BPC-157
HEALING – FLEXIBILITY – INJURY PROTECTION
What is BPC-157?
Body Protection Compound 157, is a fragment of a protein found in gastric juice. Its tissue-regenerative ability isn’t limited to our stomachs, however. In fact, BPC-157 has been found to promote increased healing and repair in nearly every kind of tissue in which it has been studied.
BPC-157 is a synthetic version of a compound found naturally in the stomach that is thought to be a healing protein. Some studies have shown accelerated healing in animals and shorter recovery
time. Other studies have noted potential benefits for improving mobility, strength, and flexibility in joints and connective tissue.
BPC-157 may have benefits for brain function as well as accelerated wound recovery. Some claim it to have powerful healing effects on tendon, ligament, and joint tissue but more studies need to be completed. Animals studies have shown a protective effect on the musculoskeletal
tissue, joints, and neurological tissue of performance.
How does it work?
Currently, it is known that BPC-157 circulates through the entire body and is attracted to signaling molecules produced by injured tissues, but it is still unknown for certainty the exact mechanism with which it heals. At present it is speculated that it most likely varies depending on the particular tissue and nature and mechanism of the injury. Although the way in which BPC-157 works is not fully understood, the scientific literature has identified some potential sources of this compound’s healing power. A link is noted between BPC-157 and its effect on the FAK-paxillin pathway (focal adhesion kinase – an enzyme present in injured issues), nitric oxide increased VEGF activity (vascular endothelial growth factor), and the upregulation of growth hormone receptors in injured tissues. VEGF specifically is responsible for the angiogenesis of new blood vessels and is the most likely mechanism by which BPC-157 is able to promote the healing of joint structures, tendons, and ligaments as it allows for an increased delivery of nutrients and various healing factors that are required for growth and repair. Collagen is the major component of joint structures, ligaments, and tendons their healing can benefit from the increases in collagen production which may be stimulated by BPC-157.
Possible benefits of BPC-157
Outside of musculoskeletal repair and body recovery from stress and exercise is its potential for neurological disorders, inflammation, and stomach healing potential ie GERD, and heartburn. Whereonce NSAIDS and steroids were used, BPC-157 is showing potential as a treatment option for chronic joint pain. Prolonged use of medication such as NSAIDS and corticosteroids have been known to have significant side effects and BPC-157 studies show it may be a possible substitute. One study looked at the combination of the traditional steroid 6alpha-ethylprednisolone alone vs combine administration with BPC-157 and the results were proven to be significant and incredibly effective at reducing inflammation and pain. BPC-157 produced faster muscle healing and full function restoration on a system and cellular level then alone. Therefore administration of BPC-157 alone without the numerous side-effects from traditional NSAIDS or steroids may prove to be just as effective if not more.
Uses generally fit into 3 major categories: GUT HEALTH, JOINT HEALTH, and WOUND HEALING. Use may help with:
- Accelerated healing from injury and training
- Rapid tendon and ligament healing
- Enhanced joint mobility
- Stronger connective tissue
- Improved flexibility
- Protection against injury
- Wound healing: induces faster muscle and wound healing and also accelerates cell outgrowth.
- Joint health: reverses systemic corticosteroid-impaired muscle healing
- Gut health: BPC-157 studies indicate there may be a large accelerated outgrowth of tendon fibroblasts.
How is BPC-157 administered?
BPC-157 has traditionally been administered through an injection near the injury site. It can also be taken orally for ease of administration and sometimes for patient compliance. One of the largest obstacles to oral administration of any therapy including BPC-157 is the volatile environment of the stomach. Medication like food begins the digestive process in the mouth, next to the stomach, followed by the small intestine. It is broken during this step-wise process but must be transported to the liver primarily and the kidneys for it to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Anywhere along the process can cause a significant reduction in the drug ingested and thus its potentcy often termed as bioavailability. At PRAMAH we provide both the oral and injectable product because the oral bioavailability is high and this particular drug is not susceptible to most of the steps in the process of absorption.
BPC-157 dosing
A commonly prescribed dose is 300 mcg intramuscular injection daily in the evening over a 30 day protocol.
The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21030672/
Brain-gut Axis and Pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Theoretical and Practical Implications