What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic peptide derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. It is one of the most-researched compounds in the longevity, recovery, and gut-health space, with a strong following among athletes and biohackers researching tendon repair, joint pain, and gastrointestinal healing.
While preclinical evidence in animal models is robust — covering tendon-to-bone healing, muscle repair, GI tract regeneration, and angiogenic effects — large-scale human clinical trials remain limited. BPC-157 sits squarely in the "research peptide" category and is not approved for human use by the FDA.
How it works
- Promotes angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which appears to accelerate healing in injured tissues.
- Modulates the nitric oxide pathway, which contributes to its observed gastroprotective and vascular-repair effects.
- Upregulates growth-factor receptors in tendon and muscle cells, supporting the recovery claims most often associated with BPC-157.
Primary effects
- Tendon and ligament repair
- Gut-lining healing (esp. ulcers, IBD-style irritation)
- Muscle recovery after intense training
- Joint pain reduction
- Possible neuroprotective effects
Common side effects
- Mild irritation at injection site
- Occasional headache or fatigue in first week
- Reports of temporary blood-pressure changes (rare)