VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
A 28-amino-acid signaling peptide found throughout the nervous and immune systems. Studied for its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, and used intranasally in some chronic inflammatory protocols (e.g. CIRS / mold-illness frameworks).
How it works
Activates VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, raising intracellular cAMP. This dampens pro-inflammatory cytokine production, supports vasodilation and pulmonary function, and modulates regulatory T-cell activity.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: ~3326 Da
- Half-life: Very short (~1-2 minutes in plasma)
- Bioavailability: Intranasal (most common in protocols); rapidly degraded systemically
- Storage: Refrigerate (2-8°C). Keep nasal preparations cold and use within the labeled window.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: ~50 mcg per spray
- Frequency: 1-4x daily
- Duration: Weeks to months
- Route: Intranasal spray
Protocol notes
- Commonly delivered intranasally, often starting at 1 spray daily and increasing as tolerated.
- Used in some chronic-inflammatory protocols after other root causes are addressed.
- Blood pressure can drop transiently, so initial doses are taken cautiously.
Reported benefits
- Broad anti-inflammatory effect
- Supports pulmonary and vascular function
- Immune modulation (regulatory T cells)
- Used in chronic inflammatory response protocols
Possible side effects
- Transient drop in blood pressure
- Flushing
- Nasal irritation (intranasal)
- Lightheadedness
Research
- VIP as an immunomodulatory neuropeptide (2019): Reviewed VIP's role in shifting immune responses toward an anti-inflammatory, tolerogenic profile.
- Intranasal VIP in chronic inflammatory illness (2018): Reported improvements in inflammatory markers and quality of life in observational use.
Community reviews of VIP
- compound_curious rated it 4/5 - Noticed clear benefits within weeks: Added VIP to my protocol about 6 weeks ago and it has earned its place. The benefits became noticeable around week 2-3 and have been consistent since. What I appreciate about this compound is the predictability. It does what the research suggests it should do, at roughly the timeline you would expect. No surprises, no dramatic swings, just steady improvement. No notable side effects to report at my dose. Sourcing is always the challenge with research compounds, insist on third-party testing. Storage and reconstitution per standard protocols. Plan to continue.
- bloodwork_brett rated it 5/5 - Genuinely effective after 2 weeks: Been using VIP for about 2 weeks and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
- baseline_ben rated it 5/5 - Worth adding to the protocol: VIP has been a worthwhile addition. I am data-driven and tracked relevant markers before, during, and after. The improvement is measurable and correlates with the intervention timeline. What sets this apart from some compounds I have tried is the consistency. Benefits did not fluctuate wildly or disappear. They built up and maintained. That gives me confidence in the mechanism. Tolerance has been excellent. Nothing in my bloodwork or subjective experience raised any flags. This is the kind of compound that does its job quietly without causing problems. Exactly what you want.
Compare VIP
Community discussions about VIP
- VIP Intranasal Use: Blood Pressure Drop & How I’m Monitoring It - 7 comments
- Ask the community about VIP
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.