug in most countries47.
- Use of BPC-157 should be approached with caution due to the lack of human safety data and regulatory approval.
References:1 PMC62710672 Examine.com Research3 drbnaples.com4 opss.org5 cimahealth.com6 Examine.com7 sports-injury-physio.com8 PMC8504390
