Description
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and shares the anti-inflammatory action of the parent compound without the pigmentary effects. The substance was developed at the National Institutes of Health and shows strong anti-inflammatory action especially in the gastrointestinal tract in preclinical studies.
Per study reports KPV binds to melanocortin receptors MC1R and MC5R with anti-inflammatory signal cascade. Cellular effects include reduction of NF-kB activation, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1), and modulation of Th17/Treg balance.
In studies on colitis models (DSS colitis, TNBS colitis) KPV showed significant reduction of intestinal wall inflammation and improvement of histological markers. Oral application is particularly valuable here due to local action at target tissue.
Pharmacokinetically orally bioavailable with moderate systemic bioavailability, good action locally in the gastrointestinal tract. Half-life short, daily dosing common.
You can order KPV Oral as oral tablets in one bottle with 500mcg per tablet.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
KPV Oral is described as well tolerated per study reports. Since the action lies primarily locally in the gastrointestinal tract, the profile of observable effects remains largely local.
Observed in research and user reports:
- Gastrointestinal tract: since the compound is used orally with local action at the target tissue, mild gastrointestinal reactions are the most plausible observation.
- Mild profile: as a short tripeptide, KPV shares the anti-inflammatory action of alpha-MSH without its pigmentary effects and is described as low in side effects in preclinical studies.
- Immune modulation: KPV reduces NF-kB activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulates the Th17/Treg balance, an active intervention in inflammatory pathways.
- No long-term data: the data on colitis models is substantial, but it comes predominantly from preclinical models. Robust long-term human data do not exist.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- PepT1-Mediated Tripeptide KPV Uptake Reduces Intestinal Inflammation - Gastroenterology 2008, Dalmasso et al: central study on PepT1-mediated uptake and intestinal inflammation reduction.
- Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease - Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2008, Kannengiesser et al: preclinical IBD model study.
- Alpha-MSH peptides inhibit acute inflammation and contact sensitivity - Peptides 1990, Hiltz et al: classic study on anti-inflammatory action of the C-terminal tripeptide.
- Effect of alpha-MSH 11-13 (lysine-proline-valine) on fever in the rabbit - Peptides 1984, Richards et al: early in vivo characterization of KPV activity.
- Lysine-Proline-Valine peptide mitigates fine dust-induced keratinocyte apoptosis and inflammation by regulating oxidative stress and modulating the MAPK/NF-kB pathway - Tissue and Cell 2025, Sung et al: recent study on NF-kB modulation in keratinocytes.