KPV
A tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-MSH, valued for its anti-inflammatory action without the pigmentary or melanocortin-agonist effects of the full hormone. Explored for gut and skin inflammation; human clinical data are minimal.
01 Overview
KPV is the last three residues of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and retains much of alpha-MSH's anti-inflammatory activity while lacking melanocortin-receptor pigmentation effects. Preclinically it downregulates NF-kB signalling and pro-inflammatory cytokines in gut epithelial and immune cells.
It is promoted on the peptide grey market for inflammatory bowel conditions, wound healing and skin inflammation, often orally or topically. Published human trials are essentially absent, so the anti-inflammatory claims rest on cell and animal work.
02 Mechanism
C-terminal alpha-MSH fragment that suppresses NF-kB activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, apparently via melanocortin-independent intracellular pathways.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anecdotal | 200–500 mcg/day | Oral | Grey-market oral/topical dosing reported by users; no validated clinical dose. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory actionDownregulates pro-inflammatory signalling in gut and skin models without pigmentation effects. | Reduced cytokines (models) | Preclinical | |
| Wound and gut mucosal supportAnecdotally used for IBD-type symptoms and skin inflammation; not confirmed in trials. | Reported symptom relief | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown long-term effectsNo human safety characterisation despite an apparently benign short-term profile. | Mild | Unknown | Unconfirmed | |
| Product impurity reactionsReactions attributable to unregulated grey-market peptide rather than KPV itself. | Mild | Unknown | Unconfirmed |