Selank
Russian anxiolytic peptide — reduces anxiety without sedation or dependence, modulates GABA/serotonin and enhances learning.
Research facts
| Half-life | Minutes (intrinsic) / extended by extension peptide |
|---|---|
| Route | Nasal spray |
| Typical dose | 250–750 mcg/day intranasal |
| Frequency | Once or twice daily |
| Solvent | Sterile saline |
| pH | 5.0–7.0 |
| Stability | 30 days at +4°C |
Mechanism of action
Selank is a synthetic analogue of the endogenous neuropeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro stabilising extension. Tuftsin is a naturally occurring tetrapeptide with immune-modulating properties; Selank extends this into cognitive/anxiolytic territory. It modulates GABA-A receptor function (benzodiazepine-like anxiolysis without GABA-A direct activation), upregulates BDNF and NGF, increases serotonin turnover, and normalises enkephalin (endogenous opioid) metabolism. It has been approved in Russia as an anxiolytic drug (Selank solution). Unlike benzodiazepines, it shows no tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal effects in animal and human studies.
Documented effects (research-model)
- Anxiolytic effects without sedation or dependence
- Enhanced learning consolidation and memory
- BDNF and NGF upregulation (neuroplasticity)
- Serotonin system normalisation
- Immune modulation via tuftsin-like activity
- Antidepressant-like effects in animal models
Research protocols
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Cycle | Vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 250–500 mcg nasal spray | Once daily or split AM/PM | 4–8 weeks | Nasal preparation |
Research context only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before any protocol decision.
Synergies
- Semax HIGH
Semax (stimulatory dopamine/BDNF) + Selank (anxiolytic serotonin/GABA). Balanced cognitive enhancement and anxiety reduction.
Myths & misconceptions
Evidence gaps
- Most clinical data is Russian, with Western replication studies absent.
- Exact mechanism of GABA-A modulation not fully characterised in Western pharmacological research.
- Long-term tolerance studies in humans beyond registered Russian trial periods are lacking.
Safety notes
Registered drug in Russia with established safety profile. Nasal administration minimises systemic exposure. No dependence or withdrawal observed. Generally very well-tolerated. Avoid in severe hepatic impairment.
Biomarkers to monitor
Primary-source citations
- PMID 18677853 — Selank — peptide anxiolytic and nootropic drug (Zh Vyssh Nerv Deiat Im I P Pavlova. 2008)
Frequently asked
What is Selank?
Selank (TP-7 — Heptapeptide Anxiolytic Nootropic (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro)) is a research compound classified in our library as Tier D — Animal or in-vitro data only.. Russian anxiolytic peptide — reduces anxiety without sedation or dependence, modulates GABA/serotonin and enhances learning.
What is the evidence tier for Selank?
We classify Selank as Tier D: Animal or in-vitro data only. See our full peptide evidence tiers explainer for how we assign S/A/B/C/D.
What is the research dose of Selank?
For Selank, typical research dose is 250–750 mcg/day intranasal, route is Nasal spray, half-life is Minutes (intrinsic) / extended by extension peptide. Protocols vary by research goal — see the protocols section on this page for standard and advanced dosing schedules. Research use only, not medical advice.
What does Selank stack well with?
Selank stacks well with Semax. Semax (stimulatory dopamine/BDNF) + Selank (anxiolytic serotonin/GABA). Balanced cognitive enhancement and anxiety reduction.
Is Selank safe?
Registered drug in Russia with established safety profile. Nasal administration minimises systemic exposure. Research context only — no compound on this site is approved for human therapeutic use unless explicitly noted.