KPV is a tripeptide (i.e. 3 amino acids long) that makes up the C-terminal end of a larger naturally occurring melanocortin peptide hormone in your body known as alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).

Top 5 Health Benefits of KPV

• Treats a wide array of inflammatory conditions
• Improves skin health 
• Strengthens the immune system 
• Protects against nerve damage
• Protects against stroke 

Proven Health Benefits of KPV

Many of the health benefits of KPV are scientifically-proven. Some of which include anti-inflammatory properties, better physiological functions, and a stronger immune system overall.

Wound Healing Effects of KPV

Wound healing is a complex biological process comprised of three general phases namely - inflammation, proliferation and remodeling of the skin, tissue, or cells. This process is characterized by different types of cells and concentrations of cytokines in the wounded area.

Though every wound and associated cells affected by the wound may differ, most of the cells possess a receptor called melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). This receptor is where the a-MSH hormone binds, indicating that hormone analogues such as KPV peptide can also bind to these receptors (10).

Advantages of KPV over a-MSH and other anti-inflammatory medications:

Typically, when a-MSH binds with these receptors and produces wound healing effects, it also usually causes darkening of the skin and scar formation upon healing. In case of the peptide, this pigmentation of the skin and subsequent darkening and scar development can be avoided. This fact is the main added advantage of the peptide over the endogenous hormone.

The other benefit to note is that, based on the research conducted (11), the peptide possesses antimicrobial properties, mainly against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. This suggests that the peptide compound is equally effective in obstructing skin infections which usually occur after serious wounds and burns. This is in contrast to most of the anti-inflammatory medications which in fact lower the body's mechanism to fight against such infections.

Side Effects

Clinical trials with KPV are yet to be conducted to fully demonstrate the potential of the peptide in the human body.

However, as with other peptides, some common side effects may include:

• Pain, redness, and itchiness at the site of peptide injection
• Overdose may lead to water retention and swelling
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• High blood pressure
• Pain in joints
• Weight gain

KPV versus a-MSH

Continuous research between the two compounds have shown that while the peptide is an analogue of the hormone, there are certain differences between the two, which should be taken into consideration depending on the intended use:

a-MSH, the intact molecule, is the more potent molecule amongst the two. However, it has a serious drawback - excessive skin pigmentation - which is not seen in the case of the peptide. Furthermore, the peptide is remarkably easy to manufacture, thus making it less costly than the other compound (13).

a-MSH exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by binding with melanocortin receptors, including MC3 and MC4 receptors. The peptide does not bind to these MC3/4 receptors, but only to specific melanocortin receptors (such as MC1R). Thus, the mechanism of action of the two also differs (14).

Lastly, the peptide is more versatile in terms of administration - it can be easily administered via injections (either centrally or peripherally) through subcutaneous and intraperitoneal route, and can also be given orally. Latest research (15) also shows that the peptide may be administered transdermally. This vast range of administrations suggest that the peptide will be more convenient for the patients to intake in the future.