Dr. Andrew Huberman, a renowned neuroscientist and host of the Huberman Lab podcast, has candidly shared his experiences with various supplements, peptides, and experimental therapies. In particular, Huberman’s use of the peptide BPC-157 has attracted considerable attention due to its purported benefits and the controversies surrounding it.
Huberman’s Experimental Yet Cautious Approach
Andrew Huberman’s curiosity-driven approach to health and recovery blends a commitment to traditional wellness principles—proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise—with a cautious exploration of experimental supplements and therapies.
One such venture involves sublingual NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide), a precursor to NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide). Huberman is clear: he doesn’t take NMN to extend his lifespan, but rather for its more immediate benefits. He noted noticeable improvements in hair and nail growth, as well as a significant boost in morning energy levels.
“I do take sublingual NMN, but it’s very important to note that I don’t take it to extend my lifespan. I take sublingual NMN, and by the way, I have no affiliation with any supplement company that sells NMN. I take it because, in my experience—again, this is not a randomized controlled trial, and it wouldn’t meet Lane’s criteria—uh, it causes my hair to grow very, very fast, which is odd, but other people I know who’ve taken it report the same effect. It also makes my nails very thick and gives me a lot of morning energy.” – Huberman told Chris Williamson in podcast appearance.
The BPC-157 Phenomenon: Benefits and Risks
A substantial portion of Huberman’s self-experimentation has revolved around BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157). This peptide has made waves in the health community for its potential anti-inflammatory and healing properties, particularly regarding injuries involving ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues. Huberman’s own experiences align with the buzz—he admits that using BPC-157 subcutaneously accelerated healing for him.
“I will say this for the record: I’ve been experimenting with BPC 157, for which there is basically zero human data—tons of animal data. And anyone that’s taking BPC 157, by the way, you don’t want to take it continuously. If you’re going to take it, get it from a compounding pharmacy and have it prescribed by a doctor, because there are a lot of contaminated versions out there. I would never take an oral version; it can cause—and it does cause—angiogenesis, the growth of blood vessels. So if you have a tumor, you could cause angiogenesis of the tumor. So, um, I do take it—I was taking it—subcutaneously, yep, and I do heal noticeably faster when taking BPC 157.”
Yet, he is careful to emphasize the need for medical supervision when using BPC-157, given the potential risks associated with its usage. Notably, he has spoken out about the dangers of uncontrolled angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form. This process could, in theory, fuel the growth of existing tumors if the peptide is misused. Consequently, Huberman has avoided any oral forms of BPC-157 due to concerns over contamination and potential adverse effects.
BPC-157’s Impact on Growth Hormone Receptors
Huberman’s discussions with experts, such as Dr. Craig Koniver, have shed light on other intriguing aspects of BPC-157. For instance, there’s evidence suggesting that BPC-157 might upregulate growth hormone receptors, making the body’s natural processes more efficient. This could allow for the use of lower doses of other peptides, amplifying the therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential side effects.
According to Dr. Koniver, BPC-157 works well when combined with growth hormone releasing peptides because it enhances both sides of the equation. While growth hormone releasing peptides stimulate the pituitary to produce more growth hormone, BPC-157 increases the number of growth hormone receptors, making the process more efficient.
Despite its potential, BPC-157 is not without controversy. Regulatory bodies like the FDA have recently cracked down on compounding BPC-157, citing concerns over its safety and the lack of comprehensive human trials. In light of this, Huberman and other experts have discussed alternatives, such as a peptide known as pentadecapeptide arginate, which mimics BPC-157’s structure with minor modifications.
Beyond Peptides: NMN, NAD+, and Ozone Therapy
Huberman’s openness extends beyond BPC-157. In the same conversations, he revealed his experiments with NAD+ infusions—a therapy designed to enhance mitochondrial function and cellular energy. While the infusion itself can be uncomfortable, he acknowledged feeling better afterward, although he remains unsure whether the benefits stem from the NAD+ or simply the saline solution.
“I’ve done NAD infusions you feel horrible while it’s going in you feel better afterwards but it’s always hard to dissociate from the you know saline that you’re bringing into your system because a saline dri pretty good could be” – Huberman told Williamson.
Additionally, Huberman has explored ozone therapy, a treatment where blood is drawn, exposed to ozone, and then reinfused into the body. While he has remained relatively vague about his personal experiences, he has hinted at its potential benefits for inflammation and recovery. As with his other experimental endeavors, he urges caution, emphasizing that these therapies should be conducted under medical supervision.
Peptides in Context
Huberman’s discussions around BPC-157, NMN, and other therapies aren’t just personal anecdotes; they also highlight larger trends within the wellness and longevity communities. The use of peptides has become a growing trend, particularly among athletes and biohackers seeking faster recovery, improved performance, and enhanced well-being. Yet, the regulatory landscape remains murky, and the science is far from settled.
This landscape has sparked debates over the ethics of using such substances, the importance of well-conducted human trials, and the risks of contamination from unregulated sources.
Huberman’s Guinea Pig Approach
In sharing his personal use of peptides like BPC-157, NMN, and other therapies, Dr. Andrew Huberman offers a glimpse into the mindset of a modern scientist—one who is willing to experiment on himself within reason.
Huberman’s candid discussions serve as a reminder that science is a process, not a destination, and that in the quest for optimal health and well-being, there are no shortcuts—only informed, cautious steps forward. Whether you’re intrigued by BPC-157’s potential, curious about NMN’s benefits, or skeptical of experimental therapies, Huberman’s insights are a valuable contribution to the evolving dialogue on health and recovery.
