Follistatin vs BPC-157
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →BPC-157
Body Protection Compound-157 is a synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in human gastric juice. It has shown remarkable healing properties in research studies.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | BPC-157 |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. | BPC-157 works through multiple pathways including upregulation of growth factor expression, nitric oxide system modulation, and promotion of angiogenesis. It enhances tendon-to-bone healing and supports the formation of new blood vessels. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Typical research dosages range from 250-500mcg administered 1-2 times daily. Both subcutaneous and oral administration have been studied. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Can be administered subcutaneously near the injury site or systemically. Stable in gastric juice, making oral administration viable. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Generally well-tolerated in research. Some reports of mild nausea or dizziness at higher doses. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Follistatin and BPC-157 are commonly used for: