KPV

Not FDA-approved

Also known as: Lys-Pro-Val, Alpha-MSH (11–13)

KPV is a peptide of just three amino acids: lysine, proline and valine. It is the tail end of alpha-MSH, a natural hormone that also calms inflammation. Animal and cell studies suggest it reduces gut and skin inflammation, but it has never been tested in people.

How it works

It is the last three amino acids of alpha-MSH. Early mouse work showed this three-amino-acid piece keeps some of the hormone's anti-inflammatory activity.
In cell studies, it appears to block the docking step NF-κB needs to enter the cell nucleus (importin-α3). NF-κB is a switch that turns on inflammatory genes.
A gut transporter called PepT1 carries it into lining cells. Inflamed colon makes more PepT1, so more KPV may reach inflamed tissue.
In animal and cell studies, it lowered the release of inflammatory signaling proteins (cytokines).

Evidence

Gut inflammation (colitis)

Animal and lab studies onlyCEBM Level 5

In two mouse models of colitis, KPV added to drinking water reduced gut inflammation. No human trials have been done or registered.

Skin inflammation

Animal and lab studies onlyCEBM Level 5

In a mouse ear test, KPV reduced inflammatory swelling. It has not been tested on human skin.

Caveats

All of the evidence comes from animal (mostly mouse) and cell studies. No human study of any kind has been published.
No published animal safety (toxicology) studies were found.
The main gut study gave KPV to mice in their drinking water. How that applies to people is unknown.
There are no safety data in pregnancy.

References

Reviewed by Shubham Gupta, MD — Founder & President · October 31, 2026

This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Decisions about any treatment belong with a physician who knows your history.