KPV
Lys-Pro-Val (α-MSH C-terminal tripeptide)
The smallest active fragment of alpha-MSH, studied as an anti-inflammatory without the pigmentation effects of the parent hormone.
Last reviewed · 1 references
How it works
KPV is the three-amino-acid C-terminal tail of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which retains anti-inflammatory activity while dropping the melanocortin receptor binding responsible for pigmentation. It inhibits NF-κB signalling and downstream pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and it appears to be taken up directly by intestinal epithelial cells.
Animal studies only. Findings come from rodent or in-vitro models. Animal results frequently fail to replicate in people.
What the research reports
- Reduced colonic inflammation in mouse models of colitis
- NF-κB pathway inhibition
- Antimicrobial activity in vitro
- Wound healing effects in animal models
What it has not been shown to do
- No human trials
- No mood or cognition data
Dosing reference
Community protocols commonly cite 200–500 mcg/day. Not trial-derived.
Calculate my dose for KPV- Routes studied
- Oral, Subcutaneous, Topical
- Half-life
- Short; oral use targets local gut action rather than systemic exposure
- Cycle length in the literature
- Community protocols run 4–8 weeks
Working out a draw volume from a vial? Use the free reconstitution calculator.
Side effects and contraindications
Reported side effects
- Sparse data; generally reported as well tolerated
Do not use if
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Autoimmune disease without oversight
The practice that shares the mechanism
Gut inflammation and mood are linked through the vagus nerve and through circulating cytokines. Fibre intake, fermented foods and stress regulation all act on the same axis with far more human evidence behind them.
What amplifies it
- Dietary fibre and fermented foods for the gut barrier
- Omega-3 intake
- Stress regulation — cortisol directly affects intestinal permeability
Mechanism hubs
Common questions
- Alpha-MSH causes pigmentation and other melanocortin effects. KPV keeps the anti-inflammatory portion and drops the rest, which makes it a cleaner tool for studying inflammation specifically.
Sources & evidence notes
Findings come from rodent or in-vitro models. Animal results frequently fail to replicate in people.
Confidence score 20/100
Preliminary
Mechanism only. Nothing here establishes that a person would feel anything.
- 1.
Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2008 · Source (opens in a new tab)
Human trialModerate gradeHuman data, but open-label, uncontrolled, or from a single group.