BPC-157 Research

1. BPC-157 and Wound Healing

The natural function of BPC in the GI tract is to maintain the integrity of the mucosal barrier that protects underlying tissues from the harmful actions of gastric acid, bile, and other compounds necessary for digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. At least part of this function is mediated through the recruitment of fibroblasts. BPC-157 has a dose-dependent effect on the spread of fibroblasts in culture and in vivo, causing the cells to both proliferate and migrate faster. Fibroblasts are integral to wound healing as they are the cells responsible for laying down extracellular matrix proteins like collagen, fibrin, elastin, and more.

2. Vascular Growth and Collateralization

BPC-157 is a potent angiogenic factor, increasing the rate at which endothelial cells (the cells that line blood vessels) proliferate and grow. Research in rats shows that the peptide substantially increases the rate of collateral blood vessel growth in the setting of ischemia. While this effect has been primarily observed in the GI tract, there is evidence for similar benefit in cardiovascular, neurological, and muscle tissues, suggesting that BPC-157 may be used as both a therapy in the setting of stroke and heart attack as well as a probative peptide for understanding how to promote healing following ischemic injury.

3. BPC-157 and Tendon Healing

Given its roles in fibroblast recruitment and blood vessel growth, it should come as no surprise that BPC-157 has shown positive findings in animal models of tendon, ligament, bone, and other connective tissue injuries. Tendon and ligament injuries are slow to heal, in large part, due to poor blood supply in these tissues. Poor blood supply slows the rate at which fibroblasts and other wound-healing cells can reach the area of injury and, ultimately, restricts the overall level of repair that can take place.

4. Antioxidant Properties

Research in rats has shown that BPC-157 can neutralize certain oxidative stress markers like nitric oxide and malondialadehyde (MDA). This makes BPC-157 a powerful antioxidant, a property of the peptide that is further supported by research showing that it can reduce the production of reactive oxygen species in the gastrointestinal tract.

5. BPC-157 and Drug Side Effects

Often, the limiting factor in medical pharmaceutical use is side effects. NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, for instance, cannot be used for long periods of time because they increase gastric bleeding as well as the risk for heart attack. The ability to counteract side effects while leaving desired effects intact is a holy grail of modern medical research as it would improve therapeutic benefits for a number of drugs. BPC-157 has been found to counteract side effects of NSAIDs, medications used in psychiatric conditions, and a number of heart medications.

6. BPC-157 and Bees

Colony collapse disorder (CCD) is a syndrome in which entire colonies of honey bees experience rapid decline and, eventually, complete destruction. Causes of the condition are not fully defined, but at least part of the problem can be contributed to an infection in honey bee guts by the fungus Nosema ceranae. By supplementing the food that honey bees eat with BPC-157, researchers have shown a reduction in the damage the fungus causes in honey bee GI tracts and a concomitant increase in hive survival rates.