Joe Rogan among the fans of revolutionary anti-aging peptide
Highway to heal?
An experimental peptide is in the spotlight for its potential to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation and protect gut health.
Count podcast host Joe Rogan, 57, among the fans of BPC-157 — he reported that it cleared up his elbow tendonitis in just two weeks. Biohackers hope its regenerative and anti-inflammatory powers lead to longer, healthier lives.
5 Podcast host Joe Rogan said BPC-157 cleared up his elbow tendonitis in just two weeks.
Youtube / The Joe Rogan Experience
'The people who have tried it say it is life-changing,' Dr. Michael Aziz, an internist in New York and author of 'The Ageless Revolution,' told The Post.
'So is BPC-157 going to revolutionize physical therapy?' he mused. 'We hope the research comes soon.'
Here's a look at the science behind the emerging therapy.
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 is the short name for Body Protection Compound 157.
It's comprised of 15 amino acids and derived from a naturally occurring protein in human stomach juice.
Dr. Christian Muller, a sports medicine physician with Northwell Health Orthopedics in Westchester, said BPC-157 was discovered in the early '90s during research into substances that could protect the body from harm.
5 BPC-157 is in the spotlight for its potential to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation and protect gut health.
Amazon
How it exactly works in the body is not fully understood.
'Research suggests BPC-157 may work by enhancing the formation of new blood vessels, which improves blood flow and nutrient delivery to injured tissues, accelerating healing,' Aziz said.
'It also influences the expression of various growth factors, such as growth hormone receptors, which are crucial for tissue repair and regeneration,' he added.
Inside the potential benefits
The Food and Drug Administration has not approved BPC-157, as much of the research has been conducted in animals.
'There are few, extremely limited studies on humans,' Muller told The Post. 'One study showed that knee injections with BPC-157 helped with arthritis pain in 11 out of 12 subjects, but the study did not use verified survey tools to obtain reliable answers regarding efficacy.'
5 BPC-157 may be able to help with recovery after a knee injury.
Dragana Gordic – stock.adobe.com
BPC-157 is being explored for:
Tissue repair
Healing of muscle, tendon, ligament and skin wounds
Collagen production
Neuroinflammation
Nerve regeneration
Arthritis
Gastric ulcers
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
Leaky gut syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome
'Had a recent knee surgery? Had an injury at the gym and your doctor suggested physical therapy for six months? Not so fast. BPC-157 can help,' Aziz said.
How much should you take?
Dr. Pooja Gidwani, a double board-certified internal and obesity medicine physician based in L.A., noted that there are no standard doses because human data is limited.
She suggested that oral forms of BPC-157 may be helpful for gut issues, while injections are typically preferred for systemic healing, such as joint or tendon recovery.
She has 'nuanced conversations' with patients eager to try it.
5 How BPC-157 exactly works in the body is not fully understood. Research suggests that it may accelerate healing by enhancing the formation of new blood vessels.
Sanhanat – stock.adobe.com
'We begin with an open, informed discussion about the current evidence — what's promising and what's unknown,' Gidwani told The Post.
'For some patients dealing with chronic gut issues, tendon injuries or post-operative healing challenges,' she continued, 'we discuss where the science currently stands and make a collaborative decision based on goals, risk tolerance and alternatives.'
Some researchers recommend cycling it to prevent side effects.
Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology, suggests limiting BPC-157 usage to eight weeks and taking an eight-week break — or more.
'My concern about taking BPC157 continuously: it promotes vascular growth, and if you have a small tumor, it will vascularize that tumor as well. Not good,' Huberman tweeted in April.
And beware if you purchase capsules online.
'Many times it is fake or not safe,' Aziz advised.
Behind the possible downsides
'There are potential safety concerns, but given the lack of human data, they are not truly known,' Muller said.
'Since BPC-157 has been shown to be biologically active in several complex body processes,' he added, 'there can be a multitude of unknown potential dangers across several organ systems.'
5 New blood vessel growth may help promote healing, but it could also fuel tumors.
phonlamaiphoto – stock.adobe.com
Since it can cause uncontrolled growth of new blood vessels, people with a history of cancer or concerns about tumors should approach BPC-157 with caution.
Because it has been shown to interact with growth hormone pathways, Aziz warned of potential hormonal disruption with extended use.
It's also on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list for professional athletes because of its unproven claims and possible health risks.
Scientists hope to learn more about it soon.
'Peptides like BPC-157 are part of an exciting frontier in longevity and regenerative medicine — but they're still evolving,' Gidwani said.
'It's not about hype — it's about understanding the potential while also respecting the limitations of what we know.'
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