VIP at a glance
A fast read for beginners, with evidence strength, route context, safety depth, and community activity surfaced before the deeper sections.
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide found throughout the peripheral and central nervous system, as well as in immune cells. It acts through two G-protein coupled receptors (VPAC1 and VPAC2) to produce broad anti-inflammatory effects: suppressing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12 production in macrophages and dendritic cells, while promoting regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation and IL-10 production.
VIP has attracted significant clinical interest in two areas. First, as a treatment for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) - particularly mold/biotoxin illness - where intranasal VIP is used to restore regulatory immune balance and reduce neuroinflammation. Ritchie Shoemaker's clinical protocols using compounded intranasal VIP have reported significant symptom improvement in CIRS patients, though large RCT data remains limited.
Second, VIP has been studied as a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (inhaled formulation), ARDS, and inflammatory bowel disease. Peptide analogues with enhanced stability are in development. Endogenous VIP levels are deficient in several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, supporting the rationale for supplementation.
Key Benefits
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