BPC-157, or “Body Protection Compound,” is a synthetic peptide derived from a naturally occurring substance found in human gastric juice.34 It is referred to as a “cytoprotective” agent because of its ability to maintain and protect the integrity of cells and tissues across multiple organ systems.35 It has been a subject of intense preclinical research due to its pleiotropic effects, which include healing, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic properties.34
Mechanism of Action: A Systemic Protector
The precise mechanism of BPC-157 is not fully elucidated, but a leading hypothesis centers on its interaction with the nitric oxide (NO) system.34 Nitric oxide plays a vital role in blood vessel dilation and tissue repair. BPC-157’s ability to influence this system may be a key factor in its diverse effects, from promoting blood vessel restoration to reducing inflammation.34 Unlike other peptides that target a single receptor, BPC-157’s effects are believed to be more systemic, working to rapidly re-establish blood flow and cellular integrity in damaged tissues.35
Gastroprotective and Organ-Protective Research
BPC-157’s origins in gastric juice are reflected in the extensive preclinical research on its gastroprotective effects. Studies in rats have consistently shown that BPC-157 reduces and heals stomach and intestinal lesions, particularly those induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and alcohol.34 In one study, BPC-157 therapy rapidly restored vessels and reduced bleeding in surgically perforated stomach lesions, leading to complete healing within seven days.36 Its protective effects extend beyond the gut to the liver, pancreas, heart, and nerves, earning it the moniker “Body Protection Compound”.36
Limitations & Unapproved Status
Despite the overwhelmingly positive and consistent data from preclinical research, a significant barrier exists: the near-complete absence of robust human clinical trials.34 While animal studies have shown no toxic dose and a highly desirable safety profile, this data does not translate to human use.34 The FDA has not approved BPC-157 for any medical indication and has explicitly stated that there is “insufficient evidence on whether it would cause harm to humans”.37 This is a critical point that must be communicated to the public, as it creates a high-risk environment for consumers who purchase BPC-157 from unregulated sources based on promising animal data alone.
Works Cited
Multifunctionality and Possible Medical Application of the BPC 157 Peptide—Literature and Patent Review – MDPI, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/2/185
Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157, Robert’s Stomach Cytoprotection/Adaptive Cytoprotection/Organoprotection, and Selye’s Stress Coping Response: Progress, Achievements, and the Future, accessed September 23, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7096228/
(PDF) Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 positively affects both non …, accessed September 23, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/13825983_Pentadecapeptide_BPC_157_positively_affects_both_non-steroidal_anti-inflammatory_agent-induced_gastrointestinal_lesions_and_adjuvant_arthritis_in_rats
Emerging Use of BPC-157 in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review – PMC, accessed September 23, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12313605/