B157, more precisely known as BPC-157, is a synthetic peptide consisting of 15 amino acids. It was originally discovered as a fragment of a naturally occurring protein found in human gastric juice. The full name is Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC-157, where “pentadecapeptide” refers to its 15-amino-acid length. Its amino acid sequence is Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val.
This peptide has attracted significant scientific interest because of its potential healing and protective properties. It is stable at room temperature and can be administered in various ways, such as intramuscularly or intravenously, at least in animal models. Research primarily conducted on rodents suggests that BPC-157 may have several beneficial effects, including promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and protecting cells and nerves. It appears to accelerate the healing of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even some internal organs. One of its notable mechanisms is promoting angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels, a crucial process for tissue regeneration and repair.
Despite these promising findings, BPC-157 is not approved by major drug regulatory agencies for medical use in humans. It is sometimes used in alternative or functional medicine circles, but its safety and efficacy in humans remain under investigation. There are also concerns that because it promotes new blood vessel growth, it could potentially encourage cancer growth, which is why its use is approached cautiously.
In the world of sports, BPC-157 is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) under the category of non-exempt substances, meaning athletes are prohibited from using it in competition. Detection methods have been developed, including urine tests that can identify the peptide and confirm its stability in the body for several days.
The interest in BPC-157 stems from its unique origin and multifaceted biological activities. Unlike many peptides that are designed or derived from larger proteins, BPC-157 is a naturally occurring fragment that seems to have evolved to protect and repair the gastrointestinal tract. This has led researchers to explore its potential beyond the stomach, including its effects on the nervous system and systemic inflammation.
In summary, BPC-157 is a small peptide with a natural origin in human gastric juice, showing promising healing and protective effects in preclinical studies. Its ability to promote angiogenesis and tissue repair makes it a subject of ongoing research, although it remains unapproved for clinical use and banned in professional sports due to concerns about safety and fairness.
