What is BPC-157?
Body Protection Compound-157, or BPC-157, is a synthetic peptide chain consisting of 15 amino acids [1.5.5]. It is a partial sequence of a body protection compound (BPC) that is naturally present in human gastric juice [1.4.5]. Praised for its regenerative capabilities, it has been researched for its potential to accelerate the healing of various tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the gastrointestinal tract [1.4.8]. Its effects are believed to stem from its interaction with multiple biological pathways, including the promotion of new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) and modulation of nitric oxide (NO) [1.5.2, 1.5.6]. However, it is important to note that BPC-157 is not approved for human use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) [1.7.1, 1.7.5].
BPC-157's Mechanism and the Cardiovascular System
The primary way BPC-157 interacts with the cardiovascular system is through its influence on the nitric oxide (NO) system [1.4.2]. Nitric oxide is a critical molecule that helps relax blood vessels, a process known as vasodilation, which in turn lowers blood pressure. BPC-157 has been shown in studies to modulate the NO system, but its effect is complex [1.2.1].
Research on isolated rat aortas demonstrated that BPC-157 induces a concentration-dependent vasorelaxation, but this effect is reliant on the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) and is mediated by nitric oxide [1.4.1]. The peptide appears to activate the Src-Caveolin-1-eNOS pathway, which leads to NO production [1.4.4]. This suggests that BPC-157 doesn't just directly cause vasodilation but rather influences the body's natural pathways for regulating blood vessel tone.
Does BPC-157 Raise or Lower Blood Pressure?
Existing research, primarily from animal studies, suggests that BPC-157 has a modulating or balancing effect rather than a straightforward hypertensive (raising) or hypotensive (lowering) one. It appears to work towards homeostasis, correcting blood pressure that is abnormally high or low without affecting normal blood pressure levels [1.3.1].
Here's what studies show:
- Counteracting Hypertension: In rat studies where high blood pressure (hypertension) was induced using L-NAME (a NOS-blocker), BPC-157 administration counteracted the pressure increase [1.3.3, 1.4.5]. It helps to normalize the pathologically elevated pressure.
- Counteracting Hypotension: Conversely, when low blood pressure (hypotension) was induced with L-arginine (a NOS-substrate), BPC-157 also counteracted this effect, preventing the blood pressure from dropping too low [1.3.1, 1.4.5].
- No Effect on Normal Pressure: Studies have noted that BPC-157 does not seem to have an influence on normal, basal blood pressure values [1.3.1, 1.3.3]. Its regulatory effects appear to activate primarily in pathological conditions.
In scenarios of severe vascular distress, such as major blood vessel occlusion, BPC-157 has been shown to rapidly counteract both portal and caval hypertension and aortal hypotension, further highlighting its role in re-establishing hemodynamic balance [1.3.4, 1.2.4].
BPC-157 and Angiogenesis: A Double-Edged Sword
BPC-157 is known to be a potent promoter of angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels [1.5.3, 1.5.2]. It upregulates key growth factors like Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and its receptor VEGFR2 [1.5.5, 1.5.1]. While this is a key part of its healing and regenerative effects, it also presents a potential risk. The creation of new blood vessels could theoretically support the growth and spread of tumors [1.2.8]. For this reason, individuals with a known or suspected cancer diagnosis are advised to avoid BPC-157 [1.6.1].
| Aspect | Pro-Angiogenic Effect | Anti-Angiogenic Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Stimulates VEGF and VEGFR2 pathways, leading to new blood vessel formation [1.5.5, 1.5.6]. | The same pathways can feed and support the proliferation and metastasis of tumors [1.2.8]. |
| Healing Benefit | Accelerates recovery in muscle, tendon, and other tissues by improving blood supply [1.4.8]. | Could potentially accelerate malignancy if undetected cancer cells are present [1.5.7]. |
| Research Finding | Shown to increase local vascularity in muscle and tendon injury models [1.4.8]. | A study on mice with implanted cancer cells found BPC-157 did not cause a significant reduction in tumor size [1.2.8]. |
Safety, Side Effects, and Legal Status
The safety profile of BPC-157 in humans is not well-established due to a lack of large-scale clinical trials [1.6.4, 1.7.3]. The FDA has not approved it for human use, and it is on the WADA prohibited list [1.7.1, 1.7.4].
Reported side effects are generally mild and may include [1.6.1, 1.6.2, 1.6.3]:
- Nausea
- Headaches and dizziness
- Fluctuations in blood pressure
- Redness or irritation at the injection site
Because it is an unapproved and unregulated substance, there are significant risks related to product quality, purity, and contamination from black-market sources [1.7.2].
Conclusion
Based on available animal research, BPC-157 does not appear to directly raise or lower blood pressure but rather acts as a homeostatic regulator. It demonstrates the ability to counteract both artificially induced hypertension and hypotension, primarily through its modulatory effects on the nitric oxide system [1.3.1, 1.4.5]. It has no documented effect on normal blood pressure. While its regenerative and angiogenic properties are promising for tissue healing, they also introduce potential risks, especially concerning cancer [1.2.8]. Given its unapproved status and the lack of robust human safety data, its use remains experimental and carries significant risks [1.7.1, 1.7.6].
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. BPC-157 is an unapproved substance. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before considering any new treatment or supplement.
