KPV
Anti-Inflammatory, Gut Health
In short
- A tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone.
- Retains anti-inflammatory activity without the pigmentation effects of the parent hormone, because it does not activate melanocortin receptors the same way.
- Preclinical work focuses on inflammatory bowel disease and skin inflammation.
- No human clinical trial has been published.
- Frequently used orally for gut applications and topically for skin, rather than injected.
Structure
How it works
KPV is the last three amino acids of alpha-MSH. The anti-inflammatory activity of alpha-MSH is substantially retained in this fragment, while the melanocortin receptor activity responsible for pigmentation is largely lost.
The mechanism described in preclinical work is intracellular rather than receptor-mediated at the surface: KPV appears to enter cells and inhibit NF-kB activation, reducing transcription of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha and IL-6. Transport into intestinal epithelial cells via PepT1 has been described, which is the basis for oral use in gut inflammation.
What the research shows
Rodent colitis models report reduced inflammation, improved histology, and reduced weight loss.
Cell culture work supports the NF-kB mechanism in intestinal epithelial and immune cells.
No human trial has been published for any indication. Reports of benefit in gut or skin conditions are anecdotal.
Dosing in the literature
Figures below are quoted from published studies, with the species or population they were measured in. They are records of what was studied, not recommendations.
| Studied in | Amount | Route | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse — DSS-induced colitis models | Low microgram-per-kilogram ranges, oral or intraperitoneal | — | PubMed |
Commonly reported ranges
These are amounts people report using. They are not from any study, have not been evaluated for safety, and are reproduced here only because they circulate widely and are better seen alongside the evidence than instead of it.
| Reported by | Amount | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Commonly reported for gut applications | 250–500 µg daily | oral |
| Commonly reported for systemic or skin applications | 200–400 µg daily | subcutaneous or topical |
No published human pharmacokinetic study establishes a dose, interval, or duration for this compound. Community figures below have no trial behind them and are reports of practice, not evidence. The oral route has more mechanistic support than injection for gut applications, given the described PepT1 transport into intestinal epithelium.
Handling and storage
Supplied as a lyophilised powder requiring reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. The powder is comparatively stable; once reconstituted it is refrigerated and used within weeks. Track the date you reconstitute each vial — the Inventory section does this, and it is the difference between knowing a vial is three weeks old and guessing.
Oral capsules are the common form for gut applications; topical preparations exist for skin. Subcutaneous injection is also reported but has the least mechanistic rationale of the three for localised inflammation.
Side effects
No human safety data exists. Preclinical work has not reported significant toxicity.
Because it largely lacks melanocortin receptor activity, it does not produce the pigmentation, nausea, or flushing associated with alpha-MSH analogues like Melanotan II.
Community reports are minimal and mostly concern injection-site irritation.
Combinations
Commonly combined with BPC-157 for gut applications, on the reasoning that one addresses inflammation and the other repair. No study has evaluated the combination.
No interaction data exists.
Research status
The alpha-MSH anti-inflammatory literature is well established. KPV specifically has a reasonable preclinical file concentrated in gastrointestinal inflammation, including work from groups studying PepT1-mediated delivery.
No clinical trial has been registered or completed.
Legal status
Not approved for any indication in any jurisdiction. Sold for research use only, and also appears in some cosmetic preparations.
WADA status
Not specifically named on the Prohibited List. Falls under WADA class S0, which prohibits any pharmacological substance not currently approved by any governmental regulatory health authority for human therapeutic use. Treat it as prohibited in sport.
Conclusion
KPV is one of the more mechanistically coherent research peptides here — a defined fragment, a described intracellular mechanism, and preclinical results consistent with it.
It has never been given to a human under study. The gut-focused preclinical work is the most relevant part of its file, and the oral route is the one that work actually used.
Sources
Track your own KPV protocol
Peppers logs your doses, models your levels from this half-life, tracks your vials and tells you when you will run out. Free on iPhone.
Reference and educational information only. Not medical advice. Nothing here diagnoses, treats, or prescribes, and nothing here is a recommendation to use any compound. The compounds described are research chemicals and are not approved for human consumption. Legal and anti-doping status change — the review date above is when these claims were last checked. Talk to a qualified clinician about anything you intend to take.