Everything You Need To Know About Peptide BPC 157 Review

THE HEALTH BLOG

March 2, 2022 – BY DR. AMAD SHAF

Typically you require prescription medication to heal from injuries, reduce inflammation, and accelerate recovery time. But what if there’s another way to accelerate healing time, so you don’t have to use prescription medication? Introducing Peptide BPC 157, a compound that has become popular in many health protocols. 

Need to quell inflammation around a tendon? Need to improve muscular development and lower fat content? Need to heal your gut? Need to improve your metabolic activity? BPC 157 is the way to go.

In this article, we’re going to discuss the healing benefits of Peptide BPC 157, how it works, and much more. 

What Is Peptide BPC 157?

BPC is a protein originally discovered to be a protective peptide found in the stomach acid for exerting healing benefits on the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Peptide BPC 157 is an acronym for “body protection compound,” which refers to a short peptide chain composed of 15 amino acid residues. Peptide BPC 157 is considered synthetic and derived from a protective protein found in gastric juice [1]. 

The biologically active peptide BPC 157 is resistant to enzyme digestion and is highly stable. It promotes tissue healing, has anti-inflammatory effects, and regulates gene transcription. BPC 157 got its name from its ability to heal tissues, reduce inflammatory conditions, and ward off fatigue. The regenerative properties of BPC 157 make it a therapeutic compound for the gut [2]. 

BPC 157 peptides are, also known as the Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157, has been reported to have:

• Tendon healing effects
• Cell survival
• Tendon outgrowth
• Cell mitigation 

What Else Is BPC 157 Known For?

BPC 157 is known to be only a partial sequence from the BPC protein of human gastric juice. It has been found to [3]:

• Be easily dissolved in water.
• Be resistant to hydrolysis and enzyme digestion.
• Be very much stable.
• Have healing effects on the skin, muscle, cornea, segmental bone defect, colocutaneous fistula, gastric ulcer, and colon-colon anastomosis. 
• Help patients with organ damage.
• Accelerate the rate of angiogenic repair.
• Improve joint mobility
• Alleviate old injuries and joint pain.

Currently, BPC 157 is being used for clinical trials to investigate its healing effects on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).BPC 157 has been able to help the medical field by treating disorders and conditions of the intestine, such as stomach ulcers or IBD.

If you’re trying to achieve fitness goals, the aesthetic and therapeutic properties of BPC 157 can help you shed extra pounds and repair your body after physical exertion. 

How Do BPC 157 Peptides Work?

Since BPC 157 has been derived from BPC protein in the gastric juice, its primary function is to accelerate or kick start the repair and renewal of the GI tract. Our intestines have to work continuously under a lot of pressure to carry out pivotal functions of the body; BPC 157 helps our intestines function smoothly by:

• Controlling the function of blood vessels
• Stabilizing gut microbiome
• Preventing stomach ulcers
• Regenerating the cells of intestinal walls and epithelium [4].

The effects of BPC 157 outside the digestive tract are also incredible. For example, BPC 157 works by stimulating the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to promote muscle and tendon healing. This explains why BPC 157 is a regenerative agent in healing injuries, wounds, cuts, and other types of damage in the body [5].

Angiogenesis means that more oxygen and nutrient-rich blood and energy can be delivered to the injured site to help it recover faster. 

Additionally, BPC 157 has also been shown to block the effect of 4-hydroxynonenal to heal muscles and tendons. It helps tendon cells to make more receptors for sending signals to growth molecules. In turn, tendon cells grow more rapidly during the healing process [6]. 

BPC 157 has also been reported to encourage the growth of fibroblasts, which play a pivotal role in forming collagen – a structural protein for your connective tissues, bones, and skin. 

The mechanism of action of BPC 157 also involves the production of nitric oxide (NO) to lower the effects of high blood pressure [7]. 

BPC 157 can also impact the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, but more research is needed to understand its functioning in the brain [8].

Potential Benefits Of BPC 157 Backed By Science:

The benefits list of BPC 157 peptides is skyrocketing day by day. The following are some of its benefits you can have on your body:

1. Improves Ulcers and Gut Health:

BPC 157 stabilizes the brain-gut axis, which communicates between the nervous system, immune system, gut, and microbiome. Research suggests that BPC 157 heals stomach ulcers and protects the intestine from gastrointestinal fistulas in rats [9]. 

Another study has found that injections of BPC 157 were effective in reducing inflammation in rays with arthritis and stomach ulcers [10]. 

2. Helps With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

BPC 157 injections help people with IBD by decreasing inflammation and alleviating IBD symptoms, including ulcerative colitis, intestinal swelling, esophageal reflux, and esophagogastric anastomosis. One study reported that BPC 157 significantly reduced inflammation in rats with IBS [11].

3. Heals Burns, Cuts, and Wounds:

Studies in mice have reported that creams containing BPC 157 effectively speeded up the healing process in mice with burns [12]. 

BPC 157 has been found effective in healing cuts in diabetic rats as diabetes makes it difficult for the body to heal wounds [13]. 

Another study reported that BPC 157 peptides prompted the rapid healing of broken bones in rabbits [14]. 

4. Heals Muscles and Tendons:

Many research studies have reported that BPC 157 injections help complete tendons due to injuries in Achilles’ tendons. They have also been found to speed up the healing of muscles that had been crushed or cut [15]. 

5. Reverses the Damage Caused by NSAIDs:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, are generally considered safe if used as directed. These drugs can permanently damage the liver and stomach if taken in high amounts. 

BPC 157, whether consumed or injected, has been found to reverse the damage and toxic effects caused by NSAIDs [16] 

6. Protects the Brain and Nervous System:

BPC 157 peptides are potent healing inducers because they have been found to repair nerve cells in the brain. In one study, BPC 157 injections repaired brain damage after traumatic brain injury in rats. In another study, BPC 157 peptides protected against drug-induced seizures and helped nerve cells heal and regrow [17].

Studies have also reported that BPC 157 positively affects mood and improves depressive symptoms [18].

7. Is Helpful For Athletes:

The anti-inflammatory and recovering properties of BPC 157 make it very helpful for athletes. The benefits of BPC 157 for athletes include:

• Healing muscle injuries.
• Improving joint mobility.
• Easing joint aches and pains.
• Reducing stress on muscles.
• Helping bounce back faster after strenuous workouts. 

8. Counteracts Drug Intoxication:

Studies have found that BPC 157 safely counteracts drug intoxication by making these drugs less effective. One study found that this peptide, when given with morphine, made this drug less effective. 

In another study, BPC 157 also reduced abnormal behavior triggered by amphetamines. Amphetamines can cause an imbalance in the dopamine system [19].

Dosage And Administration Of BPC 157:

BPC 157 peptides can be taken in both oral and injective forms. 

1. Oral dosages: Oral dosages, mostly the capsule form, are best suited if you have stomach or gut issues and intestinal problems. 

2. BPC 157 Injections: Injections are a preferred route for BPC 157 peptides to be administered either subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (directly into the muscle). BPC injections are best suited for:

• Muscle sprains
• Ligament damage and pain
• Inflammation 

It is important to note that BPC 157 injections should be administered on an empty stomach and administered at least three hours apart (in case you require more than one dose a day). 

The recommended dosage of BPC 157 peptide ranges between 200 mcg to 1,000 mcg for a 60 kg (132 lbs) adult human.

It should be noted that there are no studies and clinical trials of BPC 157 performed on humans; there is no way to know which dose is safe and effective.

Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Peptide BPC 157?

BPC 157 peptide’s safety profile is unknown in humans. Therefore, you should always research before starting BPC 157 supplementation and report any side effects you notice.

Also, BPC 157 is not a drug; it is a peptide. Therefore, it lacks side effects. Studies of animal models report that peptide BPC 157 does not cause any adverse side effects.

However, typical side effects associated with the use of peptides include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fluctuations in blood pressure 
• Appetite changes
• Weight gain
• Kidney and liver toxicity

The Bottom Line:

Peptide BPC 157 is a 15-amino acid compound that has become very popular due to its wide range of benefits, ranging from healing tendons and wounds to protecting organs and reducing inflammation. It is now increasingly used by athletes to prevent injuries and accelerate the wound healing process. Studies on animal models promise the safety and efficacy of this peptide, but clinical trials on humans are lacking.

References:

1. Sikirić P, Petek M, Ručman R, Seiwerth S, Grabarević Z, Rotkvić I, et al. A new gastric juice peptide, BPC. An overview of the stomach-stress-organoprotection hypothesis and beneficial effects of BPC. J Physiol 1993;87:313–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/0928-4257(93)90038-U. 
2. Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, Drmic D, Stupnisek M, Kokot A, et al. Stress in Gastrointestinal Tract and Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Finally, do we have a Solution? Curr Pharm Des 2017;23. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612823666170220163219. 
3. Sikiric, Predrag; Seiwerth, Sven; Rucman, Rudolf; Turkovic, Branko; Stancic Rokotov, Dinko; Brcic, Luka; Sever, Marko; Klicek, Robert; Radic, Bozo; Drmic, Domagoj; Ilic, Spomenko; Kolenc, Danijela; Aralica, Gorana; Stupnisek, Mirjana; Suran, Jelena; Baris B. Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157-NO-system Relation: Ingenta Connect 2014;20:1126–35.
4. P, Rucman R, Turkovic B, Sever M, Klicek R, Radic B, et al. Novel Cytoprotective Mediator, Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Vascular Recruitment and Gastrointestinal Tract Healing. Curr Pharm Des 2018;24:1990–2001. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612824666180608101119. 
5. Krivic A, Majerovic M, Jelic I, Seiwerth S, Sikiric P. Modulation of early functional recovery of Achilles tendon to bone unit after transection by BPC 157 and methylprednisolone. Inflamm Res 2008;57:205–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-007-7056-8. 
6. Staresinic M, Sebacic B, Patrlj L, Jadrijevic S, Suknaic S, Perovic D, et al. Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tendocytes growth. J Orthop Res 2003;21:976–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0736-0266(03)00110-4. 
7. Barisic I, Balenovic D, Klicek R, Radic B, Nikitovic B, Drmic D, et al. Mortal hyperkalemia disturbances in rats are NO-system related. The life saving effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Regul Pept 2013;181:50–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regpep.2012.12.007. 
8. Boban Blagaic A, Blagaic V, Mirt M, Jelovac N, Dodig G, Rucman R, et al. Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 effective against serotonin syndrome in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2005;512:173–9.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2005.02.033. 
9. Bilic I, Zoricic I, Anic T, Separovic J, Stancic-Rokotov D, Mikus D, et al. Haloperidol-stomach lesions attenuation by pentadecapeptide BPC 157, omeprazole, bromocriptine, but not atropine, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, ranitidine, cimetidine and misoprostol in mice. Life Sci 2001;68:1905–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0024-3205(00)01025-0. 
10. Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Grabarevic Z, Rucman R, Petek M, Magic V, et al. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 positively affects both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent-induced gastrointestinal lesions and adjuvant arthritis in rats. J Physiol 1997;91:113–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0928-4257(97)89474-0. 
11. Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, Turkovic B, Stancic Rokotov D, Brcic L, et al. Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract. Curr Pharm Des 2011;17:1612–32. https://doi.org/10.2174/138161211796196954. 
12. Seveljević-Jadran D, Cuzić S, Dominis-Kramarić M, Glojnarić I, Ivetić V, Radosević S, et al. Accelerated healing of excisional skin wounds by PL 14736 in alloxan-hyperglycemic rats. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2006;19:266–74. https://doi.org/10.1159/000093982. 
13. Šebečić B, Nikolić V, Sikirić P, Seiwerth S, Šoša T, Patrlj L, et al. Osteogenic effect of a gastric pentadecapeptide, BPC-157, on the healing of segmental bone defect in rabbits: a comparison with bone marrow and autologous cortical bone implantation. Bone 1999;24:195–202. https://doi.org/10.1016/S8756-3282(98)00180-X. 
14. Mikus D, Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Petricevic A, Arabica G, Druzijancic N, et al. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 cream improves burn-wound healing and attenuates burn-gastric lesions in mice. Burns 2001;27:817–27./https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-4179(01)00055-9. 
15. Impact of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on muscle healing impaired by systemic corticosteroid application – PubMed n.d. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20190676/ 
16. Ilic S, Drmic D, Zarkovic K, Kolenc D, Brcic L, Radic B, et al. Ibuprofen hepatic encephalopathy, hepatomegaly, gastric lesion and gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2011;667:322–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.05.038. 
17. Jelovac N, Sikiric P, Rucman R, Petek M, Marovic A, Perovic D, et al. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 attenuates disturbances induced by neuroleptics: the effect on catalepsy and gastric ulcers in mice and rats. Eur J Pharmacol 1999;379:19–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0014-2999(99)00486-0. 
18. Sikiric P, Šeparovic J, Buljat G, Anic T, Stancic-Rokotov D, Mikus D, et al. The antidepressant effect of an antiulcer pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in Porsolt’s test and chronic unpredictable stress in rats. A comparison with antidepressants. J Physiol 2000;94:99–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0928-4257(00)00148-0. 
19. Jelovac N, Sikirić P, Ručman R, Petek M, Perović D, Konjevoda P, et al. A novel pentadecapeptide, BPC 157, blocks the stereotypy produced acutely by amphetamine and the development of haloperidol-induced supersensitivity to amphetamine. Biol Psychiatry 1998;43:511–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3223(97)00277-1. 

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