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KPV

An anti-inflammatory peptide for gut health and skin conditions. KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties without the pigmentation effects of its parent molecule. Research focuses on inflammatory bowel disease, skin conditions, wound healing, and gut health. It reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulates immune responses.

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🧬Key Characteristics
  • Type: Tripeptide
    (3 amino acids (K-P-V))
  • Derived From: α-MSH
    (C-terminal fragment)
  • Target: NF-κB pathway
    (Anti-inflammatory)
  • Routes: Oral / Injectable
    (Gut or systemic)
Mechanism
KPV → NF-κB inhibition → ↓ IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α → Reduced inflammation
KPV provides anti-inflammatory benefits of α-MSH without tanning effects. Research focuses on IBD, skin conditions, wound healing, and gut health.
Key takeaway: KPV offers targeted anti-inflammatory action for gut and skin conditions, making it popular for IBD, digestive issues, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Overview

Core Benefits

Key Advantages
Potent anti-inflammatory
Inhibits NF-κB to reduce IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and other inflammatory cytokines.
Gut health focus
Research shows benefits for IBD, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, and leaky gut.
Skin conditions
Studied for psoriasis, eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin issues.
No tanning effect
Unlike parent α-MSH, KPV doesn't cause skin pigmentation changes.
Antimicrobial properties
Direct activity against bacteria and other pathogens.
Oral or injectable
Available as capsules (gut-targeted) or injection (systemic).

These are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.

KPV Results Timeline

Progression
1
Week 1–2
Physical Changes
Reduced gut bloating, improved digestion
Performance & Recovery
Anti-inflammatory effects begin
Other Benefits
May notice reduced gut discomfort (if applicable)
2
Week 3–6
Physical Changes
Skin improvements, reduced redness/irritation
Performance & Recovery
Cumulative anti-inflammatory benefits
Other Benefits
Improved digestive comfort, reduced bloating
3
Month 2–3
Physical Changes
Clearer skin, healthier gut lining
Performance & Recovery
Sustained inflammatory marker reduction
Other Benefits
Often used alongside other gut health protocols
4
Usage Note
Physical Changes
Visible improvements in inflammatory conditions
Performance & Recovery
Best for IBD, skin conditions, gut health
Other Benefits
Oral form targets gut; injectable for systemic effects

Timeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.

How It Works

Anti-Inflammatory Peptide — Alpha-MSH Fragment

Target → NF-κB Inhibition → Anti-Inflammation → Outcomes

🎯
Target

MC1R (Immune Cells) + NF-kB Pathway

KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from the C-terminal of alpha-MSH. It activates MC1R on immune cells and directly inhibits the NF-kB inflammatory pathway. Unlike full alpha-MSH or Melanotan peptides, KPV does NOT cause skin pigmentation.

Cellular Signal

NF-kB Inhibition → Reduced Inflammatory Cytokines

KPV enters cells and directly inhibits NF-kB nuclear translocation — blocking the master switch of inflammation. This reduces production of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, and other inflammatory cytokines. Also modulates T-cell and macrophage activity.

🔄
Systemic Effect

Broad Anti-Inflammation + Gut Healing

Potent anti-inflammatory effects across multiple tissue types. Research particularly focuses on gut inflammation (IBD, colitis), skin inflammation, and wound healing. The oral form may provide direct gut-local effects for GI conditions.

What You Notice

Reduced Inflammation → Gut Comfort → Skin Improvement

Reduced inflammatory symptoms over days to weeks. Gut comfort improvements for those with GI inflammation. Skin inflammation improvements for relevant conditions. No tanning or pigmentation effects despite being derived from alpha-MSH.

What Makes This Peptide Different

KPV is unique as a pure anti-inflammatory without pigmentation effects. Despite being derived from alpha-MSH (the tanning hormone), this 3-amino-acid fragment retains only the anti-inflammatory properties. The oral route is particularly interesting for gut-targeted inflammation — the peptide survives digestion and acts locally on intestinal tissue.

Dosing Protocol

Immunity / Anti-Inflammatory

Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Vial Size
10 mg
Reconstitution
2 ml BAC water
Dose
500 mcg (10 units on 1ml syringe)
Timing
AM
Frequency
5 days on, 2 days off
Duration
8 weeks on, 8 weeks off
Protocol Notes
Tripeptide from alpha-MSH with anti-inflammatory properties. Also available as oral capsules for gut-specific effects. Research focuses on IBD, skin inflammation, and wound healing. No pigmentation effects unlike parent molecule.

Why This Dosing Protocol

Why oral option for gut? For GI inflammation (IBD, colitis), oral KPV delivers the peptide directly to intestinal tissue. The lower systemic bioavailability is actually an advantage — high local concentration where needed.

Why AM/PM split? Maintaining consistent anti-inflammatory levels throughout the day, particularly for chronic inflammatory conditions.

KPV Pricing

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Reconstitution calculator

Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.

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Educational Videos

How to Reconstitute Peptides

Handling

Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.

Powder Storage (Very Stable)
  • Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year ✓
  • Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months ✓
  • Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
Reconstituted Storage (Fragile)
  • MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
  • 4-week maximum shelf life
  • NEVER freeze after reconstitution
  • Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose

Storage & Handling Guide

Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.

Powder: Freezer
1+ year at -20°C
Reconstituted: Fridge
4 weeks max at 2-8°C
View Complete Storage Guide

FAQ

What is KPV?

KPV is a tripeptide (Lysine-Proline-Valine) derived from the C-terminus of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It retains the potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of α-MSH but without causing skin pigmentation changes. It's primarily researched for inflammatory conditions, gut health, and wound healing.

How does KPV reduce inflammation?

KPV inhibits NF-κB activation, a master regulator of inflammation. This reduces production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. It also decreases nitric oxide production and modulates immune cell activity. These mechanisms make it effective against various inflammatory conditions without immunosuppression.

What is KPV used for?

Research focuses on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, acne), wound healing, and general gut health. It's also studied for its antimicrobial properties against various pathogens. Many users report benefits for digestive issues and skin inflammation.

Can KPV be taken orally?

Yes, KPV is available as both injectable and oral formulations. Oral capsules may have lower systemic bioavailability but can provide direct effects on the gut lining, making them popular for IBD and digestive issues. Injectable KPV provides higher systemic levels for conditions affecting skin or other tissues.

Does KPV cause skin tanning like Melanotan?

No. Unlike its parent molecule α-MSH (and related peptides like Melanotan), KPV does not activate melanocortin-1 receptors responsible for pigmentation. The tripeptide fragment specifically retains anti-inflammatory activity while losing the tanning effect. This makes it suitable for those who want immune/anti-inflammatory benefits without skin color changes.

What are the side effects of KPV?

KPV is generally well-tolerated with minimal reported side effects. Possible effects include mild injection site reactions (if injectable), temporary digestive changes when starting oral KPV, and rarely mild headache. It has a good safety profile in research, though long-term human studies are limited.

How long does reconstituted peptide last?

Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.

Is this peptide legal to purchase?

Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

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Scientific Sources

The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:

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