Selank
Anxiolytic & Nootropic Peptide · Tuftsin Analog
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the naturally occurring immune peptide tuftsin, developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences. It provides anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation, amnesia, tolerance, or withdrawal.
Overview
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the naturally occurring immune peptide tuftsin, developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences. It provides anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation, amnesia, tolerance, or withdrawal.
Works through allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors, serotonin and dopamine system optimization, enkephalin degradation inhibition, IL-6 and cytokine balance regulation, and BDNF upregulation in the hippocampus.
Research indications
What the compound has been studied for, grouped by body system. Effect size is the reported magnitude where it was measured — not a recommendation.
Clinical trials show significant reduction in anxiety symptoms comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation or amnesia.
Research indicates effectiveness in PTSD treatment.
Reduces anticipatory anxiety and performance stress.
Improves memory consolidation and learning capacity.
Enhanced sustained attention during demanding cognitive tasks.
BDNF upregulation supports long-term brain health.
Balances immune system function through cytokine regulation.
Shows activity against influenza, HSV, and cytomegalovirus.
Modulates inflammatory gene expression.
A large effect in a weak study and a small effect in a strong one are different things. Effect size is never evidence of use in people.
- Class
- Tuftsin analog
- Chain length
- 7 residues
- Molecular weight
- 751.89 Da
- Half-life
- ~6 min
- Typical dose
- 250-500mcg per dose
- Frequency
- 1-2x daily (morning and/or evening)
- Cycle length
- 2-8 weeks on
- Storage
- Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within 30 days
Molecular data
- Type
- Tuftsin analog
- Molecular weight
- 751.89 Da
- Chain length
- 7 residues
- Half-life
- 6 min
TKPRPGPDosing reference
Doses reported in the literature and by suppliers. These are a record of what has been used in research — reference, never instruction.
| Context | Route | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild anxiety relief | SubQ | 250mcg | 1x daily |
| Moderate anxiety/cognitive | SubQ | 250mcg | 2x daily (morning & evening) |
| Intensive anxiety support | SubQ | 500mcg | 1x daily (divided doses) |
| Cognitive enhancement | SubQ | 250-350mcg | 1x daily (morning) |
| PTSD support | SubQ | 250mcg | 2x daily |
| Immune support | SubQ | 250mcg | 1x daily for 2-4 weeks |
| Acute anxiety relief | Nasal spray | 300-600mcg (1-2 sprays) | Once daily or as-needed |
Interactions
Enhanced cognitive and anxiolytic effects when combined.
Complementary stress response mechanisms.
Both enhance BDNF via different pathways.
Balanced anxiety relief and cognition enhancement.
Similar GABAergic effects; medical supervision advised.
Can combine for enhanced mood regulation; monitor closely.
Balanced anxiety reduction and wakefulness.
Both affect GABA system; risk of excessive sedation.
Quality checklist
- ✓White to off-white lyophilized powder without clumping
- ✓Clear, colorless reconstituted solution
- ✓Clear batch information, purity testing, expiration dates
- ✓Appropriate packaging and cold shipping
- !Unusual smell or burning sensation may indicate bacterial contamination
- !Room temperature shipping of nasal spray
- ×Yellowing, clumping, or moisture exposure
- ×Persistent cloudiness after reconstitution
What to expect
Safety
- Minimal side effects - excellent safety profile
- No sedation or cognitive impairment
- No tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, breathing difficulty, swelling)
- Persistent injection site reactions or infection signs
- Unusual mood changes or increased anxiety
- Severe headaches or neurological symptoms
- Contaminated product signs (unusual smell, cloudiness)
- Unexplained fatigue or cognitive impairment
- Skin reactions or immune hypersensitivity
- Known peptide allergies
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Consult healthcare provider with multiple psychiatric medications
FAQ
Can Selank be taken long-term without losing effectiveness, or will I build tolerance?
Selank avoids the tolerance and dependence issues of benzodiazepines, but the file specifically recommends limiting cycles to 2-3 weeks with breaks between them. This suggests potential GABAergic desensitization is possible with continuous use, though not true pharmacological tolerance. Cycling prevents this.
Is intranasal Selank as effective as injection for anxiety?
Yes, potentially more so. Intranasal offers fastest onset (15-30 minutes) with 4-6 hour duration, while injection takes 30-60 minutes but may last longer. Both are effective—choose based on how quickly you need relief. Nasal is better for as-needed anxiety; injection is better for daily protocols.
Will Selank help with PTSD, or is it just for generalized anxiety?
Selank is documented to help PTSD. Research shows effectiveness in PTSD treatment (rated as 'effective'). It modulates stress response through multiple systems (GABA, serotonin, dopamine, BDNF), which addresses trauma-related dysregulation. However, it's typically used alongside proper PTSD therapy, not as sole treatment.
How does Selank's 30% BDNF increase compare to other nootropics?
It's significant. A 30% increase in hippocampal BDNF supports neuroplasticity and long-term potentiation (learning/memory). Semax shows similar effects. Compounds like noopept also increase BDNF, but through different pathways. Selank's unique value is anxiety relief plus BDNF elevation without sedation—a rare combination.
References
- 1Efficacy and Possible Mechanisms of Action of a New Peptide Anxiolytic Selank in the Therapy of Generalized Anxiety Disorders and NeurastheniaZozulia AA, Neznamov GG, Siuniakov TS, et al. · Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova · 2008
62 patients with GAD and neurasthenia; anxiolytic effects comparable to medazepam, with additional antiasthenic and psychostimulant effects lasting up to one week post-administration.
human-pilotPubMed 18454096 ↗ - 2Intranasal Administration of the Peptide Selank Regulates BDNF Expression in the Rat Hippocampus In VivoInozemtseva LS, Karpenko EA, Dolotov OV, et al. · Doklady Biological Sciences · 2008
Intranasal Selank regulates BDNF gene expression in the rat hippocampus in vivo, supporting its nootropic and neuroprotective properties.
animalPubMed 18841804 ↗ - 3Experimental Optimization of Learning and Memory Processes by SelankSemenova TP, Kozlovskii II, Zakharova NM · Eksperimental'naia i Klinicheskaia Farmakologiia · 2010
Single injection of Selank activated serotonin metabolism in hypothalamus for 30 min to 2 hours and increased memory trace stability over 30 days.
reviewPubMed 20919548 ↗ - 4A Comparison of the Anxiolytic Effect and Tolerability of Selank and Phenazepam in the Treatment of Anxiety DisordersMedvedev VE, Tereshchenko ON, Kost NV, et al. · Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova · 2014
40 patients with anxiety disorders; combined Selank and phenazepam treatment decreased undesirable side-effects during treatment and after withdrawal.
human-pilotPubMed 25176261 ↗ - 5Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic NeurotransmissionSemenova TP, Kozlovskii II, Zakharova NM, Kozlovskaya MM · Frontiers in Pharmacology · 2016
Rat frontal cortex study at 300mcg/kg showed modulation of 45 genes involved in neurotransmission at 1 hour post-administration; confirmed Selank acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors.
animalPubMed 26924987 ↗