Selank

Overview

Selank is a synthetic peptide consisting of tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia, it combines anxiolytic and nootropic properties without the sedation or dependence associated with traditional anxiolytics.

Like its cousin Semax, Selank is approved in Russia for clinical use and has been studied extensively in Russian medical literature.

Sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro

Mechanism of Action

Selank's mechanisms involve multiple systems:

GABAergic Modulation

• Allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors
• Enhances GABA signaling without direct agonism
• Anxiolytic effects without sedation
• No tolerance or dependence development

Monoamine Regulation

• Stabilizes enkephalin degradation
• Modulates serotonin metabolism
• Influences dopamine turnover
• Balances catecholamine systems

Neurotrophic Effects

• Increases BDNF expression
• Enhances NGF levels
• Promotes neuroplasticity
• Neuroprotective properties

Immune Modulation

• Derived from immunomodulatory tuftsin
• Regulates cytokine production
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• May affect immune-brain axis

Research Summary

Anxiolytic Studies

Animal Models

• Reduced anxiety in elevated plus maze
• Decreased stress-induced behavior
• No sedation at effective doses
• No tolerance with repeated use

Human Studies (Russia)

• Effective for generalized anxiety
• Improved symptoms without sedation
• No withdrawal effects reported
• Used clinically for anxiety disorders

Cognitive Enhancement

Unique Properties

• Anxiolytic + nootropic combination
• No cognitive impairment (unlike benzodiazepines)
• No dependence potential
• Maintains performance under stress

Key Limitations

• Limited Western clinical data
• Most research in Russian literature
• Mechanisms not fully elucidated
• Long-term studies limited

Pharmacokinetics

Common Protocols

Note: Selank is approved in Russia but not FDA-approved. The following represents research community protocols.

Research Community Protocols

Typical Dosing Ranges:

• 250-500 mcg intranasally, 2-3x daily
• 300 mcg per dose is common
• Duration: 14-21 day cycles

Available Forms:

• 0.15% nasal solution (common)
• Lyophilized powder for reconstitution

Administration

Intranasal (Primary)

• 1-2 drops per nostril
• 2-3 times daily
• Can be used as needed for acute anxiety
• Also used in cycles for sustained effects

Subcutaneous (Alternative)

• 250-500 mcg doses
• Less common than intranasal
• May have different pharmacokinetics

Timing

• Can be used throughout the day
• Less stimulating than Semax
• Safe for evening use (no sleep disruption)
• As-needed use for situational anxiety

Side Effects

Commonly Reported

• Mild nasal irritation
• Fatigue (uncommon, usually resolves)
• Mild headache (rare)

Safety Profile

• Excellent tolerability in clinical use
• No sedation at therapeutic doses
• No dependence or withdrawal
• No cognitive impairment
• Minimal side effect profile

Compared to Benzodiazepines

• No sedation
• No motor impairment
• No dependence
• No withdrawal syndrome
• No rebound anxiety

Interactions

Potential Interactions

• Benzodiazepines: May have additive anxiolytic effects
• Other GABAergic compounds: Theoretical interaction
• Semax: Commonly combined (complementary)

Contraindications

• Pregnancy/nursing (insufficient data)
• Known hypersensitivity
• Active infection (theoretical, due to immune effects)

Community Insights

Aggregated from research community reports, not medical advice.

Commonly Reported Experiences

• Calm, clear-headed anxiolytic effect
• No "drugged" feeling
• Improved social situations
• Better stress resilience
• Subtle but noticeable effects
• Works well for situational anxiety

Practical Tips

• Effects may build over first few days
• Can be used as-needed or in cycles
• Pairs well with Semax for comprehensive cognitive support
• Good for performance anxiety situations

Common Stacks

• Selank + Semax (popular combination)
• Selank + adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
• Selank for anxiety management in nootropic stacks

Versus Other Anxiolytics

• Cleaner than benzodiazepines
• No dependence issues
• Maintains cognitive function
• Subtle but reliable

References

1. Seredenin SB, et al. Anxiolytic action of tuftsin and its analogue selanc. Bull Exp Biol Med. 1998;125(2):140-2.

2. Zozulya AA, et al. The regulatory peptide selank modulates the levels of interleukins in the blood serum. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2007;144(4):530-2.

3. Seredenin SB, et al. Comparative study of selank and tuftsin on anxiety-related behavior in mice. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2002;133(5):456-8.

4. Kozlovskii II, Danchev ND. The optimizing action of the synthetic peptide Selank on a conditioned active avoidance reflex in rats. Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2003;33(7):639-43.

5. Kasian A, et al. Selank Peptide Enhances Neurite Outgrowth and Increases Expression of GAP-43 Protein in Dorsal Root Ganglia Culture. Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2020;17(2):237-242.

6. Volkova A, et al. Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission. Front Pharmacol. 2016;7:31.