BPC-157/ photo: canva.com
BPC-157 is a peptide that speeds up recovery. It is generating a lot of interest among physically active people – especially popular among professional athletes. According to researchers, the BPC-157 peptide promotes the healing of wounds and muscle tissue damage. What is BPC-157? Is it a legal agent? What is its effect on the body? What are the side effects? Everything you should know about the use of BPC 157!
BPC-157 what is it?
BPC stands for body protection compound, which indicates the protective and regenerative nature of this peptide. It is synthetically derived, while its prototype is one of the peptides naturally found in the human stomach. Like other peptides, BPC 157 also consists of a chain of peptides – more specifically, a chain consisting of 15 amino acids. The composition of BPC 157 is mainly a mixture derived from proteins found in the stomach. The peptide is responsible for reducing pain in damaged areas of the body. Therefore, it will benefit people who suffer from muscle damage. In addition, it promotes faster healing of skin burns and increases blood flow to damaged tissues. It can also be used to treat stomach ulcers, fistulas, bone and joint disorders, as well as inflammation. It also has a beneficial effect on improving cognitive abilities and enhances memory.
Is it possible to use BPC-157? Is it legal?
Officially, BPC-157 is not approved for human use, nor is it sold as a medicinal product or dietary supplement. In stores, the peptide is sold, as a raw material for laboratory testing – which is supposed to circumvent the rules regarding the sale of this substance. Moreover, BPC-157 is not a controlled substance, so its possession is not subject to legal restrictions. All research on the peptide’s effects comes from studies used on rats. Officially, no studies have been conducted on humans.
BPC 157 – benefits of use
We have already written about some of the benefits of using BPC 157. However, that’s not all. This peptide is the subject of research by many scientists, who are increasingly specifying the beneficial effects of the substance. Its primary benefit is its effect on the condition of the digestive system and the regeneration of injuries – both skin wounds and fractures and tendon injuries. Among the mechanisms of BCP’s regenerative effect, the ability to accelerate fibroblast growth is indicated, which is due to the growth and activity of FAK and paxillin proteins.
BPC-157 and the nervous system
The peptide exhibits neuroprotective effects. According to the study, neurotoxins such as MPTP and reserpine used to induce Parkinson’s disease model. As a result, it was noted that the effects of the toxins accompanied by BPC-157 drastically decreased, and thus minimized the symptoms of the disease to almost nothing. In addition, rats that were injected with the peptide and had brain injury had fewer changes in brain tissue, and rodents that received the injection just before the injury were less likely to die from their injuries. In rats that had nerve damage in their limbs, BPC 157 injections led to full regeneration of nerve cells – the drug also protected the rodents from seizures induced by other drugs. Clinical studies also indicate positive effects of the peptide on mood.
Use of BPC-157 and depression
According to some studies, the BPC 157 peptide has antidepressant effects that result from its interaction with the serotonin system. Initially, the peptide increases serotonin levels in brain regions such as the anterior olfactory nucleus and black matter, but decreases in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and dorsal thalamus. After 7 days, it was noticed that the described situation changes. So, an increase in serotonin occurred in the black substance, lateral caudate nucleus, nucleus accumbens and superior olivary, while a decrease was noticed only in the dorsal sutural nucleus.
It has the effect of offsetting the negative effects of NSAIDs
According to other studies, BPC 157 is a peptide that reverses the toxic effects of NSAIDs – over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These are very popular drugs that have a high safety profile, but can cause damage to organs such as the stomach and liver – if used in high doses.
Positive effects on the intestines
According to studies conducted on rats, BPC is safe and effective for treating inflammatory bowel diseases, mainly IBD. In rodents with irritable bowel syndrome, the peptide reduced inflammation. What’s more, when combined with sodium butyrate, it effectively and long-term improves the intestines and digestive system.
A regenerative drug for injuries
Studies performed on rodents with Achilles tendon injuries indicated that their wounds healed completely after taking BPC by injection. In addition, BPC improves muscle healing in rats whose muscle tissue has been ruptured or crushed. And in rodents with burns, creams containing the peptide accelerated the healing process, even when corticosteroids were used. It also showed efficacy in rats with diabetes, which is important information because diabetes impedes wound healing. BPC injections also stimulated the healing of broken bones.
When treating ulcers and ligament damage
Among the positive effects of using BPC-157 on rodents, it has also been shown to have beneficial effects in treating ulcers and gastrointestinal tract and stomach problems, and in treating ligament damage.
Other positive effects from taking BPC-157
Users of BPC 157 also believe that the peptide can be used, as an analgesic, as it reduces pain in damaged areas of the body. It also shows the ability to regenerate tissues faster. It also has a stabilizing effect on blood pressure – studies on rats confirmed that injections of the peptide lowered blood pressure in animals that had been induced with chemicals to become hypertensive. The use of BPC 157 accelerates healing after surgeries and injuries, and promotes angiogenesis, which is the growth of blood vessels, and accelerates blood flow. In addition, it helps treat hyperkalemia – which occurs when potassium levels in the blood are above normal. The cause of excess potassium, can be kidney disease. Hyperkalemia causes muscle weakness, heart rhythm abnormalities, and in extreme cases can lead to death.
Side effects of using BPC-157
Since BPC protein is considered well tolerated, when administered in recommended doses, it should not cause adverse effects. However, they happen with any drug, so the peptide should not be used mainly by people with excessive angiogenesis already underway and those with an overactive bartonella infection, as it stimulates the VEGH factor. The agent should not be used by people suffering from vascular disease and cancer. Administration of PBC while suffering from cancer can worsen the patient’s condition and even lead to death! Those suffering from heart disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, should consult a doctor – although, we remind you, it is not officially an available agent. When taking the peptide, alcohol and drugs should not be consumed. It should not be taken as a substitute for a balanced diet, and caution should be exercised when injecting it. Do not inject with syringes and needles that do not belong to you or have been used by someone else. The side effects of the peptide are not fully known, but those who choose to take the drug should be aware that among the unwanted side effects, headaches, nausea, dizziness and hormonal imbalance may occur. Redness, a bump, discomfort or pain may appear at the injection site. If the side effects do not pass after some time, you should seek medical help.
BPC-157 how to dose? Oral intake (capsules) and injection
The peptide can be taken orally – in capsules and tablets or by subcutaneous injection. Dosage varies widely, with the most common dose ranging from 250 to 800 milligrams per day, divided into smaller portions due to its short half-life. That is, it’s best to break it up into two doses of 250 mg each. After about 2-4 weeks of use, there should be visible effects on inflammation. The speed of treatment depends on the condition of the body, so it is an individual issue. Treatment with the peptide should not last more than three months – after which there should be a four-week break.
BPC-157 in interaction with other drugs
Before using the peptide, check with your doctor, who will be able to assess whether it will be safe to take BPC and whether there is a risk of interaction with other drugs. If you are taking a number of different supplements, other peptides or growth hormones, you should take into account that BPC may interact with them.
Body Protective Compound for Athletes
BPC-157 is particularly popular with athletes, especially bodybuilders. Why? It helps increase muscle mass or help reduce it. It speeds up the recovery period of muscles, tissues, joints and bones, and is also helpful in case of injury. Moreover, this peptide is not included in the list of compounds banned by sports. Therefore, many athletes choose to take it in the form of injections or oral capsules. WADA and USADA have not banned the use of BPC 157. This product improves performance, increases fitness levels and rebuilds muscles, and the effects can be noticed after just a few weeks of use.
Currently, capsule formulations containing stable BPC-157 are available in Europe, among them are:
- Labolic BPC-157
- Oura Labs BPC-157
- Synthagen BPC-157 (formerly Salsura Nutrition)
According to user reviews, the peptide in tablet form is safer than the injectable version. Moreover, there is also BPC-157 Nasal Spray, which is a peptide in the form of a nasal spray. However, its effect may be about 20-40% weaker than the injectable version.
