Recovery research fieldbook Evidence, not treatment advice
Recovery archive

Published recovery field note

BPC 157: Science-Backed Uses, Benefits, Dosage, and Safety

Anderson, S. (2022, May 19). 6 Preventable Risk Factors Associated With Heart Attacks. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/5-things-to-do-after-a-heart-attack Arif, H., & Aggarwal, S. (2023, July 5). Salicylic acid (aspirin). NIH; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519032/ Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Analgesics | Arthritis Foundation. Www.arthritis.org. https://www.arthritis.org/drug-guide/analgesics/analgesics Barman, P., Joshi, S., Sharma, S., Simran Preet, Sharma, S., & Saini, A. (2023). Strategic Approaches to Improvise Peptide Drugs as Next Generation Therapeutics. International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics, 29(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10989-023-10524-3 Brinkman, J. E., & Sharma, S. (2023, May 1). Physiology, growth hormone. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482141/ Carter-Su, C., Schwartz, J., & Argetsinger, L. S. (2016). Growth hormone signaling pathways. Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 28

Context first

Study findings do not automatically establish clinical benefit, safety, dosing, or suitability for an individual.

Anderson, S. (2022, May 19). 6 Preventable Risk Factors Associated With Heart Attacks. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/5-things-to-do-after-a-heart-attack

Arif, H., & Aggarwal, S. (2023, July 5). Salicylic acid (aspirin). NIH; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519032/

Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Analgesics | Arthritis Foundation. Www.arthritis.org. https://www.arthritis.org/drug-guide/analgesics/analgesics

Barman, P., Joshi, S., Sharma, S., Simran Preet, Sharma, S., & Saini, A. (2023). Strategic Approaches to Improvise Peptide Drugs as Next Generation Therapeutics. International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics, 29(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10989-023-10524-3

Brinkman, J. E., & Sharma, S. (2023, May 1). Physiology, growth hormone. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482141/

Carter-Su, C., Schwartz, J., & Argetsinger, L. S. (2016). Growth hormone signaling pathways. Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 28, 11–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ghir.2015.09.002

Cerovecki, T., Bojanic, I., Brcic, L., Radic, B., Vukoja, I., Seiwerth, S., & Sikiric, P. (2010). Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (PL 14736) improves ligament healing in the rat. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 28(9), 1155–1161. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.21107

Chang, C.-H., Tsai, W.-C., Hsu, Y.-H., & Su Pang, J.-H. (2014). Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Enhances the Growth Hormone Receptor Expression in Tendon Fibroblasts. Molecules, 19(11), 19066–19077. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules191119066

Chang, C.-H., Tsai, W.-C., Lin, M.-S., Hsu, Y.-H., & Pang, J.-H. S. (2011). The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration. Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md.: 1985), 110(3), 774–780. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00945.2010

Christie, J. (2024, May 17). How to Spot the Top Warning Signs of a Stroke. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-spot-the-top-warning-signs-of-a-stroke

Cleveland Clinic. (2022a, September 21). What is Angiogenesis? Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24206-angiogenesis

Cleveland Clinic. (2022b, October 7). What is the Endothelium? Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23471-endothelium

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, October 2). Encephalopathy. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/encephalopathy

Clinic, C. (2024, July 10). Nociceptive Pain: What It Is, Causes, Treatment & Types. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/nociceptive-pain

Cloyd, J. (2022a, August 17). An Integrative Medicine Approach to Rheumatology. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/6-common-types-of-arthritis

Cloyd, J. (2022b, December 8). Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Treatments for IBD Flares and Remission. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd-treatments-for-flares-and-remission

Cloyd, J. (2023a, March 6). The Microbiome-Joint Axis: Exploring the Gut's Influence on Joint Pain. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-guts-role-in-joint-inflammation

Cloyd, J. (2023b, March 29). An Integrative Medicine Guide to Ulcerative Colitis. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-medicine-guide-to-ulcerative-colitis

Cloyd, J. (2023c, April 27). Unlocking the Health Benefits of Nitric Oxide: How This Molecule Supports Cardiovascular Health, Exercise Performance, and More. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/nitric-oxide

Cloyd, J. (2023d, May 24). What are digestive enzymes: How to test your patients levels. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-are-digestive-enzymes-how-to-test-your-patients-levels

Cloyd, J. (2023e, July 26). A Functional Medicine Interstitial Cystitis Protocol: Testing, Nutrition, and Supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-interstitial-cystitis-protocol-testing-nutrition-and-supplements

Cloyd, J. (2023f, December 15). How to Interpret a Neurotransmitter Test. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-interpret-a-neurotransmitter-test

Comparison between Stem Cell and Progenitor Cell. (n.d.). Www.clinmedjournals.org. https://www.clinmedjournals.org/articles/ijscrt/ijscrt-5-053-table1.html

Cooper, G. M. (2000). The Central Role of Enzymes as Biological Catalysts. National Library of Medicine; Sinauer Associates. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9921/

Daglis, S. (2024a, March 19). What Are the Benefits of Collagen Peptides? Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-are-the-benefits-of-collagen-peptides

Daglis, S. (2024b, August 23). The Synergy Between Compounding Pharmacy and Functional Medicine for Optimal Health. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-synergy-between-compounding-pharmacy-and-functional-medicine-for-optimal-health

Daglis, S. (Ed.). (2024c, September 3). How Videogames Are Boosting Mental Health in Schizophrenia Patients. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-videogames-are-boosting-mental-health-in-schizophrenia-patients

DeFoor, M. T., & Dekker, T. J. (2024). Injectable therapeutic peptides–an adjunct to regenerative medicine and sports performance? Arthroscopy the Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2024.09.005

Department of Justice/ Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). WHAT IS MORPHINE? https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Morphine-2020.pdf

Félétou, M. (2011). Multiple Functions of the Endothelial Cells. In www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Morgan & Claypool Life Sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK57148/

Forbes, J., & Krishnamurthy, K. (2023, August 28). Biochemistry, Peptide. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562260/

Goldstein, A. L., Hannappel, E., Sosne, G., & Kleinman, H. K. (2011). Thymosin β4: a multi-functional regenerative peptide. Basic properties and clinical applications. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 12(1), 37–51. https://doi.org/10.1517/14712598.2012.634793

Gwyer, D., Wragg, N. M., & Wilson, S. L. (2019). Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC 157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue healing. Cell and Tissue Research, 377(2), 153–159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-019-03016-8

Hsieh, M.-J., Liu, H.-T., Wang, C.-N., Huang, H.-Y., Lin, Y., Ko, Y.-S., Wang, J.-S., Chang, V. H.-S., & Pang, J.-H. S. (2016). Therapeutic potential of pro-angiogenic BPC157 is associated with VEGFR2 activation and up-regulation. Journal of Molecular Medicine, 95(3), 323–333. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-016-1488-y

Jakša Vukojević, Borna Vrdoljak, Dominik Malekinušić, Marko Siroglavić, Marija Milavić, Kolenc, D., Alenka Boban Blagaić, Lovorka Batelja, Domagoj Drmić, Sven Seiverth, & Predrag Sikirić. (2020). The effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on hippocampal ischemia/reperfusion injuries in rats. Brain and Behavior, 10(8). https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1726

Jakša Vukojević, Marija Milavić, Darko Perović, Spomenko Ilić, Andrea Zemba Čilić, Nataša Đuran, Sanja Štrbe, Zoran Zoričić, Igor Filipčić, Petrana Brečić, Sven Seiverth, & Predrag Sikirić. (2022). Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and the central nervous system. Neural Regeneration Research, 17(3), 482–482. https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.320969

Janvier, S., Cheyns, K., Canfyn, M., Goscinny, S., De Spiegeleer, B., Vanhee, C., & Deconinck, E. (2018). Impurity profiling of the most frequently encountered falsified polypeptide drugs on the Belgian market. Talanta, 188, 795–807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2018.06.023

Jung, Y.-H., Kim, H., Kim, H., Kim, E., Baik, J., & Kang, H. (2022). The anti-nociceptive effect of BPC-157 on the incisional pain model in rats. Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, 22(2), 97. https://doi.org/10.17245/jdapm.2022.22.2.97

Katagiri, T., & Watabe, T. (2016). Bone Morphogenetic Proteins. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 8(6), a021899. https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a021899

Khakham, C. (2023a, May 8). An Integrative and Functional Medicine Approach to Blood Clotting Disorders. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-and-functional-medicine-approach-to-blood-clotting-disorders

Khakham, C. (2023b, August 17). A Root Cause Medicine Approach: A Comprehensive Guide On How To Test For Low Nitric Oxide Levels. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-root-cause-medicine-approach-a-comprehensive-guide-on-how-to-test-for-low-nitric-oxide-levels

Khot, S., Tackley, G., & Choy, E. (2024). How to Distinguish Non-Inflammatory from Inflammatory Pain in RA? Current Rheumatology Reports, 26(12), 403–413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-024-01159-4

LaPelusa, A., & Kaushik, R. (2022, November 14). Physiology, Proteins. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555990/

Lee, E., & Padgett, B. (2021). Intra-Articular Injection of BPC 157 for Multiple Types of Knee Pain. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 27(4), 8–13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34324435/

Lee, E., Walker, C., & Ayadi, B. (2024). Effect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot Study. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 30(10), 12–17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39325560/

Linarelli, L. (2024, February 6). The Impact of Regenerative Medicine on Sports Injuries. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-impact-of-regenerative-medicine-on-sports-injuries

MedlinePlus. (2017). Amino acids: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002222.htm

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2024, October 15). Traumatic brain injury (TBI). Www.ninds.nih.gov; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi

Nguyen, K., Dersnah, G. D., & Ahlawat, R. (2022, July 11). Famotidine. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534778/

Pergolizzi, J. V., Labhsetwar, S., & LeQuang, J. A. (2013). Compounding Pharmacies: Who is in Charge? Pain Practice, 13(3), 253–257. https://doi.org/10.1111/papr.12033

Pino, M. A., & Azer, S. A. (2023, March 6). Cimetidine. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544255/

Predrag Sikirić, Sven Seiwerth, Ručman, R., Branko Turković, Dinko Stančić Rokotov, Luka Brčić, Sever, M., Kliček, R., Božo Radić, Domagoj Drmić, Spomenko Ilić, Kolenc, D., Gorana Aralica, Safic, H., Jelena Šuran, Rak, D., Senka Džidić, Hrvoje Vrčić, & Božidar Šebečić. (2012). Toxicity by NSAIDs. Counteraction by Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 19(1), 76–83. https://doi.org/10.2174/13816128130111

Predrag Sikiric, Sven Seiwerth, Zeljko Grabarevic, Petek, M., Rucman, R., Turkovic, B., Ivo Rotkvic, Vjekoslav Jagic, Duvnjak, M., Mise, S., Sanja Djacic, Jadranka Separovic, Marija Veljaca, Ahmet Sallmani, Banic, M., & Brkic, T. (1994). The beneficial effect of BPC 157, a 15 amino acid peptide BPC fragment, on gastric and duodenal lesions induced by restraint stress, cysteamine and 96% ethanol in rats. A comparative study with H2 receptor antagonists, dopamine promotors and gut peptides. Life Sciences, 54(5), PL63–PL68. https://doi.org/10.1016/0024-3205(94)00796-9

Preston, J. (2023, September 22). Addressing Inflammation in Chronic Diseases: A Functional Medicine Perspective. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/addressing-inflammation-in-chronic-diseases-a-functional-medicine-perspective

Raun, K., Hansen, B., Johansen, N., Thogersen, H., Madsen, K., Ankersen, M., & Andersen, P. (1998). Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology, 139(5), 552–561. https://doi.org/10.1530/eje.0.1390552

Rich, D. S., Fricker, M. P., Cohen, M. R., & Levine, S. R. (2013). Guidelines for the Safe Preparation of Sterile Compounds: Results of the ISMP Sterile Preparation Compounding Safety Summit of October 2011. Hospital Pharmacy, 48(4), 282–301. https://doi.org/10.1310/hpj4804-282

Rosenthale, M. E., & Capetola, R. J. (1982). Adjuvant arthritis: immunopathological and hyperalgesic features. Federation Proceedings, 41(9), 2577–2582. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6177558/

Rupa Health. (n.d.-a). Cardiovascular Testing. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/health-categories/cardiovascular

Rupa Health. (n.d.-b). Cortisol. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/cortisol

Rupa Health. (n.d.-c). Dopamine. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/dopamine

Rupa Health. (n.d.-d). Growth Hormone. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/growth-hormone

Rupa Health. (n.d.-e). Oxidative Stress Testing. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/health-categories/oxidative-stress

Rupa Health. (n.d.-f). Serotonin. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/serotonin

Rupa Health. (2020). Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor | Rupa Health. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/vascular-endothelial-growth-factor

Schaller, M. D. (2004). FAK and paxillin. Journal of Cell Biology, 166(2), 157–159. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.200406151

Sidransky, E. (2022). Fibroblast. Genome.gov. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Fibroblast

Sikirić, P., Petek, M., Rucman, R., Seiwerth, S., Grabarević, Z., Rotkvić, I., Turković, B., Jagić, V., Mildner, B., & Duvnjak, M. (1993). A new gastric juice peptide, BPC. An overview of the stomach-stress-organoprotection hypothesis and beneficial effects of BPC. Journal of Physiology, Paris, 87(5), 313–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/0928-4257(93)90038-u

Sikiric, P., Seiwerth, S., Grabarevic, Z., Rucman, R., Petek, M., Jagic, V., Turkovic, B., Rotkvic, I., Mise, S., Zoricic, I., Konjevoda, P., Perovic, D., Simicevic, V., Separovic, J., Hanzevacki, M., Ljubanovic, D., Artukovic, B., Bratulic, M., Tisljar, M., & Rekic, B. (1997). Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 positively affects both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent-induced gastrointestinal lesions and adjuvant arthritis in rats. Journal of Physiology-Paris, 91(3-5), 113–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0928-4257(97)89474-0

Sikiric, P., Seiwerth, S., Rucman, R., Turkovic, B., Rokotov, D. S., Brcic, L., Sever, M., Klicek, R., Radic, B., Drmic, D., Ilic, S., Kolenc, D., Stambolija, V., Zoricic, Z., Vrcic, H., & Sebecic, B. (2012). Focus on ulcerative colitis: stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 19(1), 126–132. https://doi.org/10.2174/092986712803414015

Sikiric, P., Udovicic, M., Barisic, I., Balenovic, D., Zivanovic Posilovic, G., Strinic, D., Uzun, S., Sikiric, S., Krezic, I., Zizek, H., Yago, H., Gojkovic, S., Smoday, I. M., Kalogjera, L., Vranes, H., Sola, M., Strbe, S., Koprivanac, A., Premuzic Mestrovic, I., & Mestrovic, T. (2022). Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 as Useful Cytoprotective Peptide Therapy in the Heart Disturbances, Myocardial Infarction, Heart Failure, Pulmonary Hypertension, Arrhythmias, and Thrombosis Presentation. Biomedicines, 10(11), 2696. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10112696

Stanford, J. (2024, June 20). NSAIDs Fact Sheet: Uses, Benefits, Risks, and More. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/nsaids-fact-sheet

Stone, W. L., & Varacallo, M. (2023, May 1). Physiology, Growth Factor. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442024/

Tran, N., Garcia, T., M Aniqa, Ali, S., Ally, A., & SM Nauli. (2022). Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) and the Cardiovascular System: in Physiology and in Disease States. American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research, 15(2), 153. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8774925/

Tudor, M., Jandric, I., Marovic, A., Gjurasin, M., Perovic, D., Radic, B., Blagaic, A. B., Kolenc, D., Brcic, L., Zarkovic, K., Seiwerth, S., & Sikiric, P. (2010). Traumatic brain injury in mice and pentadecapeptide BPC 157 effect. Regulatory Peptides, 160(1-3), 26–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regpep.2009.11.012

Turner, J. R. (2009). Intestinal mucosal barrier function in health and disease. Nature Reviews Immunology, 9(11), 799–809. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri2653

U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. (2020, March 3). BPC-157: Experimental Peptide Creates Risk for Athletes | USADA. U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/bpc-157-peptide-prohibited/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Substances in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/certain-bulk-drug-substances-use-compounding-may-present-significant-safety-risks

Vanderbilt University. (n.d.). Amino Acids. Www.vanderbilt.edu. https://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/Chemistry/Rizzo/stuff/AA/AminoAcids.html

Weitzberg, E., Hezel, M., & Lundberg, J. O. (2010). Nitrate-Nitrite-Nitric Oxide Pathway. Anesthesiology, 113(6), 1460–1475. https://doi.org/10.1097/aln.0b013e3181fcf3cc

World Anti-Doping Agency. (2022, January 1). WADA's 2022 Prohibited List now in force. World Anti Doping Agency. https://www.wada-ama.org/en/news/wadas-2022-prohibited-list-now-force

Xu, C., Sun, L., Ren, F., Huang, P., Tian, Z., Cui, J., Zhang, W., Wang, S., Zhang, K., He, L., Zhang, W., Zhang, C., Hao, Q., Zhang, Y., Li, M., & Li, W. (2020). Preclinical safety evaluation of body protective compound-157, a potential drug for treating various wounds. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 114, 104665. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104665

Connected topics

Follow this recovery question