Selank
Anxiolytic & Nootropic Peptide | Tuftsin Analog
Community Research
Join others researching Selank — share findings, ask questions, and learn from real experiences
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.
Molecular Data
TKPRPGPThreonine
Position 1
Lysine
Position 2
Proline
Position 3
Arginine
Position 4
Proline
Position 5
Glycine
Position 6
Proline
Position 7
Research Indications
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.
Dosing Protocols
Subcutaneous injection is the primary method with well-documented protocols. Provides reliable absorption and dosing.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Reconstitution Instructions
- Selank lyophilized powder vial
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)
- Alcohol wipes
- Sterile work surface
- 1 Remove vial from refrigeration; allow 10-15 minutes to reach room temperature
- 2 Clean vial tops with alcohol wipes using circular motion; air dry
- 3 Calculate reconstitution volume for desired concentration
- 4 Draw bacteriostatic water into insulin syringe; remove air bubbles
- 5 Insert needle at 45-degree angle against glass wall
- 6 Slowly inject BAC water down vial side to minimize foaming
- 7 Remove needle and gently swirl vial (never shake vigorously)
- 8 Allow 1-2 minutes if cloudiness remains; swirl until clear
- 9 Verify final solution is clear and colorless
- 10 Label with reconstitution date and concentration
- 11 Refrigerate immediately; use within 30 days
Interactions
What to Expect
Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects
- Minimal side effects - excellent safety profile
- No sedation or cognitive impairment
- No tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal
Stop Signs - Discontinue if:
- 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
Quality Checklist
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
Bad Signs
- Yellowing, clumping, or moisture exposure
- Persistent cloudiness after reconstitution
References
- Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic NeurotransmissionSemenova TP, Kozlovskii II, Zakharova NM, Kozlovskaya MMFrontiers 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 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.
- Intranasal 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.
- Experimental Optimization of Learning and Memory Processes by SelankSemenova TP, Kozlovskii II, Zakharova NMEksperimental'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 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.
Related Peptides
Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.