Body Protecting Compound – 157, also known as BPC-157, was first discovered by researchers who were looking at how the GI tract heals from wounds like stomach ulcers. While examining this, they were able to isolate a peptide that was driving increased healing rates. This peptide was BPC-157. After realizing that this compound had advanced healing properties, it was isolated and synthesized at higher concentrations. With this synthetic version available, researchers started looking for other possible applications for BPC-157.
The reason BPC-157 is so efficient at repairing tissues comes from its angiogenic properties. What this means is that BPC-157 has the ability via several different pathways to increase blood vessel formation. Increased vascularity is important in the healing process as blood vessels bring in oxygen, nutrients, and remove waste. Think of this like rebuilding a damaged building, nothing will ever happen without roads to bring in supplies and remove the trash. Blood vessels serve as these roads.
The ability of BPC-157 to increase vascularity becomes extremely important in tendon healing. As tendons begin to develop, they are rich in blood vessels which allow them to grow. Unfortunately, as they mature, they become hypovascular. This means they lack the needed blood vessels to heal efficiently. One study showed that torn tendons treated with BPC-157 had over three times the amount of outgrowth of tendon fibroblasts compared to the control. This research showed that BPC-157 increased the concentrations of two signaling molecules (VEGF & CD34). These molecules upregulate blood vessel formation leading to increased blood flow to damaged tissues. Scientists have tried to formulate compounds with similar effects of BPC-157, but none have been stable enough to have lasting effects. The ability of BPC-157 to enact its effects without being broken down is what makes this peptide so special.
While tendon health probably intrigues most athletes reading this, there is a long list of other benefits that BPC-157 provides. Studies have reported that this compound can benefit the pancreas, liver, endothelium, heart, and pseudoarthrosis (2). In addition to this, the angiogenic signal molecules mentioned above (VEGF & CD34) work systemically. This means they have the potential to increase the vascularity of bones, labrums, muscles, and much more. With increasing public interest, science will soon shed more light on the health-promoting effects of this compound.
My personal experience with BPC-157 tracks closely to what current research is finding. I, like many of you, am an avid athlete but am constantly dealing with injuries. I have been fighting with torn labrums in both my shoulders for 7+ years, and recently developed compartment syndrome in my lower legs while training for an Ironman. Over the years I have had multiple surgeries, thousands of hours of PT, platelet therapy, and electrical stim therapy for my shoulders. Following one month of supplementing with BPC-157, I can confidently say this is the most effective therapy I’ve seen. As for my compartment syndrome, before I started BPC-157 a one-mile run would result in my tibialis anterior (shin muscle) and calves expanding within their compartments to the point where I lost total function of my foot. Following a month of BPC-157, I am now comfortably running 3-5 miles without losing any foot function.
While my results from BPC-157 have been phenomenal, I need to highlight that this is not a magic pill. My supplementation with this peptide was coupled with proper nutrition, PT, and exercise. Meaning if you are interested in BPC-157 you need to understand that it’s a tool in your belt and not the final answer. That being said, I have had nothing but a positive experience with this peptide and will continue using it in the future.
*** Disclaimer: I am not recommending that you take BPC-157. This is a collection of research and my personal experience from using BPC-157.
Chung-Hsun Chang, Wen-Chung Tsai, Miao-Sui Lin, Ya-Hui Hsu, and Jong-Hwei Su Pang Journal of Applied Physiology 2011 110:3, 774-780
2) Sikiric P. The pharmacological properties of the novel peptide BPC 157 (PL-10). Inflammopharmacology 7: 1–14, 1999.
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