Regeneration or Risk? A Narrative Review of BPC-157 for Musculoskeletal Healing

Plain-language summary

This narrative review examined BPC-157's therapeutic potential across musculoskeletal injuries, finding consistent preclinical evidence that the peptide promotes tendon, muscle, and ligament healing through angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and tissue-regenerative mechanisms. The authors noted that BPC-157 activates both VEGF-dependent and VEGF-independent pathways to support nitric oxide production, angiogenesis, and vascular stability. Only three small pilot human studies have been completed to date, with no adverse effects reported, though the authors emphasize that large-scale rigorous trials are still needed.