How Does BPC-157 Work?
- November 19, 2023
BPC-157 peptide has been garnering significant attention in the medical, bodybuilding, and performance-enhancing communities. This synthetic compound, originally derived from a protein found in stomach acid, has shown potential in accelerating the repair and regeneration of various tissues, including muscle, tendon, and even bone. It’s a game-changer in regenerative medicine, but should you take it?
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 peptide is a short and stable gastric peptide found naturally in human stomach juices. BPC stands for Body Protection Compound. BPC-157 has been shown to have a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits, including:
- Promoting wound healing
- Reducing inflammation
- Protecting against organ damage
- Improving brain function
- Boosting the immune system
How Does It Work?
BPC-157 is thought to work by interacting with a variety of cellular receptors and signaling pathways. Some of the proposed mechanisms of action of BPC-157 include:
Promoting the growth of new blood vessels: BPC-157 can stimulate the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes the growth of new blood vessels. This can help to improve blood flow to injured tissues, which can accelerate healing.
Reducing inflammation: BPC-157 can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Protecting against cell death: BPC-157 can protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, free radicals, and other harmful factors. This can help to promote cell survival and healing.
Stimulating tissue repair: BPC-157 can stimulate the production of collagen and other proteins that are essential for tissue repair. This can help to accelerate the healing process.
What the Research Says About BPC-157
A review paper investigating the role of BPC-157 in aiding musculoskeletal soft tissue healing revealed that BPC-157 promotes tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and enhances the healing of various tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
In another study, BPC-157 was found to promote tendon healing by increasing the responsiveness of tendon fibroblasts to growth hormones. The researchers also found that this peptide increased the production of collagen by tendon fibroblasts. This further supports the idea that BPC 157 may be a useful therapeutic agent for promoting tendon healing.
Another review noted the several benefits of BPC-157 in improving neurological functions, including:
- Protecting neurons from damage: BPC 157 has been shown to protect neurons from damage caused by a variety of factors, including ischemia (stroke), hypoxia (lack of oxygen), and excitotoxicity (excessive activation of glutamate receptors).
- Promoting neurogenesis: BPC 157 has been shown to promote the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region of the brain that is important for learning and memory.
- Improving cognitive function: BPC 157 has been shown to improve cognitive function in animal studies. For example, BPC 157 has been shown to improve memory and learning performance in rats.
- Reducing inflammation: BPC 157 has anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial for a variety of CNS disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Although BPC-157 has only been extensively studied in preclinical animal models, the results have been very promising.
BPC-157 Dosage and Safety
The recommended dosage of BPC-157 varies depending on the condition being treated and the route of administration. For oral administration, the typical dosage is 500 mcg to 1 mg per day. For injection, the typical dosage is 50 mcg to 250 mcg per injection.
BPC-157 is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, some people may experience side effects such as mild nausea, diarrhea, and headache so it’s important to consult with your physician before taking this peptide.
Can BPC-157 Be Taken Orally?
Yes, BPC-157 can be taken orally, injected, or applied topically to the skin. When it comes to oral supplements, it’s important to follow the dosage and instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Peptide injections, on the other hand, can be self-administered either daily or a few times a week, depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
Who Can Benefit from BPC-157 Peptide?
There are many applications of BPC-157. Preclinical animal studies have shown successful applications of BPC-157 in treating:
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Soft tissue injuries
- Joint pain
- Chronic inflammation
- Nerve damage
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Periodontitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Crohn’s Disease
Where to Buy BPC-157?
A simple Google search will show many options for purchasing BPC-157, including easily accessible direct-to-consumer channels like Amazon. However, it’s important to exercise caution when sourcing, particularly for injectable forms, which can be at risk of contamination with bacteria, fungus, heavy metals, etc., if not produced correctly.
At Regen Doctors, we only use peptides, including BPC-157, obtained from U.S. compounding pharmacies that have a 503B license. These pharmacies undergo regular inspections and adhere to stringent government regulations to guarantee sterility and safety.
Dr. Levinstein at the Regen Doctors strongly recommends against buying peptides online without a prescription from a healthcare provider, especially for injectable forms, due to potential safety and quality concerns.
Peptide Therapy Allentown & Bethlehem, PA
By working with a qualified practitioner like Dr. Levinstein, you can develop a peptide therapy plan that is customized to your needs and goals, including the BPC-157 peptide.
Call us to schedule a consultation at Regen Doctors. We have offices in Allentown and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, serving patients in Center Valley, Lansdale, Easton, Pottstown, and Phillipsburg. We also serve patients in the Maryland area including Westminster, Leesburg, and Green Valley.
