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Lexicon

Immune system

VIP

Vasoactive intestinal peptide, an endogenous messenger with inflammation-regulating action, often used nasally.

1 min read 1 sources Calculator Updated May 2026
Class
Neuropeptide (immune-regulating)
Use
Nasal or subcutaneous (in mcg)
Half-life
very short
Status
Clinical study (sarcoidosis)

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Equipment

Equipment you need

For reconstitution and injection you need a bit of basic gear. Here are solid, cheap options:

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What is VIP?

VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) is an endogenous messenger found in many tissues that plays an inflammation-regulating, vessel-widening role. In the scene it is often used in the context of chronic inflammation and stress topics, usually nasally.

How it works

VIP dampens inflammatory messengers and regulates the immune system. It also acts on blood vessels, airways and hormone balance. Because of the very short half-life, each dose acts only briefly.

Use (nasal or subcutaneous)

VIP is frequently used nasally but also works subcutaneously.

  • Nasal: a few drops or a spray per nostril.
  • Subcutaneous: a small amount with the insulin syringe, use the calculator above.

Dosing

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What the research shows

A clinical study (Prasse, 2010) showed that inhaled VIP lowered inflammatory messengers in the lungs of sarcoidosis patients and was well tolerated. That supports the immune-regulating action but comes from a specific clinical context, not broad everyday use.

Side effects

  • Due to the vessel-widening action, drops in blood pressure, flush or dizziness are possible.
  • Irritation of the nasal mucosa (nasal), local reactions (subcutaneous).

Storage

Before mixing the powder is robust, normal room temperature (around 20 to 25 degrees) is fine, ideally kept in the dark. After mixing, keep in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), do not freeze. It stays good there for at least 8 to 10 weeks with barely any loss of potency, in practice considerably longer. Swirl or shake to mix, both are fine.

Evidence

Sources

  1. 1 Inhaled VIP exerts immunoregulatory effects in sarcoidosis (clinical study). Prasse et al., American J. of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2010

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In the shop

VIP in the catalog

Sizes, prices and availability for research use. Straight from the lexicon to the product page.

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