VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)

VIP primarily activates two receptors:

VPAC1

VPAC2

These receptors are found in many tissues throughout the body.

VIP signaling can influence:

• Blood-vessel relaxation

• Airway smooth muscle

• Inflammatory cytokines

• Immune-cell activity

• Intestinal secretion and movement

• Nervous-system signaling

Because VIP acts in many different tissues, researchers are studying it across several areas of health and disease.

INFLAMMATION & IMMUNE FUNCTION

VIP has demonstrated immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory and preclinical research.

Research has examined its potential influence on:

• Inflammatory cytokines

• Immune-cell signaling

• Excessive inflammatory responses

• Autoimmune and inflammatory pathways

LUNG & RESPIRATORY FUNCTION

VIP can influence airway and pulmonary blood-vessel function.

Research has explored its potential role in:

• Airway relaxation

• Pulmonary circulation

• Lung inflammation

• Respiratory tissue protection

CIRCULATION & BLOOD VESSELS

The word “vasoactive” refers to VIP's ability to influence blood vessels.

VIP can promote vasodilation, or relaxation of blood-vessel walls, which may affect:

• Blood flow

• Vascular resistance

• Pulmonary circulation

• Cardiovascular signaling

GUT & DIGESTIVE HEALTH

VIP is naturally abundant in the gastrointestinal nervous system.

It helps regulate:

• Intestinal movement

• Digestive secretions

• Water and electrolyte movement

• Gut blood flow

• Communication between the gut and nervous system

NERVOUS SYSTEM

VIP also functions as a neuropeptide and is involved in communication between nerve cells.

Research has linked VIP signaling with:

• Circadian rhythms

• Stress responses

• Neuroimmune communication

• Brain-gut signaling

• Regulation of smooth muscle and glands

Because VIP can dilate blood vessels and affect multiple organ systems, potential effects may include:

• Flushing

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Low blood pressure

• Increased heart rate

• Digestive changes

• Injection or administration-site irritation

Long-term safety of investigational VIP use has not been established.

VIP is a normal signaling peptide produced by the human body, but that does not mean supplemental or administered VIP has established benefits for the many conditions associated with VIP signaling.

Therapeutic VIP use remains investigational for many applications, and its effectiveness and long-term safety require further controlled human research.