What Is KPV?
KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), studied as an anti-inflammatory agent that retains α-MSH’s anti-inflammatory activity without its pigmentation effects. It is promoted for gut inflammation (IBD/“leaky gut”) and inflammatory skin conditions. The evidence is essentially preclinical — cell and animal models — with no confirmatory human trials that I could find.
Evidence
In mouse models, KPV is taken up into intestinal cells via the PepT1 di/tripeptide transporter (which is upregulated in inflamed colon) and reduced DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis, dampening pro-inflammatory signalling 1Reference 1AnimalPepT1-Mediated Tripeptide KPV Uptake Reduces Intestinal Inflammation — mouse/in vivoView study →. This is the most-cited mechanistic finding. Its anti-inflammatory effects in gut and skin are otherwise supported by additional cell and animal work commonly cited in reviews, but I did not find a completed human clinical trial in this quick pass — claims of clinical benefit for IBD or skin inflammation should be read as preclinical only.
Dosage & Safety
There is no established or studied human dose; dosing in the literature is from animal studies and is not translatable into a personal recommendation here. KPV is a research peptide — not an approved dietary supplement or drug — and its human safety, interactions, pregnancy safety and long-term effects are not established / not assessed in this pass. This is informational only.
References
- Dalmasso G et al. (2008). PepT1-Mediated Tripeptide KPV Uptake Reduces Intestinal Inflammation — mouse/in vivo. Gastroenterology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18061177/