WHAT IS BPC-157?
BPC-157 is a peptide chain consisting of 15 amino acids. It is considered synthetic because this particular sequence does not exist in nature. It is derived from a protective protein found in the stomach.
Researchers have conducted numerous rodent studies on BPC-157 that show it has protective effects extending beyond the stomach and intestinal tract. BPC-157 has been shown to benefit ulcers in the stomach, intestinal damage such as fistulas and inflammatory disorders, bone and joint healing and growth rates, and organ damage. It also has some influences on the brain. Researchers have observed marked protective effects when BPC-157 is administired to rats alongside a research toxin or damaging surgical procedure.
More research is needed to clarify whether BPC-157 has multiple mechanisms of action, but current research suggests BPC-157 influences several growth factors usually involved in angiogenesis (the production of blood vessels) and other factors involved in regeneration following damage.
BPC-157 shows promise, but human studies are needed to demonstrate that these benefits extend beyond research animals.
The majority of studies on BPC-157 are done on rats given injections of the supplement. While BPC-157 is a stable peptide, peptides are a group of compounds that are normally poorly absorbed after oral supplementation, so researchers use injections in rodent studies instead. Furthermore, there is no human evidence for BPC-157 and the majority of the research has been conducted by a single research group. Due to its synthetic nature, there may be legal issues associated with the sale of this supplement in certain regions and it may be banned by some sport organizations.
BENEFITS OF BPC-157:
*BPC 157 has been shown in rat studies to heal torn quadriceps muscles, detached achilles tendon, muscles that have been damaged/crushed
* Dramatic fast recovery from muscle tears
* Tendon to bone healing
* Increased ligament healing
*Has a variety of protective effects in the organs
* Human trials demonstrate healing and prevention of stomach ulcers
* No adverse reactions have been seen in human trials.
BPC 157 Peptide Spotlight
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are molecules that make up proteins. These molecules have the ability of binding selective cell membrane receptors leading to intracellular signaling and communication. These messenger molecules have crucial roles in human physiology effecting the function of hormones, neurotransmitters and growth factors.
BPC 157 is a peptide composed of 15 amino acids that are part of a body protection compound (BPC) discovered in human gastric juice and is naturally produced in our digestive tract. BPC 157 has been demonstrated to accelerate the healing of tissues including mucosal membranes, brain, bone, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. This peptide sends signals that decrease inflammation and regulate the immune system allowing for optimal repair and regeneration.
Due to BPC 157 ability to accelerate healing and repair it has a protective effect on organs and has been used in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI), arthritis, joint injury/pain, stomach ulcers, intestinal permeability/leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.
This peptide has also been shown to decrease pain in damaged areas. Those who suffer from discomfort due to muscle sprains, tears and damage may benefit from treatment with this peptide.
If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, autoimmune disease, post-concussion syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal permeability/leaky gut or tendon/ligament injury BPC-157 may be appropriate as part of your care.
References:
Sikiric, Predrag, et al. "Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Novel Therapy in Gastrointestinal Tract." Current Pharmaceutical Design, vol. 17, no. 16, 2011, pp. 1612-1632., doi:10.2174/138161211796196954.
• This study demonstrated BPC 157 role in healing gastrointestinal tissue. It focused on BPC 157 as a therapy in peridontitis, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, intestine, liver and pancreas lesions. Results showed successfully healing the intestinal anastomosis, gastrocutaneous, duodenocutaneous and colocutaneous fistulas in rats, as well as interacting with the nitric oxide system and promoting angiogenesis and tissue healing.
Cerovecki, Tomislav, et al. "Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (PL 14736) improves ligament healing in the rat." Journal of orthopaedic research 28.9 (2010): 1155-1161.
• This was an animal study, however it validated not just microscopic regeneration but also functional recovery making it clinically relevant in ligament and tendon repair.
Sikiric, Predrag, et al. "Brain-Gut Axis and Pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Theoretical and Practical Implications." Current Neuropharmacology, vol. 14, no. 8, 2016, pp. 857-865., doi:10.2174/1570159x13666160502153022.
• This study demonstrated BPC 157 role in maintaining the gastrointestinal mucosa integrity, with no toxic effect. BPC 157 was successful in healing of various tissues and wounds by reducing the release of inflammatory mediators and stimulating growth factor signaling.
• The study also showed how BPC 157 modulates serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, beneficially affecting various behavioral disturbances due to damaged neurotransmitters systems.
• BPC 157 has neuroprotective effects: protects somatosensory neuronsa and peripheral nerve regeneration apparent after traumatic brain injury.
L. BRCIC1, et al. "Modulatory effect of gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on angiogenesis in muscle and tendon healing" : Journal of physiology and pharmacology: an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society December 2009
• This study demonstrated how BPC 157 promotes healing by stimulating angiogenesis (the development of new blood vessels) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
• Results revealed that there is no direct angiogenic effect of BPC 157 on cell cultures. On the other hand, immunohistochemical analysis of muscle and tendon healing using VEGF, CD34 and FVIII antibodies showed adequately modulated angiogenesis in BPC 157 treated animals, resulting in a more adequate healing.
Gwyer, Daniel, et al. "Gastric Pentadecapeptide Body Protection Compound BPC 157 and Its Role in Accelerating Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Healing." Cell and Tissue Research, 2019, doi:10.1007/s00441-019-03016-8.
• Conclusion of this systemic review showed all of the studies to date that have tested BPC 157 as a treatment therapy have demonstrated extremely positive healing effects for various injury types in a number of soft tissues. Most studies are animal studies and further research is required in order to better understand its mechanisms and efficacy in practical settings. BPC 157 has the potential to be developed as a new therapy to conservatively treat or aid recovery for treatment or following surgery in soft tissues such as tendon and ligament tissue.