The effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on inflammatory, non-inflammatory, direct and indirect pain
SikiriĆ et al./Springer/1993
Why It Matters
This is the early foundational paper on BPC-157's pain-reducing properties — a peptide that's become popular in self-experimentation circles. But here's the reality check: this is 1993 animal data only. Mice and rats responding to pain differently than humans is Biology 101. The fact that we're 30+ years out with no human clinical trials should tell you something about the commercial viability or safety profile.
Key Findings
- BPC-157 reduced pain responses in inflammatory models (carrageenan and formalin-induced paw edema in rats)
- The peptide showed analgesic effects in non-inflammatory pain models including tail flick and hot plate tests in mice
- BPC-157 protected against capsaicin-induced neurotoxicity and pain responses when administered systemically
- Effects were observed at microgram doses, suggesting high potency in these animal models
- The peptide appeared to work through multiple pain pathways rather than a single mechanism