BPC-157

BPC-157: the science behind the hype

TLDR

- BPC-157 is a peptide found in gastric juice that aids in tissue healing.
- Promotes physical healing (tendons, muscles, intestines, bone).
- May have mental health benefits by influencing neurotransmitters.
- I experimented with BPC-157 myself, and it showed positive results.
- Dr. Andrew Huberman has recently explored BPC-157 in depth, highlighting its benefits. of tissue repairing.

Introduction

BPC-157 is a peptide. A peptide is simply a sequence of amino acids.

BPC-157 is naturally found in your body's gastric juice in small amounts.

It plays a role in protecting and healing the gut.

Despite its promising benefits, BPC-157 is not available as an FDA-approved drug.

The peptide can be administered orally or via injection, typically at a dosage of 1-10 mcg per kg of body weight, and some users report improved effects when injected near injury sites.

Scientific studies have shown that BPC-157 has significant healing effects. It promotes tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and supports overall recovery.

Tissue repair: has been shown in research to repair tendons, muscles, intestines, teeth, and bone.

Promote tendon and ligament healing [1]
Promoted Tendon-to-Bone Healing [2]
Repair the damage from inflammatory bowel disease [3]

BPC has well documented effects on several neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine and more [4]

Mental Benefits

Research suggests that BPC-157 might act as an antidepressant.

While there is already a study out there showing that BPC has an antidepressant effect on par with classic antidepressant drugs in rats [5], it is also known to exert positive effects on neurotransmitter systems involved in depression like serotonin and dopamine.

BPC 157 has been shown to:

reverse serotonin syndrome (excess serotonin) [6]
impact serotonin synthesis in different ways across the brain [7]

While the exact mechanisms of action for these effects are unknown, they are likely implicated in its ability to act as an antidepressant in rodents.

BPC’s relationship with dopamine has been explored much more than it has with serotonin, and it shows a robust stabilizing effect of the dopaminergic system. BPC has been shown to counteract the consequences of:

killing dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra [8]
dopamine depletion from neurons [8]
dopamine over-release caused by amphetamines [9,10]
dopamine receptor supersensitivity caused by an antagonist [10]

While it's not an approved treatment for depression, the data on animals suggests that it could have antidepressant potential, thanks to its complex effects on the brain.

This stabilizing effect on neurotransmitters could mean potential future applications in human mental health, although further research is needed.

Physical Benefits

Research has shown that BPC-157 helps repair tissues throughout the body.

It can promote the healing of tendons, muscles, intestines, and even bone.

Studies indicate that BPC-157 accelerates tendon and ligament healing, facilitates tendon-to-bone recovery, and helps repair intestinal damage from conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In short, it turns tendons into "bridge cables," making them stronger and more resistant to injury. Combining BPC-157 with isometric exercises and a collagen-rich diet may further boost these effects.

Accutane gave me chronic tendonitis and a ruptured Achilles. [11]

Expert Opinions

Dr. Andrew Huberman

Video here.

Advises caution with BPC-157, especially for individuals with concerns about tumors. While it enhances recovery by increasing blood flow, this same effect could inadvertently promote cancer cell growth in individuals with existing tumors.
Recommends using the minimum effective dosage of 300 to 500 micrograms, taken a few times a week.
Suggests taking breaks and closely monitoring for adverse effects.
Notes that the peptide's safety for continuous use remains uncertain due to limited human data.

Ben Greenfield

Video here.

talks about BPC 157's role in increasing blood flow and its therapeutic potential for healing
raises concerns about its possible implications for cancerous tissue growth due to its effects on blood vessels.

Dr. William Seeds

Video here.

Dr. William Seeds, who is a surgeon and founder of the International Peptide Society.
Believes in the versatility of BPC-157.
Highlights its role in tissue repair and restoration without observed side effects in his experience.
Emphasizes the peptide's ability to support recovery, especially in connective tissues.

Nathalie Niddam

Video here.

powerful effects on various body systems, including the brain, gut, and musculoskeletal system.
Highlights its flexibility for administration, including oral and topical applications.
Notes its potential uses for individuals seeking alternative ways to support their healing processes.

Our Takeaway

I have tried BPC-157 in oral form for tendinitis in March, as recommended by my personal doctor.

I took 250 mcg once per day, 30 minutes after breakfast, for 15 days.

After this period, my tendinitis was gone, and I no longer felt any pain in my tendons. It's honestly a bit magical feeling.

I used this brand, recommended by my doctor: BioPrime Supplements. We've partnered for those interested to get 10% off on their BPC-157 (oral). Find it in your toolkit.

You can find BPC-157 at a few different peptide suppliers on the internet.

I'll warn you though: kind of like online pharmacies, the websites are cheesy, and they technically aren't allowed to sell.