Maple BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a sequence found in human gastric juice. It is one of the most extensively studied cytoprotective peptides in preclinical research, with over 100 published studies examining its effects on tissue repair, angiogenesis, and gastrointestinal mucosal integrity in animal models.
For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.
Molecular Profile
BPC-157 is a 15-amino acid peptide fragment with the sequence Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val. Its molecular formula is C62H98N16O22 with a molecular weight of approximately 1419.53 Da. The CAS number is 137525-51-0. Unlike many bioactive peptides, BPC-157 demonstrates notable stability in human gastric juice, maintaining structural integrity for more than 24 hours without degradation, a property that distinguishes it from most peptide compounds which are rapidly hydrolyzed under acidic conditions (Sikiric et al., Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2018, DOI: 10.2174/1381612824666180712110447).
This gastric juice stability is the origin of its “stable gastric pentadecapeptide” designation in the research literature and is a key factor in its utility as a research tool for oral administration studies.
Primary Research Mechanisms
Angiogenic Pathway Modulation
The most consistently documented mechanism of BPC-157 in preclinical models involves its interaction with angiogenic growth factor pathways. According to research indexed in PubMed, BPC-157 modulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in injury models. A comprehensive review by Seiwerth et al. (2018) in Current Pharmaceutical Design characterized BPC-157 as functionally representing the pharmacological role of multiple peptidergic growth factors, noting that it was “consistently effective in all of the models of acute/chronic injury” across the gastrointestinal tract when administered intraperitoneally, per-orally, or locally.
In excision skin wound models in rats, BPC-157 rapidly increased expression of genes associated with angiogenesis, collagen formation, and extracellular matrix organization. This gene expression modulation has been proposed as the mechanistic basis for the peptide’s observed effects across diverse tissue types including gastrointestinal tract, tendon, ligament, muscle, bone, nerve, and corneal tissue (Seiwerth et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021, DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.627533).
Nitric Oxide System Interaction
BPC-157 research has identified a significant interaction with the nitric oxide (NO) system. In preclinical models, the peptide appears to modulate NO synthase activity, influencing vascular tone, blood pressure regulation, and tissue perfusion. This NO system interaction is implicated in BPC-157’s observed effects on vascular occlusion models, where researchers have documented the peptide’s ability to promote collateral pathway formation around vessel obstructions (Sikiric et al., Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2023, DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666221005111553).
The NO pathway interaction also appears relevant to BPC-157’s documented effects on blood pressure normalization in both hypertensive and hypotensive rat models, suggesting a bidirectional regulatory mechanism rather than a unidirectional agonist or antagonist effect.
Cytoprotective Properties
BPC-157 was originally characterized as an antiulcer peptide and has been described as a potential mediator of Robert’s cytoprotection, the phenomenon where certain prostaglandins protect gastrointestinal mucosa against injury. In preclinical gastrointestinal models, BPC-157 has demonstrated protective effects against NSAIDs-induced lesions, ethanol-induced gastric damage, and stress-induced ulceration. The peptide has been effective across the entire gastrointestinal tract, from esophageal to colonic tissue, in both acute and chronic injury models (Sikiric et al., Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2020, DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200424180139).
Musculoskeletal Research Applications
A systematic review by Gwyer et al. (2019) in Cell and Tissue Research evaluated BPC-157’s role in musculoskeletal soft tissue healing. The review concluded that “all studies investigating BPC 157 have demonstrated consistently positive and prompt healing effects for various injury types, both traumatic and systemic and for a plethora of soft tissues.” The review specifically highlighted the peptide’s potential for hypovascular and hypocellular tissues such as tendons and ligaments, which typically present significant healing challenges due to limited blood supply.
In rat Achilles tendon transection models, BPC-157 administration was associated with improved biomechanical properties of the healing tendon, including increased maximum load to failure. Tendon fibroblast outgrowth was also enhanced in in-vitro cell culture studies, suggesting a direct cellular effect rather than exclusively systemic mediation.
Skeletal muscle injury research has shown beneficial effects not only for direct trauma models but also for systemic insults including hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia, indicating that BPC-157’s tissue-protective properties extend beyond local wound healing to systemic stress responses.
Safety and Toxicology Profile
A 2025 review by Jozwiak et al. in Pharmaceuticals (DOI: 10.3390/ph18020185) summarized the safety data across the BPC-157 literature, noting that the peptide has “a desirable safety profile, since only a few side effects have been reported following its administration.” In preclinical toxicology studies, the LD1 (lethal dose for 1% of test subjects) was not achieved, meaning researchers were unable to establish a lethal dose threshold at any tested concentration. This is an unusually favorable toxicological finding for a bioactive peptide.
It is important to note that BPC-157 has not been approved for use in standard medicine by the FDA or other global regulatory authorities. The absence of comprehensive clinical trials in humans means that safety data is derived primarily from animal models. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) temporarily listed BPC-157 on its prohibited list in 2022, though it is not currently listed as banned.
Research Literature Overview
PubMed indexes over 100 publications related to BPC-157, with the majority originating from the University of Zagreb research group led by Predrag Sikiric. Research has expanded in recent years, with groups at Loughborough University (UK), the Medical University of Gdansk (Poland), and several other institutions contributing independent studies. The peptide has been the subject of multiple patent applications as detailed in the 2025 review by Jozwiak et al.
Research areas covered in the indexed literature include gastrointestinal healing (ulcers, fistulas, anastomoses, inflammatory bowel disease models), musculoskeletal repair (tendon, ligament, muscle, bone), nervous system models (peripheral nerve regeneration, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury), vascular effects (angiogenesis, thrombosis, ischemia/reperfusion), and organ protection models (liver, kidney, heart).
The breadth of tissue types responsive to BPC-157 in preclinical models has led researchers to characterize its activity as “pleiotropic,” suggesting the peptide acts on fundamental repair pathways shared across tissue types rather than tissue-specific receptors.
Product Specifications
Sequence: Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val
CAS Number: 137525-51-0
Molecular Formula: C62H98N16O22
Molecular Weight: 1419.53 Da
Purity: ≥99% (HPLC verified)
Form: Lyophilized powder
Storage: -20°C, desiccated, protected from light
COA: Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis by independent third-party testing (Testides Analytical)
View BPC-157 5mg Product Page | View BPC-157 10mg Product Page
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BPC-157 and where does it come from?
BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) derived from a partial sequence of a protein found in human gastric juice called Body Protection Compound. It was first isolated and characterized by researchers at the University of Zagreb. The synthetic version used in research replicates a specific 15-amino acid fragment of the larger native protein. Its designation as a “stable gastric pentadecapeptide” reflects its unusual resistance to degradation in acidic gastric conditions, a property that distinguishes it from most bioactive peptides.
What tissues has BPC-157 been studied in?
Preclinical research on BPC-157 spans a wide range of tissue types. The most extensively studied areas include the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, esophagus, duodenum, colon), musculoskeletal tissues (tendon, ligament, skeletal muscle, bone), the vascular system (blood vessel formation and repair), nervous tissue (peripheral nerves, spinal cord), and organs including the liver, kidney, and heart. All of this research has been conducted in animal models, primarily rats. No tissue-specific receptor for BPC-157 has been identified, leading researchers to propose that it acts on shared repair pathways rather than tissue-specific targets.
Where can I buy BPC-157 research peptide in Canada?
Maple Research Labs supplies BPC-157 research peptide in both 5mg and 10mg vial sizes. All BPC-157 ships from within Canada with same-day processing and includes a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis verified by Testides Analytical, an independent third-party laboratory. BPC-157 is sold exclusively for research purposes and is not approved for human use.
What purity is Maple Research Labs BPC-157?
All BPC-157 supplied by Maple Research Labs is verified at 99% or greater purity via HPLC analysis conducted by Testides Analytical, an independent third-party testing laboratory. Each batch ships with a downloadable Certificate of Analysis confirming peptide identity, purity percentage, amino acid sequence verification, and absence of relevant contaminants.
Is BPC-157 approved for human use?
No. BPC-157 has not been approved by the FDA, Health Canada, or any other regulatory authority for human therapeutic, diagnostic, or consumption purposes. While BPC-157 has been listed in clinical trial registries for ulcerative colitis and multiple sclerosis studies, comprehensive clinical trial data sufficient for regulatory approval has not been published. All BPC-157 sold by Maple Research Labs is designated for in-vitro and preclinical research use only.
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For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.