VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide — Neuropeptide & Immune Modulator
What is VIP?
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide found throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, gastrointestinal tract, and immune system. It acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, bronchodilator, vasodilator, and immunomodulator. It has gained significant interest as a potential treatment for long COVID, CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), and mast cell activation syndrome.
VIP binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, activating cAMP-mediated signaling that inhibits NF-kB, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12), increases anti-inflammatory IL-10, and promotes Th2/Treg immune balance. In the gut, it regulates motility and secretion. In the lungs, it causes bronchodilation. Across the immune system, it is one of the most potent endogenous anti-inflammatory signals known.
Research Evidence
Clinical trials of inhaled VIP demonstrated significant reduction in pulmonary arterial pressure in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients.
VIP deficiency has been documented in CIRS and post-COVID patients. Nasal VIP (available compounded) has shown clinical benefit in CIRS treatment protocols developed by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker.
VIP inhibits mast cell degranulation and histamine release. Growing use in mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) community protocols.
Evidence grades: Gold = RCT human data · Silver = consistent animal/human data · Bronze = limited or preliminary
Dosing Protocols
Reconstitution Guide
| Vial Size | BAC Water | Concentration | Target draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 10 ml | 500 mcg/ml | 25mcg = 5 units |
| 10 mg | 20 ml | 500 mcg/ml | 50mcg = 10 units |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VIP used for in biohacking?
VIP is primarily used for chronic inflammatory conditions: CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), long COVID immune dysregulation, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and general anti-inflammatory optimization. It is one of the most potent endogenous anti-inflammatory neuropeptides and acts through multiple immune pathways simultaneously.
Is VIP the same as the VIP nasal spray in the Shoemaker protocol?
Yes. The VIP nasal spray in the Shoemaker CIRS protocol is the same peptide — Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide compounded as a nasal spray typically at 50 mcg per spray. The Shoemaker protocol uses VIP as the final step after a multi-stage CIRS treatment process.
References
- [1]Szema AM, Hamidi SA, Mohan B, Dayal A. VIP and peptide histidine methionine (PHM) in human serum and VIP in nasal secretions. Peptides. 2014;62:108-115.
- [2]Said SI, Mutt V. Polypeptide with broad biological activity: isolation from small intestine. Science. 1970;169(3951):1217-1218.
This profile was prepared using AI-assisted research synthesis. Citations are provided where applicable — verify with primary sources before clinical application.
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