How does BPC-157 work?

    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    BPC-157 works through various mechanisms, including promoting nitric oxide synthesis, activating tissue repair cells, stimulating growth factor synthesis, and inhibiting inflammation. Although peptides typically have limited absorption when taken orally, studies suggest that BPC-157 may still exert systemic effects even when ingested.

    BPC-157 has various possible (potentially overlapping) mechanisms of action, including promoting nitric oxide synthesis, activating cells involved in tissue repair, stimulating the synthesis of growth factors, and inhibiting inflammation.[1][2][3]

    BPC-157 can be taken orally, topically, or via injection. Oral ingestion of peptides like BPC-157 wouldn’t normally be expected to have a direct effect on tissues outside of the gastrointestinal tract (like tendons and nerves) because peptides aren’t easily absorbed into circulation. However, studies in rodents have suggested that oral ingestion can have systemic effects, meaning that the feasibility of this route of delivery can’t be ruled out.[4]