BPC-157 vs GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide)
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two healing & recovery peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
BPC-157
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. It has been extensively studied in animal models for tissue repair, gastroprotection, and tendon/ligament/muscle healing. Important: essentially all efficacy data are preclinical (rodent), there are no completed published human efficacy trials, and it is prohibited in sport by WADA.
Full profileGHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide)
The free tripeptide component of GHK-Cu before copper complexation. GHK naturally occurs in human plasma, saliva, and urine and promotes wound healing, collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory activity. While it readily chelates copper to form GHK-Cu in vivo, research distinguishes the independent effects of free GHK from the copper-complexed form on gene expression and tissue remodeling.
Full profile| BPC-157 | GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Healing & Recovery | Healing & Recovery |
| Also known as | Body Protection Compound 157, PL 14736, Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 | GHK tripeptide, Gly-His-Lys, copper chelating tripeptide, GHK free tripeptide |
| Evidence | Preclinical only | Research-stage |
| Dosing range | 200mcg–1000mcg mcg, once or twice daily | 0.5mg–2mg mg, Daily or every other day (topical or SC) |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection (most common), Intramuscular injection, Oral (reduced bioavailability — used for gut-specific protocols) | Subcutaneous injection, Topical (cream/serum) |
| Key side effects | Nausea (rare, typically at higher doses), Dizziness / lightheadedness shortly after injection (uncommon, anecdotal), Injection site redness or irritation, Human safety profile is not established — no controlled human trials | Minimal reported side effects, Mild injection site irritation, Rare topical sensitization, No significant systemic effects at research doses |
| Cited sources | 6 references | 2 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: BPC-157 is preclinical only, while GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) is research-stage.
- Administration: BPC-157 — Subcutaneous injection (most common), Intramuscular injection, Oral (reduced bioavailability — used for gut-specific protocols); GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) — Subcutaneous injection, Topical (cream/serum).
- Dosing units differ: BPC-157 is dosed in mcg, GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) in mg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: BPC-157 is typically once or twice daily; GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) is Daily or every other day (topical or SC).
- Research depth: this profile cites 6 sources for BPC-157 vs 2 for GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide).
How each works
BPC-157
Preclinical rodent and in-vitro studies — predominantly from the Sikiric group in Zagreb, with mechanistic angiogenesis work from Pang's group in Taiwan — report accelerated healing of tendon, ligament, muscle, and gut tissue. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of the nitric oxide (NO) system, promotion of angiogenesis via the VEGFR2–Akt–eNOS pathway, upregulation of growth factor signaling, and effects along the gut–brain axis. Despite a large and internally consistent animal literature, BPC-157 has no completed human clinical efficacy trials and is an unapproved drug.
GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide)
Free GHK directly upregulates collagen, elastin, and laminin synthesis in fibroblasts through TGF-β pathway activation and metalloproteinase modulation. Loren Pickart's decades of research identified GHK as a potent tissue remodeling signal whose plasma concentrations decline with age. At physiologic concentrations, GHK resets approximately 31% of dysregulated gene expression associated with aging back toward a younger phenotype.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.