KPV (α-MSH (11-13) (free acid)

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.

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.