Anti-Aging & Healing Peptides

BPC-157 vs TB-500 vs GHK-Cu

High-level comparison of research peptides commonly discussed for tissue repair, recovery, and healthy aging support.

BPC-157 TB-500 (Thymosin β4 fragment) GHK-Cu
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Educational / research overview only — not medical advice.
These compounds are typically sold as research peptides or cosmetic ingredients. Human clinical data are limited, and quality varies by source. Any clinical use should be supervised by a licensed clinician using regulated products where applicable.
More clinical / cosmetic data Some human / translational data Mostly preclinical / research
BPC-157 Body Protection Compound fragment
Tendon / Ligament (research) Muscle & Soft-Tissue Support Gut / GI Lining
Some translational data

Core Mechanism

  • Derived from a gastric protective protein (BPC).
  • Preclinical data suggest pro-angiogenic and cytoprotective effects.
  • May influence nitric oxide pathways, inflammatory signaling, and fibroblast activity.

Research Focus

  • GI tract protection (ulcers, gut barrier models).
  • Tendon, ligament, and muscle repair models.
  • Nerve regeneration and organ protection in animal studies.

Evidence Snapshot

  • Robust animal data; limited small human/observational reports.
  • Widely used in “research peptide” contexts despite lack of formal approvals.

Key Safety Notes

  • Long-term human safety not well defined.
  • Product identity and purity vary substantially between vendors.
  • Theoretical concerns about abnormal angiogenesis or wound healing if misused.
TB-500 Thymosin β4–derived fragment
Soft-Tissue Injury (animals) Angiogenesis / Blood Flow Cardiac & Wound Models
Mostly preclinical

Core Mechanism

  • Fragment of thymosin β4, a naturally occurring actin-binding peptide.
  • Modulates cell migration, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling in animal models.
  • Often grouped with “regenerative” or “healing” peptides.

Research Focus

  • Soft-tissue injuries (tendon, ligament, muscle) in animals.
  • Cardiac repair and wound healing models.
  • Ophthalmic and neurologic research in specific settings.

Evidence Snapshot

  • Significant animal and in vitro data; very limited formal human trials.
  • Commonly used in performance / recovery spaces as a research peptide.

Key Safety Notes

  • Unknown long-term systemic effects in humans.
  • Theoretical concern for promoting unwanted tissue growth in certain contexts.
  • Unregulated products may have variable potency and contaminants.
GHK-Cu Copper tripeptide complex
Skin Rejuvenation Hair / Scalp Serums Cosmetic Wound Appearance
More cosmetic / topical data

Core Mechanism

  • Tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) bound to copper.
  • In vitro and animal data show support of collagen synthesis and ECM remodeling.
  • Modulates gene expression linked to wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Common Uses

  • Widely used in topical formulations for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging.
  • Hair-growth and scalp-health serums in cosmetic settings.
  • Occasional experimental injectable or systemic use in research contexts.

Evidence Snapshot

  • Human data from cosmetic/dermatologic studies for skin and wound appearance.
  • Evidence strongest for topical / local effects vs systemic longevity claims.

Key Safety Notes

  • Topical use is generally well-tolerated; irritation possible with some vehicles.
  • Systemic high-dose or untested routes raise unknown risk regarding copper handling and oxidative stress.

Anti-Aging & Healing Peptides at a Glance

Peptide Primary Focus Mechanism Highlights Evidence Level Common Use Context Key Safety Notes
BPC-157 Gut protection, soft-tissue healing (research) Pro-angiogenic, cytoprotective, modulates NO and inflammatory pathways. Some translational data; mostly animal studies. Research peptide for GI support and musculoskeletal recovery; not approved as a drug. Long-term safety unknown; variable product quality.
TB-500 Tissue repair, recovery (preclinical) Thymosin β4 fragment; influences cell migration and tissue remodeling. Primarily preclinical/animal data. Research use in sports/performance and injury recovery contexts. Theoretical risk of abnormal tissue growth; unregulated manufacturing.
GHK-Cu Skin rejuvenation, wound & hair support Copper tripeptide; supports collagen, ECM remodeling, and anti-inflammatory activity. More human data in cosmetic/topical studies. Topical serums/creams for skin and hair; occasional experimental systemic use. Topical generally well-tolerated; systemic high-dose safety not established.
Glow Protocol (GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 blend) Synergistic skin, repair & recovery stack Combines GHK-Cu’s collagen/skin support with BPC-157’s gut/soft-tissue healing signals and TB-500’s tissue remodeling and recovery effects (theoretical, based on individual components). Stack concept based on component data; no formal clinical trials on the blend. Used in some clinics and research settings as an aesthetic / repair-oriented peptide stack; formulations, ratios, and dosing protocols vary widely. Carries all the unknowns and theoretical risks of each ingredient (angiogenesis, abnormal tissue growth, long-term safety, product quality); should be treated as experimental.