VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide that functions as a systemic fire extinguisher for chronic inflammation. Researchers originally isolated it from the intestines in 1970, but we now know it acts as a primary neurotransmitter and immune modulator throughout the entire body. In functional medicine and biohacking circles, it gained massive traction as the critical final step in the Shoemaker Protocol for mold toxicity, where it literally forces a dysregulated immune system to reboot.
Buy VIP at Peptide PalacePurity
99%+
Molecular Weight
3325.8 g/mol
Administration
Intranasal spray
Storage
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C
Mechanism of Action
VIP binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, which are G-protein coupled receptors found on almost every immune cell you have. When it binds, it spikes intracellular cAMP levels, flipping a metabolic switch that actively suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6 while boosting anti-inflammatory IL-10. It also acts as a potent systemic vasodilator. In practical terms, VIP signals overactive macrophages to stand down and stops the immune system from destroying healthy tissue.
Sequence:
His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile-Leu-Asn-NH2 Chemical Structure
Research Areas
- Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension
- Rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases
- Neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative conditions
- Gastrointestinal motility disorders
Potential Benefits
- Suppresses runaway systemic inflammation
- Normalizes pulmonary artery pressure
- Restores disrupted circadian rhythms
- Reduces joint pain from autoimmune responses
- Improves exercise tolerance in toxicity states
Research Dosing Guidelines
For research purposes only. Not for human consumption.
Typical Dose
50 mcg
Frequency
1 to 4 times daily
Duration
3-6 months
Administration
Intranasal spray
Stick heavily to intranasal administration for research. Subcutaneous VIP hits the bloodstream so rapidly it causes a massive drop in blood pressure and intense tachycardia. The community exclusively follows the nasal spray route, spreading 50mcg doses throughout the day to sustain stable blood levels without the cardiovascular shock.
Reconstitution Calculator
U-100 Insulin Syringe
2.0 units
2500 mcg/ml
0.020 ml
2.0 IU
100
For research and educational purposes only. Always follow proper reconstitution and sterile handling protocols.
VIP in the Shoemaker Protocol: CIRS Treatment Context
VIP gained widespread recognition in functional medicine as the final step in the Shoemaker Protocol for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), typically caused by mold exposure.
Shoemaker Protocol Context
| Protocol Step | Purpose | Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Remove from exposure | Environmental remediation |
| Step 2 | Bind biotoxins | Cholestyramine / Welchol |
| Step 3-10 | Correct biomarkers | Various targeted interventions |
| Step 11 | Correct MMP-9 and VEGF | Omega-3s, statins |
| Final step | Reset immune regulation | VIP nasal spray (50 mcg 4x daily) |
VIP is administered only after all preceding biomarkers are normalized because it acts as a master immune reset. Using VIP while active mold exposure continues or while biotoxin levels remain elevated is considered counterproductive in the Shoemaker framework.
Potential Side Effects
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat if injected)
- Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Facial flushing
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal upset
Storage Requirements
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C. Reconstituted nasal spray must be refrigerated at 2-8°C and used within 30 days.
Research References
- [1]Vasoactive intestinal peptide: neuromodulator and immune effector (2004)Preclinical Population: Review of VIP biology in immune and neural tissues
VIP selectively downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines while upregulating anti-inflammatory mediators, acting as a potent macrophage deactivator.
Limitations: Broad mechanistic review; clinical dosing guidelines not established
- [2]Safety and efficacy of inhaled vasoactive intestinal peptide in severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (2003)Strong Evidence Population: Patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (n=20)
Inhaled VIP decreased mean pulmonary artery pressure and significantly improved exercise capacity in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension.
Limitations: Small sample size; short-term single-center study
- [3]Vasoactive intestinal peptide as a new therapeutic agent in autoimmune diseases (2007)Preclinical Population: Animal models of rheumatoid arthritis and experimental colitis
VIP effectively restores immune tolerance and reduces joint destruction in models of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.
Limitations: Animal autoimmune models; human autoimmune disease complexity not captured
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VIP?
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide that acts as a major regulator of the immune system and a potent vasodilator. Originally discovered in the gut, researchers now recognize it controls systemic inflammation and circadian rhythms across the entire body.
What are the potential research benefits of VIP?
Research demonstrates VIP can suppress chronic inflammation, normalize blood pressure in the lungs, and correct severe immune dysfunction. Subjects use it heavily in clinical research to treat mold toxicity, CIRS, and autoimmune conditions by entirely resetting a hyperactive immune response.
How is VIP typically dosed in research?
Most research protocols utilize 50mcg doses administered via intranasal spray up to four times daily. This nasal route provides steady absorption and explicitly avoids the severe blood pressure drops associated with subcutaneous injections.
What are the side effects of VIP?
If injected systemically, VIP causes rapid heart rate, severe blood pressure drops, and intense facial flushing. You can drastically reduce these cardiovascular side effects by administering it via intranasal spray at standard research doses.
How should VIP be stored?
Store lyophilized VIP powder in the freezer at -20°C for long-term stability. Once reconstituted into a nasal spray or liquid form, keep it in the refrigerator at 2-8°C and use within 30 days.
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Buy at Peptide PalaceRelated Topics
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Neuropeptides vs. Peptide Hormones
Neuropeptides and peptide hormones share biosynthetic origins but differ in their release sites, targets, and modes of action—neural vs. endocrine signaling.
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