KPV
Also known as Lys-Pro-Val, Alpha-MSH (11-13), Alpha-MSH C-terminal tripeptide
KPV is a three amino acid fragment of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone that carries the anti-inflammatory effect of the hormone without its pigmentation effect. It is used for inflammatory bowel symptoms, skin inflammation and general inflammation control.
Overview
KPV is the last three amino acids (lysine, proline, valine) of alpha-MSH, a hormone best known for triggering melanin production. Researchers noticed in the 1980s and 1990s that this small C-terminal fragment reproduced the anti-inflammatory activity of the full hormone while having essentially no effect on skin pigmentation. That separation made it attractive as a tool for studying inflammation and later as a candidate treatment for inflammatory conditions.
The strongest evidence is in mouse models of colitis. Oral KPV, and especially KPV packaged in nanoparticles to survive the gut, reduced inflammation, weight loss and tissue damage in chemically induced and genetically driven colitis models. It also reduced inflammation in mouse models of skin conditions, uveitis, arthritis and lung injury. In cell studies it blunts NF-kB activation, the master switch for inflammatory gene expression.
There are no published human trials of KPV as a standalone treatment. Its use for gut and skin complaints is based on the animal data plus the fact that alpha-MSH itself has been studied in humans. People report benefit for irritable bowel symptoms, eczema and post-infection inflammation, but these are anecdotes. Oral, nasal, topical and injectable forms all circulate, and there is no data on which route is best in humans.
How it works
KPV enters cells and interferes with NF-kB signaling, preventing the transcription factor from moving into the nucleus and switching on inflammatory genes. This reduces production of cytokines like TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta. Unlike the parent hormone, it does not seem to depend on the classic melanocortin receptors, and it is transported into intestinal epithelial cells by the PepT1 transporter, which is upregulated during inflammation. That transporter route explains why oral KPV can act directly on the inflamed gut lining. It also has direct antimicrobial activity against some bacteria and fungi, which may add to its effect on gut and skin.
What the research shows
- rodentOral KPV reduced colitis severity, weight loss and inflammatory cytokines in mouse models of IBD.
- rodentKPV loaded nanoparticles delivered to the colon lowered inflammation at a fraction of the free peptide dose.
- in vitroBlocked NF-kB nuclear translocation and cytokine release in cultured intestinal and immune cells.
- rodentReduced skin inflammation and ear swelling in mouse models of contact dermatitis.
- in vitroShowed direct antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
Evidence labels: rodent and in vitro mean no human data for that finding. Human pilot means small, often uncontrolled. Human RCT means randomized and controlled. Clinical means an approved drug with regulatory data.
Dose calculator
U-100 insulin syringeUnits are a volume on the syringe, not an amount of peptide. Concentration changes every time you change the water volume. The standalone calculator explains the math.
Dosing and protocol
Injectable and nasal protocols commonly report 250 to 500 mcg once or twice daily. Oral capsules are often 500 mcg to 1 mg. Topical creams are used for local skin inflammation.
4-8 weeks, then reassess. Some use it only during flares.
Oral dosing is often taken away from food for gut complaints. Injectable timing is flexible.
| Vial | Suggested water | Concentration | Low dose draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 10 units |
| 10 mg | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 5 units |
Lyophilized: fridge or freezer, away from light. Reconstituted: fridge 2-8C, use within 4 weeks. Oral capsules at room temperature.
Cautions
- ▲No human clinical trials. All efficacy claims are from mice and cell culture.
- ▲Oral products vary widely in whether the peptide survives digestion; published mouse work used protective formulations.
- ▲Mild side effects reported anecdotally include nausea and headache, usually with injectable use.
- ▲Suppressing inflammation broadly could in theory blunt a needed immune response during an active infection.
- ▲Do not confuse it with melanotan; KPV does not cause tanning.
Commonly stacked with
Frequently asked
Does KPV work orally?
In mice, yes, particularly when protected in nanoparticles so it reaches the colon intact. Plain oral capsules sold on the research market may lose some peptide to digestion. For gut complaints many people still start oral because the target tissue is the gut lining itself.
Will KPV make me tan like melanotan?
No. KPV is the fragment of alpha-MSH that does not bind the melanocortin 1 receptor responsible for pigmentation. It was studied specifically because it keeps the anti-inflammatory action without the tanning effect.
Is KPV useful for eczema or psoriasis?
Mouse skin inflammation models responded well, and topical alpha-MSH derived peptides have been studied for skin conditions. Human data on KPV specifically is lacking. People use topical creams at low concentration on affected areas and report mixed results.
Can I take KPV long term?
There is no long term safety data in humans. Most community protocols run it for four to eight weeks and then pause. For chronic conditions some people cycle it around flares rather than taking it continuously.
References
- Oral delivery of KPV nanoparticles alleviates ulcerative colitis in mice. Molecular Therapy, 2015
- Anti-inflammatory peptide KPV is transported by PepT1 into intestinal epithelial cells. Gastroenterology, 2008
- Alpha-MSH and its C-terminal tripeptide KPV: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity (review). Peptides, 2006
- Antimicrobial activity of alpha-MSH and its tripeptide fragment KPV against S. aureus and C. albicans. Peptides, 2000