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 |
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
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
Use our free peptide calculator to figure out your reconstitution volume, draw amount, and syringe units.
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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 FreeDisclaimer: 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.
Before using any compound mentioned here, consult a qualified healthcare provider. StackTrax does not sell, prescribe, or recommend these substances for personal use.
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