Peptide Comparison
Apelin-13vsBPC-157
A natural heart hormone that helps your cardiovascular system work better and supports healthy blood flow throughout your body.
The "Wolverine peptide" known for its remarkable healing properties across tendons, ligaments, muscles, and the gut.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Apelin-13
As prescribed–As prescribed mg
BPC-157
250–500 mcg
Frequency
Apelin-13
Once daily
BPC-157
Once daily
Administration
Apelin-13
Intravenous (IV)
BPC-157
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Apelin-13
Ongoing/indefinite
BPC-157
4-6 weeks
Onset Speed
Apelin-13
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
BPC-157
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Apelin-13
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
BPC-157
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Cardiovascular Support
Heart Function & Strength
Blood Flow & Circulation
Primary Benefit
Secondary Benefit
Additional Benefit
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Apelin-13
Molecular Formula
C69H111N23O16S
Molecular Weight
1550.8 Da
Half-Life
Minutes in plasma; varies by route of administration
Bioavailability
~90-95% (subcutaneous injection)
CAS Number
Not yet assigned (research compound)
BPC-157
Molecular Formula
C62H98N16O22
Molecular Weight
1419.53 g/mol
Half-Life
4-6 hours
Bioavailability
~100% (subcutaneous)
CAS Number
137525-51-0
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Apelin-13
BPC-157
Applications
Best
suited for
Apelin-13
Research into cardiovascular health and heart function
Apelin-13 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on research into cardiovascular health and heart function. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Understanding how the body naturally protects the heart
Apelin-13 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on understanding how the body naturally protects the heart. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Exploring potential treatments for heart failure
Apelin-13 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on exploring potential treatments for heart failure. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Studying mechanisms of heart muscle strength
Apelin-13 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on studying mechanisms of heart muscle strength. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
BPC-157
Tendon and ligament injuries
Sprains, strains, tears, tendinitis - BPC-157 accelerates collagen synthesis and tissue repair
Gut healing
IBS, leaky gut, ulcers, inflammatory bowel conditions - derived from gastric juice, it has a natural affinity for digestive tissue
Muscle injuries
Strains, post-workout recovery, chronic muscle issues - promotes angiogenesis and growth factor expression
Joint problems
Arthritis support, joint pain, cartilage issues - anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties
Post-surgical recovery
Accelerating healing after procedures - works systemically to enhance the body's repair mechanisms
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Apelin-13
Common
- Mild changes in blood pressure
- Minimal systemic effects in animal studies
- Headache (theoretical, based on blood pressure effects)
- Flushing or warmth at injection site
- Mild inflammation at injection site
- Dizziness if blood pressure drops too quickly
- Allergic reactions to the peptide
- Heart rhythm changes (requires monitoring)
- Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac function
Serious
- Severe allergic reaction
BPC-157
Common
- Injection site redness
- Mild nausea
- Dizziness
Uncommon
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Hot/cold sensations
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Apelin-13
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Apelin-13 is a research compound with no human clinical trials or FDA approval. All safety data comes from animal studies and in vitro mechanistic work showing beneficial effects on vascular function and cardiac remodeling. However, animal models do not predict human safety, and the peptide's effects on immune regulation in humans remain untested. No dose-ranging studies, pharmacokinetics, or organ accumulation data exist in humans. The APJ receptor is expressed in multiple tissues including brain, raising concerns about off-target neurological effects at high doses.
Contraindications
- xCurrently under investigation - not for human clinical use
- xMay interact with blood pressure medications (in theory)
- xShould not be used if allergic to peptides or component amino acids
- xPregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid
BPC-157
Evidence Level
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
BPC-157 is a gastric pentadecapeptide with strong preclinical evidence from extensive animal studies spanning over 25 years of research. Critical limitation: BPC-157 has NOT completed Phase 3 human clinical trials. No FDA approval exists. Safety data comes primarily from rat and mouse studies, with only limited Phase 1-2 human data. Animal studies show no toxicity at therapeutic doses, but human data is insufficient for regulatory approval. The peptide is unregulated, and no standardized manufacturing or quality control requirements exist for research compounds. Individual responses may vary significantly, and serious medical supervision is essential before use, particularly if you have gastrointestinal conditions, take medications, or have pre-existing medical conditions.
Contraindications
- xPregnancy
- xBreastfeeding
- xActive cancer
- xHistory of cancer
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Apelin-13 if...
- Research into cardiovascular health and heart function
- Understanding how the body naturally protects the heart
- Exploring potential treatments for heart failure
- Studying mechanisms of heart muscle strength
Choose BPC-157 if...
- Injury recovery
- Post-surgery healing
- Chronic pain management
- Gut health