Anti-Inflammatory Peptides

Reduces inflammation

Primary Use

Anti-inflammatory peptides reduce excessive inflammation through targeted biological pathways rather than the broad suppression caused by NSAIDs or corticosteroids. BPC-157 modulates nitric oxide and prostaglandin systems to calm inflammation while still allowing the healing response to proceed. KPV (a tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH) inhibits NF-kB, a master switch that controls the expression of hundreds of inflammatory genes. LL-37 resolves inflammation by promoting the clearance of dead cells and debris from inflamed tissue.

Chronic, low-grade inflammation (sometimes called "inflammaging") is increasingly recognized as a driver of cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, metabolic dysfunction, and accelerated aging. Peptides that address inflammation at its source, rather than masking symptoms, are relevant both for acute injury recovery and for long-term health maintenance.

This page collects every peptide on PeptideWiki tagged for anti-inflammatory effects. Browse individual profiles for mechanisms, dosing, and safety data.

Peptides (8)

BPC-157

Injury, Repair & Recovery

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a 15-amino-acid fragment originally found in proteins from the human stomach lining. Most evidence comes from animal studies exploring wound healing, tendon repair, and gut health applications.

DSIP (Delta Sleep Inducing Peptide)

Cognition, Mood & Neuroprotection

DSIP (Delta Sleep Inducing Peptide) is a naturally occurring brain peptide first isolated from rabbit brain tissue. Research focuses on sleep promotion, stress reduction, and hormone regulation. It shows complex effects that vary depending on the context.

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)

Immune & Inflammation

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino-acid brain and gut signaling peptide with wide-ranging effects on the immune and nervous systems. Research explores its anti-inflammatory properties and potential in autoimmune and neurodegenerative conditions.

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment)

Injury, Repair & Recovery

TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring protein involved in tissue repair throughout the body. Research focuses on wound healing, tissue regeneration, and reducing inflammation.

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

Skin, Hair & Aesthetics

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide-copper complex found in human blood, saliva, and urine. It is being studied primarily for wound healing, skin regeneration, and anti-aging applications, and is available in topical formulations.

GHK (Tripeptide)

Injury, Repair & Recovery

GHK is a naturally occurring three-amino-acid peptide found in human blood, saliva, and urine, with levels that decline with age. Separate from its copper-bound form (GHK-Cu), free GHK is being studied for its ability to influence gene activity patterns linked to tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and regeneration.

ARA-290 (Cibinetide)

Immune & Inflammation

ARA-290 (cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino-acid peptide based on the tissue-protective part of erythropoietin, without stimulating red blood cell production. Research focuses on nerve pain, small fiber neuropathy, sarcoidosis, and metabolic syndrome.

KPV

Immune & Inflammation

KPV is a naturally occurring three-amino-acid peptide derived from alpha-MSH, a hormone involved in inflammation control. Research focuses on its strong anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in inflammatory bowel disease and skin conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) block COX enzymes to reduce prostaglandin production, which reduces pain and swelling but also impairs healing and can damage the gut lining with chronic use. Anti-inflammatory peptides work through more targeted mechanisms. BPC-157 actually protects the gut lining while reducing inflammation. KPV inhibits NF-kB signaling, which addresses the upstream cause of inflammation rather than blocking one downstream pathway. The result is inflammation reduction without the healing impairment or GI side effects of chronic NSAID use.

BPC-157 has the most data for gut inflammation. It was originally isolated from human gastric juice and has shown protective and healing effects on the gut lining in numerous animal studies. It accelerates healing of ulcers, reduces inflammation in colitis models, and protects against NSAID-induced gut damage. KPV has also shown benefit in inflammatory bowel disease models by reducing NF-kB activation in intestinal epithelial cells. For gut-specific inflammation, BPC-157 is typically the first choice, sometimes combined with KPV for more comprehensive coverage.

BPC-157 and TB-500 are commonly used for joint-related inflammation. BPC-157 promotes tendon and ligament healing while reducing local inflammation. TB-500 improves cell migration to damaged joint tissue. For inflammatory arthritis (where the immune system attacks the joints), KPV and thymosin alpha-1 may address the underlying immune dysfunction. For mechanical joint damage (osteoarthritis), BPC-157's tissue repair properties are more relevant. GHK-Cu also has anti-inflammatory effects on joint tissue through its gene expression modulation.

Peptides can reduce inflammatory markers and improve symptoms, but chronic inflammation typically has root causes that need to be addressed: poor diet, inadequate sleep, chronic stress, gut dysbiosis, excess body fat (fat tissue is metabolically active and produces inflammatory cytokines), and environmental exposures. Peptides like BPC-157 and KPV can support the process of resolving inflammation, but they work best as part of a broader approach that addresses the sources of inflammation, not as standalone solutions.

Related Primary Use Tags

Weight Loss

Wound Healing

Muscle Recovery

Muscle Support

Growth Hormone

IGF-1 Elevation