Selank

Overview

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is based on Tuftsin, a naturally occurring tetrapeptide that is part of the IgG antibody molecule and has immunomodulatory properties.

The Selank molecule combines Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with a stabilizing Pro-Gly-Pro sequence, creating a peptide with both anxiolytic and nootropic properties.

In Russia, Selank is an approved medication for:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Neurasthenia
• Cognitive support

Key Characteristics

• Origin: Synthetic analog of endogenous Tuftsin
• Classification: Anxiolytic/nootropic peptide
• Sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
• Approved Status: Prescription medication in Russia
• Unique Feature: Anxiolytic WITHOUT sedation or addiction potential

How Selank Differs from Benzodiazepines

| Feature | Selank | Benzodiazepines | |---------|--------|-----------------| | Sedation | None | Significant | | Addiction Potential | None | High | | Cognitive Effects | Enhancing | Impairing | | GABA Mechanism | Modulates, doesn't force | Direct agonist | | Withdrawal | None | Severe possible | | Daily Function | Preserved | Often impaired |

Mechanism

Selank operates through multiple distinct pathways, making it unique among anxiolytic agents.

Primary Mechanisms

1. GABA System Modulation

Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank modulates GABA gently:

• Affects GABA-A receptor expression
• Doesn't directly agonize receptors
• Restores GABA homeostasis
• Reduces anxiety without sedation
• No tolerance or dependence development

2. Serotonin and Dopamine Balance

Neurotransmitter modulation:

• Influences serotonin metabolism
• Modulates dopaminergic transmission
• Affects enkephalin processing
• Creates mood stabilization
• Without "high" or euphoria

3. BDNF Enhancement

Neurotrophic support:

• Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
• Supports neuroplasticity
• Enhances learning and memory
• Complements anxiolytic effects
• Long-term brain health support

4. Immune Modulation (Tuftsin Heritage)

From its Tuftsin origins:

• Enhances phagocyte activity
• Modulates immune response
• Potential antiviral properties
• Supports stress-related immunity
• Unique among anxiolytics

5. Inflammatory Cytokine Reduction

Anti-inflammatory in CNS:

• Reduces IL-6 expression
• Modulates inflammatory response
• May benefit neuroinflammatory conditions
• Supports overall brain health

Research

Anxiety Disorders (Approved Indication)

Russian Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical data shows:

• Significant reduction in anxiety scores
• Comparable efficacy to benzodiazepines
• No sedation or cognitive impairment
• No dependence development
• Sustained effects with regular use

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Reduced Hamilton Anxiety scores
• Improved quality of life
• Better than placebo in controlled trials
• Effects build over days of use

Cognitive Enhancement

Memory and Learning

Research demonstrates:

• Enhanced memory consolidation
• Improved attention span
• Better cognitive flexibility
• Particularly under stress conditions
• Synergistic with reduced anxiety

Stress-Related Cognitive Decline

When stress impairs cognition:

• Selank preserves cognitive function
• Blocks stress-induced memory impairment
• Maintains performance under pressure
• Valuable for high-stress professions

Immune Function

Tuftsin-Derived Benefits

Unique immune properties:

• Enhanced natural killer cell activity
• Improved phagocyte function
• Potential antiviral effects
• May support recovery from illness
• Stress-immune axis modulation

2025 Research Updates

Recent studies explore:

• Immune support during chronic stress
• Potential adjunct for infections
• Stress-induced immunosuppression reversal

Depression (Adjunct Use)

While not primary indication:

• May help anxiety-related depression
• Enhances effects of antidepressants
• Improves stress resilience
• Being studied for combination therapy

Dosing

Research Protocols

Forms Available

Standard Selank

• Original formulation
• Well-studied
• Moderate duration

N-Acetyl Selank (NASA)

• Acetylated version
• Enhanced stability
• Potentially more potent
• May have longer duration

N-Acetyl Selank Amidate

• Further modified
• Claimed enhanced penetration
• Used at lower doses
• Limited research comparison

Administration Notes

Intranasal (Standard)

• Most common route
• Excellent absorption
• Rapid onset (15-20 minutes)
• Spray or drops into nostril
• Alternate nostrils

Subcutaneous

• Alternative route
• More consistent absorption
• Some prefer for precise dosing
• Slightly slower onset

Timing

• Can be used throughout day
• Some prefer morning for all-day effect
• Can redose for acute anxiety
• Avoid very late evening (mild stimulation possible)

Cycling

While less necessary than with stimulants:

• Consider 2-3 weeks on, 1 week off
• Maintains optimal response
• Prevents any potential tolerance
• Russian protocols often continuous

Storage

• Refrigerate for long-term storage
• Room temperature okay for short periods
• Protect from light
• Nasal sprays: use within 2-4 weeks once opened

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

• Intranasal: Rapid, within minutes
• Peak effects: 15-30 minutes
• Good CNS penetration

Distribution

• Crosses into brain
• Wide tissue distribution
• Concentrates at target sites

Metabolism

• Rapid enzymatic breakdown
• Pro-Gly-Pro provides some stability
• Metabolites may be active

Elimination

• Short half-life (minutes)
• Multiple daily dosing preferred
• No accumulation

Synergy & Stacking

Selank + Semax

The classic Russian nootropic combination:

• Selank: Anxiety reduction, calm focus
• Semax: Cognitive enhancement, BDNF
• Complementary mechanisms
• Can be used same day
• Stagger doses by 30+ minutes

Selank + Adaptogens

Stress management stack:

• Selank: Acute anxiolytic
• Rhodiola/Ashwagandha: Long-term adaptation
• Comprehensive stress support

Selank + Phenibut

Use with extreme caution:

• Both affect GABA system
• May enhance sedation
• Phenibut has addiction potential
• Generally not recommended

Safety

Known Side Effects

Common (mild)

• Nasal irritation (intranasal)
• Fatigue (rare, usually opposite)
• Headache (uncommon)

Very Rare

• Allergic reactions
• Nasal congestion with chronic use

Contraindications

Use with caution if:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active infections (theoretical immune concern)
• Autoimmune conditions

Generally safe for:

• Most healthy adults
• Those seeking non-sedating anxiolytic
• Cognitive enhancement seekers

Drug Interactions

• Limited documented interactions
• May enhance effects of other anxiolytics
• Caution with immunosuppressants (immune modulation)
• Generally safe with most medications

Monitoring

Subjective Assessment

• Anxiety level tracking
• Cognitive performance
• Sleep quality (should improve or maintain)
• Mood monitoring

No Required Labs

• No specific blood tests required
• Consider immune markers if using for immune support
• General wellness labs as needed

Regulatory

Current Status

| Region | Status | |--------|--------| | Russia | Approved prescription medication | | United States | Not FDA-approved; research chemical | | European Union | Not approved; research use | | WADA | Not prohibited |

Legal Considerations

• Legal in most jurisdictions
• Not controlled substance
• Available from peptide suppliers
• Prescription only in Russia/CIS

Clinical Outlook

Selank represents an innovative approach to anxiety:

• Non-addictive anxiolytic is highly desirable
• Western interest growing
• Potential for formal clinical trials
• May influence future anxiolytic development
• Unique immune-anxiety connection

References