Selank
Anxiolytic & Nootropic Peptide | Tuftsin Analog
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.
Key benefits
- Rapid onset anxiolytic effects
- Enhanced BDNF expression (30% increase)
- Improved stress resilience
- Cognitive enhancement
- Immune modulation
- No tolerance or withdrawal
- Neuroprotective effects
Mechanism of action
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.
Molecular data
- Type
- Tuftsin analog
- Half-life
- 2-10 minutes
Sequence
Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Most effectiveClinical trials show significant reduction in anxiety symptoms comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation or amnesia.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
EffectiveResearch indicates effectiveness in PTSD treatment.
Social Anxiety
EffectiveReduces anticipatory anxiety and performance stress.
Cognitive
Memory Enhancement
EffectiveImproves memory consolidation and learning capacity.
Attention and Focus
EffectiveEnhanced sustained attention during demanding cognitive tasks.
Neuroprotection
EffectiveBDNF upregulation supports long-term brain health.
Immune
Immune Modulation
ModerateBalances immune system function through cytokine regulation.
Antiviral Activity
ModerateShows activity against influenza, HSV, and cytomegalovirus.
Inflammation Regulation
ModerateModulates inflammatory gene expression.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Injectable
Subcutaneous injection is the primary method with well-documented protocols. Provides reliable absorption and dosing.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild anxiety relief | 250mcg | 1x daily | SubQ |
| Moderate anxiety/cognitive | 250mcg | 2x daily (morning & evening) | SubQ |
| Intensive anxiety support | 500mcg | 1x daily (divided doses) | SubQ |
| Cognitive enhancement | 250-350mcg | 1x daily (morning) | SubQ |
| PTSD support | 250mcg | 2x daily | SubQ |
| Immune support | 250mcg | 1x daily for 2-4 weeks | SubQ |
Preparation
You will need
- Selank lyophilized powder vial
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)
- Alcohol wipes
- Sterile work surface
Steps
- Remove vial from refrigeration; allow 10-15 minutes to reach room temperature
- Clean vial tops with alcohol wipes using circular motion; air dry
- Calculate reconstitution volume for desired concentration
- Draw bacteriostatic water into insulin syringe; remove air bubbles
- Insert needle at 45-degree angle against glass wall
- Slowly inject BAC water down vial side to minimize foaming
- Remove needle and gently swirl vial (never shake vigorously)
- Allow 1-2 minutes if cloudiness remains; swirl until clear
- Verify final solution is clear and colorless
- Label with reconstitution date and concentration
- Refrigerate immediately; use within 30 days
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Nasal
Intranasal spray provides fastest onset (15-30 minutes) and is non-invasive. Popular for as-needed anxiety relief.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute anxiety relief | 300-600mcg (1-2 sprays) | Once daily or as-needed | Nasal spray |
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
Alcohol
AvoidBoth affect GABA system; risk of excessive sedation.
Benzodiazepines
MonitorSimilar GABAergic effects; medical supervision advised.
SSRI Antidepressants
MonitorCan combine for enhanced mood regulation; monitor closely.
Semax
SynergisticEnhanced cognitive and anxiolytic effects when combined.
BPC-157
CompatibleComplementary stress response mechanisms.
Noopept
CompatibleBoth enhance BDNF via different pathways.
Phenylpiracetam
CompatibleBalanced anxiety relief and cognition enhancement.
Modafinil
CompatibleBalanced anxiety reduction and wakefulness.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- 30-60 minutes
Mild anxiety reduction begins
- 1-3 days
Improved mental clarity and focus
- 1 week
Enhanced stress resilience and emotional stability
- 1-2 weeks
Peak cognitive enhancement effects
- Post-discontinuation
Sustained benefits for several days
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Minimal side effects - excellent safety profile
- No sedation or cognitive impairment
- No tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- 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
Contraindications
- Known peptide allergies
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Consult healthcare provider with multiple psychiatric medications
Monitoring
- Start with lowest effective dose (250mcg)
- Refrigerate properly to maintain stability
- Use sterile injection techniques
- Monitor mood and anxiety levels
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- White to off-white lyophilized powder without clumping
- Clear, colorless reconstituted solution
- Clear batch information, purity testing, expiration dates
- Appropriate packaging and cold shipping
Warning signs
- Unusual smell or burning sensation may indicate bacterial contamination
- Room temperature shipping of nasal spray
Stop signs — don't use
- Yellowing, clumping, or moisture exposure
- Persistent cloudiness after reconstitution
Recent research
Newer papers and trial readouts on file for this compound, with source and date.
2020 · Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of Social Stress
Selank reduced IL-1B, IL-6, TNF-a, and TGF-B1 to near control values in rats under 20-day social stress, demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory effects.
2019 · Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
Selank Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Memory Impairment by Regulating BDNF Content
Selank produced a cognitive-stimulating effect and prevented formation of ethanol-induced memory and attention disturbances via BDNF regulation in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
2009 · Voprosy Virusologii
Antiviral Activity of Immunomodulator Selank in Experimental Influenza Infection
Selank completely suppressed influenza A/Aichi 2/68 (H3N2) viral reproduction in preventive use scheme; antiviral mechanism linked to IFN-alpha gene expression and Th1/Th2 cytokine modulation.
2018 · Protein & Peptide Letters
Peptide-based Anxiolytics: The Molecular Aspects of Heptapeptide Selank Biological Activity
Comprehensive review establishing Selank's anxiolytic effect is comparable to benzodiazepines via subtype-selective allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors, without sedation or dependence.
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission
Semenova 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.
Efficacy and Possible Mechanisms of Action of a New Peptide Anxiolytic Selank in the Therapy of Generalized Anxiety Disorders and Neurasthenia
Zozulia 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.
Intranasal Administration of the Peptide Selank Regulates BDNF Expression in the Rat Hippocampus In Vivo
Inozemtseva 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.
Experimental Optimization of Learning and Memory Processes by Selank
Semenova 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.
A Comparison of the Anxiolytic Effect and Tolerability of Selank and Phenazepam in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
Medvedev 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.
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