What are peptides?

Peptides are chemical compounds built, like proteins, from amino acids that are connected by peptide bonds. Amino acids, in turn, are a group of organic compounds consisting of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen molecules, and a variable side chain group. Peptides, as substances of broad interest, perform important biological functions in the body; for example, many hormones and neurotransmitters are peptides, which are a group of compounds just like anti-inflammatory agents, antipyretics, antibiotics, vitamins, or minerals. Each peptide has its specific action, just like each vitamin or drug, so it is important to understand each one to know which peptide to use and for what purpose. Naturally occurring peptides in the body and their synthetic analogs are considered attractive compounds with therapeutic effects due to their high activity, non-toxicity, and lack of interactions with other drugs.

A brief history of peptides

In the 20th century, English biochemist Fred Sanger was the first to determine the full amino acid sequence of the two polypeptide chains of bovine insulin and received the Nobel Prize for this discovery. According to his research, it was found that the two polypeptide chains of protein insulin have precise amino acid sequences, and consequently, that every protein has its unique sequence. Since this breakthrough moment, increasingly advanced techniques for determining peptide structure have been introduced. The year 1901 was also an important moment for chemists Emil Fischer and Ernest Fourneau, who carried out the first successful peptide synthesis, thus creating the first peptide.

What is the BPC-157 peptide?

The BPC-157 peptide consists of 15 amino acids and is a partial sequence of the body-protecting compound BPC (Body Protection Compound), which was discovered and isolated from human gastric juice. BPC-157 is a synthetic fragment of this protein and is referred to as a "stable gastric pentadecapeptide." According to ongoing research, it is a peptide that provides protection to many organs in our body, as well as a substance that supports the treatment and regeneration of many ailments and diseases.

Mechanism of action of BPC-157

Numerous studies conducted on the BPC-157 peptide show that it primarily has the ability to support the process of angiogenesis, that is, the process of forming new blood vessels, thereby allowing the reconstruction and protection of our body's organs by providing them with an additional amount of blood and nutrients. In short, thanks to the influence of the BPC-157 peptide on the angiogenesis process, what has been damaged can be repaired. It is worth mentioning that due to its pro-angiogenic action, the BPC-157 peptide is able to regenerate damage caused by various factors, including damage induced by stress, mechanical injuries, or damage resulting from other diseases. The second main function of the BPC-157 peptide is its role as a free radical eliminator, thus eliminating disturbances in the body's balance that are necessary for its proper functioning.

Benefits of using the BPC-157 peptide

Regenerative and protective action of the BPC-157 peptide on the digestive system

The action of the BPC-157 peptide involves inhibiting processes that damage the stomach walls by “activating” a factor that has the ability to stimulate the process of angiogenesis. This is the process of forming new blood vessels, which allows any stomach injuries to heal faster by delivering a greater amount of blood and nutrients to the injury site. This action is used, among others, in the treatment of stomach ulcers or congestion/inflammation of the stomach lining. BPC-157 is used to support the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, because thanks to its regulatory abilities, it influences the regulation of pressure inside the esophagus, concerning the lower esophageal sphincter and the pyloric sphincter, which means the peptide can be used both in preventive therapy and as an adjunct in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, leading to its inhibition and the disappearance of related symptoms. The protective action of the peptide also relies on “covering” the inner lining of the esophagus with a protective layer. The action of the BPC-157 peptide leads to membrane stabilization, which eliminates the risk of leaky gut syndrome, while simultaneously affecting harmful factors that cause its damage. Using the BPC-157 peptide leads to increased permeability of capillaries, which helps maintain the integrity and cohesion of the intestinal mucosa, allowing for the necessary and rapid exchange of substances between the intestinal tissue and the blood during regeneration, as well as improving blood flow.

BPC-157 in the regeneration and protection of the musculoskeletal system

The BPC-157 peptide allows for twice as fast healing of a broken bone. Under the influence of the peptide, there is an increased production of fibroblasts, which are cells responsible for producing regenerative collagen and elastin, and forming a “scaffold” for the bone at the fracture site, leading to faster reconstruction. During the bone fracture healing process, the new tissue is characterized by high fragility and delicacy, which exposes it to slower regeneration or additional damage. The BPC-157 peptide supports the regeneration process and also leads to increased strength and hardness of the healing bone. Such peptide action is used in injuries such as lateral patellar compression, meniscus damage, shoulder joint degeneration, or “jumper’s knee.” During tendon injury, BPC-157 peptide enhances the angiogenesis process, through which new blood vessels form, delivering appropriate amounts of blood and nutrients to the injury site needed for faster tendon regeneration. Using the peptide supports the damaged tendon and rebuilds it faster. Thanks to this action, the peptide shortens the recovery period after tendon injury significantly and its effect eliminates the formation of free radicals. The BPC-157 peptide supports the healing and reconstruction of soft muscle tissue damage by promoting angiogenesis as a factor for producing new blood vessels, which plays a central role in the muscle injury healing process. Additionally, in muscle injuries, frequent spasms of the damaged muscle tissue occur. The peptide’s action minimizes the risk of such spasms, thereby also eliminating pain. Previous studies on the effects of BPC-157 peptide have shown positive and rapid healing effects of various muscle injuries, characterized by fewer accompanying hematomas and swelling or absence of post-injury contractures. This happens through increased activity of enzymes (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase).

The effect of BPC-157 on skin damage and ailments

Thanks to therapy with the BPC-157 peptide, there is faster formation of new tissues in the skin, along with an increased level of collagenase, which allows skin damage to heal more quickly. The increase in collagen synthesis is characterized by good organization of the epidermal layers, resulting in faster regeneration of damaged skin, with simultaneous thickening and reduced risk of re-injury. Folliculitis is a common skin condition. The action of the BPC-157 peptide stimulates the activity of macrophages and fibroblasts, leading to faster elimination of inflammation and wound healing by releasing growth factors that promote skin regeneration processes. The BPC-157 peptide also supports the release of inflammatory cytokines to trigger an immune response that helps eliminate bacterial infection, which is one of the causes of folliculitis. BPC-157 supports the stimulation of macrophages, the cells that engulf damage, and also promotes the production of a specific group of lymphocytes (white blood cells), which restores the balance between T lymphocytes (the cells responsible for destroying inflammatory cells), thereby alleviating symptoms of atopic dermatitis, including excessive keratinization and lichenification resulting from intense itching. An additional advantage of using the BPC-157 peptide during atopic dermatitis is the mitigation of the harmful effects of commonly used corticosteroid drugs such as cortisol and cortisone, which, when used long-term, have a wide range of side effects. The BPC-157 peptide has an affinity for inhibiting the increased expression of factors excessively produced in psoriatic skin. Thanks to these inhibitory abilities, the peptide soothes psoriatic lesions. The peptide itself will not eliminate the disease but will significantly improve quality of life by minimizing its symptoms to a minimum. Enzymes are present in the basal layer of the skin. When one enzyme, specifically KLK5, is present at high concentrations, inflammatory skin processes begin, including the development of rosacea. Through the action of the BPC-157 peptide, the high concentration of this enzyme is reduced. The enzyme itself remains present only in the upper (superficial) layers of the epidermis, which is a natural and normal process in people without accompanying rosacea. Thanks to the action of the BPC-157 peptide, inflammatory processes in the skin are alleviated, symptoms and their visibility are reduced, and the spread of rosacea to adjacent areas of the facial skin is inhibited.

BPC-157 in the cardiovascular system

The BPC-157 peptide has properties that, with systematic use, allow the initiation of the vasodilation process in the body, meaning the widening of blood vessels, and consequently a decrease in blood pressure. Long-term and regular use of the peptide supports proper blood flow and regulates arterial pressure, thus maintaining balance in the body. In a healthy circulatory system, blood freely flows through veins to the heart. When the mechanisms of blood transport to the heart fail, it causes blood to stagnate in the veins, leading to inflammation, damage to the endothelial layer lining the vessel, and subsequently the formation of a thrombus that prevents blood transport to the heart. The presented symptoms of thrombotic disease can be alleviated by using BPC-157, which eliminates inflammation and reduces blood pressure. Acting preventively, BPC-157 prevents congestion and venous insufficiency and will be a new precursor in supporting the treatment of thrombotic disease.

The action of BPC-157 in the genitourinary system

The BPC-157 peptide acts as a tissue-elasticizing preparation, meaning it leads to the strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles, which results in the elimination of urinary incontinence symptoms. Systematic therapy with the peptide supports the thickening of the muscular structure of the urethra and improves the regularity of its shape, which significantly reduces the risk of developing urinary incontinence in the future and alleviates the existing problem. The BPC-157 peptide promotes the immune system to fight microorganisms in the urinary tract, leading to the elimination of existing inflammation in the bladder. The peptide exhibits bacteriostatic action, which prevents the multiplication of pathogens, thereby preventing the occurrence of inflammation in the urinary system in the future. Additionally, BPC-157 can be used in preventive treatment for recurrent bladder inflammation, eliminating its recurrence.

BPC-157 in the nervous system

The neurotransmitter GABA is responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system by inhibiting its excessive excitation. Both deficiency and excess of GABA lead to nervous system disorders, so maintaining its proper level is very important. The BPC-157 peptide has a direct effect on the regeneration of the GABA system, while accelerating the return to homeostasis, i.e., the ability to maintain relatively stable parameters in the nervous system, for example after addiction or abuse of drugs and substances that directly damage this system. The neuroprotective effect of the BPC-157 peptide includes, among others, the regeneration of nerve cells, thereby providing protection to brain tissue. Additionally, the peptide's action supports the protection of brain tissue in symptoms accompanying drug withdrawal syndrome and even in cases of seizures occurring with their excessive intake. BPC-157 exhibits antidepressant effects resulting from its interaction with the serotonin system, which supports proper functioning of the body during low mood, mood disorders, or moments of hesitation.

Toxicity and side effects of the BPC-157 peptide

As mentioned at the beginning, the use of the BPC-157 peptide is characterized by lack of toxicity. The main contraindication for using the peptide is existing cancer diseases. While in a person without cancer, angiogenesis is desirable in regenerative and repair processes because it supplies blood and nutrients to damaged areas of our body through the production of new blood vessels, in a person with cancer this phenomenon is undesirable. Increased angiogenesis in people with accompanying cancer can lead to accelerated formation of the tumor's vascular network, which may speed up disease progression, including through the formation of metastases.

BPC-157 peptide dosage

Peptide dosage depending on body mass/weight:  

Peptide	Weight up to 100 kg	Weight over 100 kg
NL-BPC-157	200mcg daily / 1 capsule	400mcg daily / 2 capsules

  NL-BPC-157 dosing depends on body weight because the distribution of its concentration in the body differs for people weighing up to about 100 kg and those weighing over 100 kg. Weight-dependent dosing is related, among other things, to the distribution of peptides in the fat tissue of the person taking the peptide. It is important to follow the recommended doses because too low a peptide concentration in the body (subtherapeutic concentration) will not bring the expected therapeutic effect. Too high a peptide concentration, in a dose higher than recommended, as with any other substance, is simply unnecessary for the body. The appropriate peptide concentration, at the recommended dose, brings the expected supportive effect.   Preventive/Prophylactic peptide dosing:  

Peptide	Weight up to 100 kg	Weight over 100 kg
NL-BPC-157	1 capsule daily	2 capsules daily

  Preventive/Prophylactic use of each peptide is related to protective action for the body. In cases such as sports injuries, bone-joint injuries, or skin injuries, to prevent them or their recurrence, preventive intake of 1 capsule of NL-BPC-157 peptide is sufficient for people weighing up to about 100 kg and 2 capsules for those weighing over 100 kg. Post-injury/Regenerative peptide dosing:  

Peptide	Weight up to 100 kg	Weight over 100 kg
NL-BPC-157	2 capsules daily	3 capsules daily

  Post-injury/Regenerative use of each peptide is related to the regenerative and rebuilding properties of each. In cases such as sports injuries, bone-joint injuries, or skin injuries, regeneration can be achieved by taking 2 capsules of NL-BPC-157 peptide for people weighing up to about 100 kg and 3 capsules for those weighing over 100 kg.   Time of peptide intake depending on digestive system ailments (stomach ulcers, leaky gut syndrome, heartburn, and hyperacidity):  

Peptide	Presence of ailments	No ailments
NL-BPC-157	Taking the peptide after a meal	Taking the peptide on an empty stomach

  Taking peptides on an empty stomach causes a faster increase in their concentration in the blood. Taking peptides after a meal causes a slower increase in their concentration in the blood but eliminates the risk of stomach irritation, which is particularly sensitive to them due to accompanying digestive system ailments (including stomach ulcers, heartburn, and hyperacidity). Dosage period: NL-BPC-157 can be taken continuously without the need for a break. Remember to adjust the dosage in cases such as weight gain (above 100 kg) or weight loss (below 100 kg). Dosage adjustment also applies during periods when the body needs prevention—preventive or regenerative action during injuries, increased physical activity, or damage.  

What is the NL-BPC-157 analog?

Let's start with a basic explanation of what an analog is. An analog is a compound chemically similar to the original but designed and created for greater durability and effectiveness. In the case of peptides, only a few traditional types find application due to biological instability and rapid breakdown. The solution to the instability problem of traditional peptides is peptide modification, which allows obtaining stable and effective peptide forms in the form of analogs. The NL-BPC-157 analog belongs to the group of NL-PEPTIDES, in which the basic peptide form has undergone modification involving synthesis, where an additional amino acid was attached to the basic peptide form (the best effects are noticeable when L-arginine molecules are attached to the peptide), and modifications were also made to the N-terminal amino group and the C-terminal carboxyl group of the peptide. Thanks to this modification, the NL-BPC-157 analog has greater stability, especially at high temperatures or in contact with environments with low pH parameters, such as those found in gastric juice, which enables it to overcome the stomach barrier that destroyed traditional peptides before they could have any effect on the body.  

Why choose the NL-BPC-157 analog?

First of all, the peptide analog NL-BPC-157 allows for achieving a therapeutic effect in our body, which will bring the expected effect supporting regeneration or protection of a given ailment, unlike the traditional form of the peptide, which will break down before entering the bloodstream and affecting the body.

Differences between BPC-157 and NL-BPC-157

 

Demonstrated effect	NL-BPC-157	BPC-157
Possibility of use in capsules	✔	✗
Resistance to low pH	✔	✗
Resistance to digestive enzymes	✔	✗
Resistance to high temperatures	✔	✗
Greater compound stability	✔	✗
Ability to mimic natural proteins	✔	✗

 

Does the single capsule technology work?

A regular peptide placed in a single capsule has no regenerative or supportive effect on the body because before it enters the bloodstream, it will be degraded and destroyed by the acidic environment found in our stomach. In general, absorption of the peptide from the stomach into the bloodstream is impossible, and therefore it brings no benefit to improving the functioning of our body.

Double capsule technology

The double capsule technology, as the name suggests, involves placing a capsule inside a capsule. The first, larger, outer capsule is coated with a special acid-resistant enteric coating, so when swallowed it bypasses the stomach and is resistant to its degrading factors such as digestive enzymes and stomach acids. It can therefore be said that it does not undergo enzymatic breakdown. This capsule reaches the small intestine (the pH of the intestine is quite high, but unlike the stomach’s pH, it does not have an acidic environment that degrades peptides), and once there it dissolves in an environment friendly to peptides, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. At the moment the first, outer capsule dissolves, the substance contained within it, which is an acid, usually citric or L-ascorbic acid, is released. The released acid, by penetrating the intestinal wall, lowers its local pH, thus preparing the small capsule containing the peptide and, in our case, the absorption enhancer which is carnitine. Thanks to preparing the intestinal environment with the contents of the large capsule for the absorption of the small capsule’s contents, the peptide passes into the bloodstream causing a therapeutic effect on the body, which we have proven in our patented work. Certain questions may arise: The first concerns whether the intentional lowering of the local intestinal pH by using acid will degrade the peptide? In the case of the peptide analog NL-BPC-157, this is not possible because it is created and designed to be resistant to low pH and degrading factors. The second question relates to doubts about whether the acid will degrade the peptide in the capsule during product storage? The answer is also no, because the peptide is separated from the acid by the use of the double capsule.

Why does the double capsule technology work?

The patented technology that makes it possible to administer peptides per os, that is orally, in the form of a double capsule, solves the most significant problem of traditional peptides, namely:

1. Degradation, i.e. peptide breakdown in the digestive system.
2. Peptide absorption from the small intestine into the bloodstream.

What is the best form for using the BPC-157 peptide?

The most convenient and safest method for patients to administer medicinal substances is oral administration. An appropriate dose of peptide contained in the innovative form of the peptide analogue NL-BPC-157 is introduced into the body by swallowing an enteric capsule, made with patented peptide delivery technology, in the form of a double capsule, which reaches our digestive system without breaking down and migrates to the bloodstream, bringing the desired therapeutic effect. This is definitely the best form of peptide delivery because most peptides currently on the market usually appear in their basic, unmodified form, which reduces their bioavailability and minimizes effectiveness.

What forms of BPC-157 are available on the market?

Regular form of BPC-157 – the basic form of the peptide. BPC-157 in acetate form – usually found in vials. ARG BPC-157 – a peptide processing method called salting. The process involves dissolving BPC-157 peptide in a buffer, then adding the amino acid L-arginine, followed by re-lyophilization. This process makes the peptide more stable. NL-BPC-157 – similarly to the above case, the amino acid L-arginine is attached to the peptide. However, it is attached directly to the basic aminogram (covalently), not ionically as in ARG-BPC-157. Additionally, the N-amino end of the peptide undergoes N-acetylation, and the C-carboxyl end of the peptide is amidated. The NL-BPC-157 form significantly surpasses other forms of this peptide and is much more effective. The company that introduced and patented this peptide form is Synthagen Laboratories.

In what forms are peptides available on the market?

Double capsules NL-peptides-delivery Patented by SYNTHAGEN company, capsule-in-capsule technology. Thanks to this, the peptide reaches where it should and penetrates into the bloodstream – thus it works. Capsules contain:

• protective coating
• peptide absorption enhancers
• ingredients that prepare the digestive system for peptide absorption
• a specially chemically processed peptide (N-ACETYL ARGINAMIDE peptide), i.e. NL-peptide, which does not break down and is fully absorbed into the body.

This form of administration surpasses injections in several ways. First of all, it is convenient to use – it does not require special storage (can be kept in a cabinet), the undissolved peptide (in powder form) is not as unstable as its dissolved form administered by injection, and moreover, the active substance itself has greater bioavailability. Until now, to undergo peptide therapy, injections had to be used, which for many people was quite a controversial and problematic solution. Our peptides can be swallowed in capsule form – anywhere and anytime! The intact substance goes straight to the intestine and will be absorbed into the body.

Tablets

BPC-157 in tablets is an effective form of administration due to the production process. Tablets are made from a wet mass, which is then dried. Any contact of the peptide with water or other solvents used in tablet production causes peptide degradation – to a greater or lesser extent. Additionally, they need to be stored in the fridge.

Regular capsules

They are produced "dry" – unlike BPC-157 in tablets, there is no peptide loss during production. However, capsules available on the market do not work or work poorly because they contain regular forms of peptides – which are digested and destroyed before reaching the bloodstream after swallowing the capsule. These should also be stored in the fridge.

Nasal sprays

Most peptides are not suitable for nasal use, although there are exceptions like selank or semax. They require storage in the fridge and away from light – the longer they sit on the shelf, the weaker their effect.

Injections

The vast majority on the market come in glass or plastic vials with white powder inside – this should be a lyophilizate (powder dried at -80 degrees Celsius and vacuum). It's inconvenient because you have to buy syringes, solvent, mix the peptide with the solvent, calculate doses, and keep it in the fridge away from light. Moreover, the peptide is administered via intramuscular or subcutaneous injections, which for some can be problematic, painful, or simply controversial. After dissolving the peptide with the solvent, it breaks down over time. The longer the dissolved peptide sits on the shelf, the worse it gets. This can be compared to HCG, e.g., pregnyl – the longer it stays dissolved, the weaker its effect.  

FAQ - Most common questions about BPC-157

Which form of BPC-157 is better - vials or capsules?

Capsules are more convenient; they don't need to be kept in the fridge.

Are capsules as effective as injections?

Only if they contain chemically processed NL-peptides.

Are peptides steroids?

No, peptides are not steroids - they are a different group of compounds. However, some peptides are on the WADA list, meaning they are prohibited for use by professional athletes.

Are peptides safe?

All peptides introduced to the market by Synrhagen are completely safe and show no side effects. However, unfortunately, this cannot be said about all other peptides found on the market. Remember not to use peptides purchased from unreliable sources.

What can I realistically expect after taking BPC-157?

General improvement of the body's functioning. Depending on which peptide you use, you may experience accelerated regenerative processes (useful for athletes), more energy daily, or notice an improvement in quality of life.

Is BPC-157 a miracle cure and will it help with a specific condition?

It depends on the condition; each case should be considered individually. It may help. Remember, prevention is better than cure; in the case of diseases, every treatment should be consulted with a doctor.

Can I take BPC-157 all the time?

It depends on which ones; the safe ones, yes. Using them continuously, you will act according to the principle that prevention is better than cure.

Can I combine injections with capsules?

Yes, you can combine BPC-157 injections with capsules.

Is BPC on the WADA list?

Regular BPC is. NL-BPC is not on the WADA list because it is an analog, so for the law and WADA it is a new compound.

Is NL-BPC better than ArgBPC?

Yes.

Do capsules absorb as well as injections?

The effectiveness of the injection depends on the raw material and the origin of the peptide. There are many Chinese peptides of unknown origin on the market – mainly in injections, vials. Assuming the peptide in the vial is "reliable," our capsules will work just as well.

Is using injections safe?

Considering the fact that these substances are often reagents for research (and not for human use) and that infections can occur if substances are administered improperly – the answer is NO.

How does the effectiveness of injections compare to capsules?

Let's compare the "reliable," effective NL-PEPTIDE injection with NL-PEPTIDE capsules - both are equally effective.

What are the contraindications for using BPC-157?

According to the label, BPC-157 must not be used by:

• Pregnant women.
• Nursing women.
• People suffering from cancer.

Should the peptide be taken on an empty stomach or after a meal?

It doesn't matter. You can use BPC-157 either on an empty stomach or after a meal.

At what time of day should BPC-157 be used?

It doesn't matter - use it whenever it's convenient for you.