Authors:

A/Prof Keran Sundaraj MBBS, MSc (Trauma), FRACS, FAOrthA

What Are Peptides?

In simple terms: Peptides are short chains of amino acids – small proteins that act as signals in your body to turn healing, growth, and other processes on or off.

Your body naturally produces peptides (like insulin). Scientists have created synthetic peptides to try and help repair tissue, reduce inflammation, or stimulate healing.

Why Are People Talking About Peptides for Injuries?

Certain peptides are being promoted online and in some clinics to help with:

• Tendon, ligament, or muscle injuries

• Joint pain or cartilage damage

• Faster post-surgery recovery

They’re said to help by:

• Boosting collagen production

• Improving blood flow to injured areas

• Reducing inflammation and pain

• Encouraging tissue repair

But—most of this is based on animal research, not solid human studies.

Popular Peptides (and What We Actually Know)

1. BPC-157

• Synthetic peptide originally found in stomach juice.

• Animal studies show faster tendon and bone healing.

• No high-quality human trials.

• Often sold online as a “research chemical.”

• Not approved by the FDA.

• Long-term safety unknown.

Bottom line: No proof it works in people. Use is experimental and potentially risky.

2. TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment)

• Found naturally in cells; thought to promote tissue repair.

• Promising in lab/animal studies for reducing scar tissue and speeding healing.

• No human trials for injuries.

• Also banned by sports authorities (WADA).

Bottom line: Not tested in people. Should not be used as treatment.

3. Collagen Peptides (oral supplements)

• Broken-down collagen (usually from animals).

• Supplies building blocks for joints, tendons, and cartilage.

• Several human trials suggest very small benefits:

• Reduced joint pain

• Possibly improved tendon healing when combined with exercise

• Widely available and generally safe.

Bottom line: May help recovery slightly, as a supplement — not a cure.

What Does the Research Actually Say?

• BPC-157 and TB-500:

• Almost all evidence comes from animals.

• No randomized clinical trials in humans for musculoskeletal injury.

• Claims often based on anecdote or athlete blogs.

• Some registered human trials were abandoned or never published.

• Collagen peptides:

• Small series of RCTs showing small benefits for pain and function.

• Often combined with rehab exercises in studies so hard to that collagen plays a big part.

Low risk, but benefits still small if any

Are Peptides Safe?

Serious concerns with BPC-157 and TB-500:

• Unknown long-term risks

• Potential for:

• Uncontrolled tissue growth

• Immune reactions

• Contaminated or impure products from unregulated suppliers

• Not approved for medical use

• No dosing guidelines

• Can be illegal or banned in sport

Using these peptides is experimental and not supported by medical bodies.

Collagen peptides:

• Considered safe, as they’re food-based.

• May cause minor digestive upset.

• Not a substitute for rehab or medical care.

Final Thoughts

Peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 may sound promising, but right now, the science is not there. The risk of harm, uncertainty, and lack of regulation make them inappropriate for routine use.

If you're recovering from an injury, stick to proven treatments and talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapies you're considering.