The anti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from alpha-MSH — widely used for IBD, gut healing, eczema, psoriasis, and any condition driven by chronic inflammation.
KPV is a tripeptide (Lysine-Proline-Valine) that represents the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). While α-MSH itself has pigmentation and appetite effects, KPV isolates the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity without the hormonal side effects.
It’s one of the most consistently user-praised research peptides for gut inflammation (IBD, colitis, leaky gut) and inflammatory skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne). It’s often stacked with BPC-157 for a comprehensive gut healing protocol.
Not FDA approved. Not WADA prohibited. Available as injectable, oral capsule, topical cream, or nasal spray formulations.
Blocks activation of NF-κB, the master regulator of pro-inflammatory gene expression. This quiets TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and many other inflammation signals at the source.
KPV exhibits activity against several bacterial and fungal strains, including Staph aureus and Candida — relevant for gut dysbiosis and skin infections.
Reduces mast cell degranulation — which reduces histamine release and allergic/atopic symptoms.
Animal studies show reduced intestinal permeability and restored tight junction integrity — the mechanism behind its "leaky gut" benefit.
| Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| IBD / colitis | Dalmasso et al.: reduced colitis severity in DSS mouse models; drives the oral-KPV use case |
| Leaky gut | Restored tight junctions in damaged intestinal models |
| Psoriasis / eczema | Topical studies show significant reductions in lesion severity |
| Acne | Combined anti-inflammatory + antimicrobial effect; used in peptide skincare |
| Wound healing | Reduced chronic wound inflammation when applied topically |
| Systemic inflammation | Broad anti-inflammatory via NF-κB — useful adjunct in autoimmune protocols |
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Start Tracking FreeDose source note: the figures below are community/empirical conventions. Published efficacy for oral KPV (PMIDs 19909746, 28143741, 18061177) used nanoparticle-encapsulated colon-targeting delivery systems rather than free KPV in simple capsules, and PMID 28343991 showed that passive transdermal KPV permeation through intact skin is below the limit of detection without iontophoresis or microneedle enhancement. Subcutaneous human dose-finding data is essentially absent. Treat everything below as starting points, not validated protocols.
Note: published positive IBD data used colon-targeted nanoparticle delivery systems, not standard capsules — free-KPV capsule bioavailability is not well established.
Passive transdermal penetration of KPV through intact skin is negligible per PMID 28343991 (below the limit of detection). Meaningful delivery generally requires iontophoresis, microneedling, or specialized penetration vehicles.
For gut healing, KPV (oral) + BPC-157 (oral or SubQ) is the canonical stack. KPV quiets inflammation, BPC-157 promotes tissue repair. Run for 4–8 weeks during flares or active gut healing protocols.
For injectable form. Capsules are pre-dosed and don’t require reconstitution.
5 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 2500 mcg/mL
| Dose | Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 250 mcg | 0.10 mL | 10 units |
| 500 mcg | 0.20 mL | 20 units |
5 mg vial at 500 mcg/day = 10 days
Pre-filled with a typical KPV setup. Edit any field — the draw updates live.
Insulin syringe — 100 units = 1 mL
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KPV has an excellent safety profile — it’s derived from a naturally occurring fragment and works at low doses.
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Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeNo. KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH and has never been FDA approved. It is the subject of preclinical anti-inflammatory and gut-inflammation research (multiple animal models, several stabilised analogs in development). The free tripeptide is sold only as a research chemical.
Oral: community-practice 250–500 MICROGRAMS (mcg) once daily on empty stomach, 4–8 week cycles. CRITICAL: this is micrograms, not milligrams — some online sources erroneously list "250 mg" which is a 1000-fold error. Subcutaneous: 200–500 mcg/day. Topical: 0.05–0.1% in cream/serum. No human RCT-validated dose exists for any route.
For subcutaneous use: a typical reconstitution is 5 mg of KPV + 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, yielding 2.5 mg/mL. A 250 mcg dose draws to 0.10 mL (10 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe), 500 mcg = 0.20 mL (20 units). For oral capsule use: community convention is to fill empty gelatin capsules with measured lyophilized powder — but be aware that published positive oral-KPV IBD data used colon-targeted nanoparticle formulations, NOT free-KPV capsules. Free-capsule oral bioavailability is uncharacterized in humans.
Animal models of IBD/colitis show clear anti-inflammatory effects from KPV (Dalmasso 2008 and follow-on studies). What is NOT established: that free oral KPV in a gelatin capsule produces the same intra-colonic exposure in humans that mouse drinking-water studies produced in rodents. Treat the IBD use case as biologically plausible based on preclinical mechanism, not as a validated human therapy.
There is preclinical evidence that KPV has anti-inflammatory effects on skin and may help with inflammatory skin conditions. However, a 2017 study (PMID 28343991) showed that passive transdermal permeation of free KPV is below the limit of detection without delivery enhancement (e.g., microneedles, nanoparticles, penetration enhancers). Most topical KPV creams sold to consumers are plausibly delivering very little to intact skin.
Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List as of 2025–2026. WADA reserves discretion to sweep peptides under broad class language (S0 — Non-Approved Substances). Competitive athletes should verify the current-year list before use.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The compounds discussed are not FDA approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or peptide protocol. StackTrax does not sell peptides or supplements directly — purchase links go to third-party vendors. StackTrax is not responsible for the products, quality, or business practices of any third-party vendor. This page contains affiliate links — StackTrax may earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
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StackTrax guides cover peptides and compounds that are not FDA-approved for the uses discussed. The dosing, reconstitution, and safety information is compiled from published research and community protocols for educational purposes only.
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