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Selank
A synthetic peptide analogue of the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic that modulates GABA and serotonin systems without sedation or dependence.
Benefits
What is Selank?
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences - the same laboratory that created Semax. It is based on the endogenous peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), a naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide, with an added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence that greatly enhances its stability and extends its half-life. Selank is approved in Russia as a prescription anxiolytic and nootropic medication.
What distinguishes Selank from conventional anxiolytics (benzodiazepines, buspirone) is its ability to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function simultaneously, without causing sedation, cognitive impairment, or physical dependence. Research published in the Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine demonstrated that Selank produces anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines in the elevated plus-maze model while simultaneously enhancing memory consolidation - a combination that no conventional anxiolytic achieves. It modulates the expression of 36 genes related to GABAergic, serotonergic, and immune signalling, suggesting a fundamentally different and broader mechanism of action than single-target anxiolytic drugs.
- GABAergic enhancement: Increases the affinity of GABA for GABA-A receptors and modulates GABA transaminase activity, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission
- Serotonin modulation: Influences serotonin metabolism and 5-HT receptor sensitivity, contributing to mood-stabilising effects
- Enkephalin stabilisation: Inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, prolonging the activity of endogenous opioid peptides involved in stress resilience and mood
- BDNF expression: Increases BDNF in the hippocampus, though to a lesser degree than Semax, supporting memory and neuroplasticity
- Gene expression modulation: Alters expression of 36+ genes involved in neurotransmission, inflammation, and stress response
- Immune modulation: As a tuftsin analogue, retains immunomodulatory properties that may reduce neuroinflammation
- Standard dosage: 200-600 mcg intranasally per day, divided into 2-3 administrations
- Clinical dosing (Russia): 0.15% nasal solution, 2-3 drops per nostril, 2-3 times daily
- Cycle: Typically used in 14-day cycles with rest periods between courses
- Onset: Anxiolytic effects may be noticed within minutes to hours of intranasal administration
- Combination: Often used alongside Semax in Russian clinical practice - Semax for cognitive enhancement, Selank for anxiety reduction
- Excellent safety profile: Russian clinical data shows minimal side effects even with extended use
- No dependence: Does not produce physical dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms - a major advantage over benzodiazepines
- No sedation: Anxiolytic effects occur without cognitive impairment or drowsiness
- Regulatory status: Prescription anxiolytic in Russia; not approved by the FDA or MHRA. Available from research peptide suppliers
- Quality concerns: Source from reputable peptide suppliers with certificates of analysis and third-party testing
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Insufficient safety data - avoid
Natural Sources & Forms
- Nasal spray: Russian pharmacy-grade Selank 0.15% nasal solution
- Research peptide suppliers: Available in lyophilised form for reconstitution into nasal spray
- Modified variant: N-Acetyl Selank Amidate is an enhanced version with greater stability and potency
Frequently Asked Questions
A synthetic peptide analogue of the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic that modulates GABA and serotonin systems without sedation or dependence.
The key benefits of Selank include: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Focus, Memory, Mood, Sleep, Stress Relief.
GABAergic enhancement: Increases the affinity of GABA for GABA-A receptors and modulates GABA transaminase activity, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission Serotonin modulation: Influences serotonin metabolism and 5-HT receptor sensitivity, contributing to mood-stabilising effects Enkephalin stabilisation: Inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, prolonging the activity of endogenous opioid peptides involved in stress resilience and mood BDNF expression: Increases BDNF in the hippocampus, though to a lesser degree than Semax, supporting memory and neuroplasticity Gene expression modulation: Alters expression of 36+ genes involved in neurotransmission, inflammation, and stress response Immune modulation: As a tuftsin analogue, retains immunomodulatory properties that may reduce neuroinflammation
Standard dosage: 200-600 mcg intranasally per day, divided into 2-3 administrations Clinical dosing (Russia): 0.15% nasal solution, 2-3 drops per nostril, 2-3 times daily Cycle: Typically used in 14-day cycles with rest periods between courses Onset: Anxiolytic effects may be noticed within minutes to hours of intranasal administration Combination: Often used alongside Semax in Russian clinical practice - Semax for cognitive enhancement, Selank for anxiety reduction
Excellent safety profile: Russian clinical data shows minimal side effects even with extended use No dependence: Does not produce physical dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms - a major advantage over benzodiazepines No sedation: Anxiolytic effects occur without cognitive impairment or drowsiness Regulatory status: Prescription anxiolytic in Russia; not approved by the FDA or MHRA. Available from research peptide suppliers Quality concerns: Source from reputable peptide suppliers with certificates of analysis and third-party testing Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Insufficient safety data - avoid
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