Selank
Anxiolytic peptide studied for anxiety reduction, mood, and cognitive enhancement.
What Is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is studied for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), nootropic, and immune-modulating properties. Studies suggest it works by modulating the GABAergic and serotonergic systems without the side effects of classical benzodiazepines.
🔬 Mechanism of Action
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It exerts anxiolytic effects primarily through modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission, increasing GABA-A receptor sensitivity without direct benzodiazepine receptor binding. Selank also modulates expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) synthesis, placing it at the intersection of immune-neuroendocrine and anxiety biology.
Effectiveness Profile
Relative effectiveness scores derived from published preclinical literature across key endpoints.
Scores are qualitative aggregates from animal and in vitro studies and are not a medical claim. For educational purposes only.
Applications & Benefits
Key Study Findings
Demonstrates anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines in animal anxiety models without sedation or dependence potential in preclinical data
Shown to modulate enkephalinase activity and endogenous enkephalin breakdown, influencing opioid tone without direct opioid receptor agonism
Regulates IL-6 expression in immune cells, contributing to understanding of stress-immune axis modulation
Upregulates BDNF in the hippocampus of rodents, overlapping mechanistically with antidepressant pathways
Clinical use in Russia for generalized anxiety disorder and asthenic conditions provides translational laboratory context
Effect Timeline
Expected milestones based on published preclinical data.
BDNF levels rise quickly in preclinical models. Acute anxiolytic and nootropic effects detectable within hours of administration.
Cognitive performance improvements measurable. Mood stabilization via GABAergic or serotonergic modulation.
Neuroprotective markers stabilize at elevated levels. Sustained cognitive benefits and mood improvements.
Long-term neuroplasticity and synaptic changes. Sustained improvement in stress resilience and cognitive function.
BDNF levels rise quickly in preclinical models. Acute anxiolytic and nootropic effects detectable within hours of administration.
Cognitive performance improvements measurable. Mood stabilization via GABAergic or serotonergic modulation.
Neuroprotective markers stabilize at elevated levels. Sustained cognitive benefits and mood improvements.
Long-term neuroplasticity and synaptic changes. Sustained improvement in stress resilience and cognitive function.
Timelines are derived from preclinical animal studies. Individual results in laboratory settings may vary. For educational purposes only.
Dosing Protocol
Dosing information is derived from published animal studies and is provided for educational purposes only.
Reconstitution Calculator
Calculate exact BAC water volume and dose measurements for Selank.
For laboratory use only. This calculator is a reference tool — verify all calculations before use. Always use sterile technique with bacteriostatic water and sterile syringes.
Synergistic Stack Combinations
Key Scientific Literature
Antistress and nootropic properties of Selank
Key finding: Selank reduced anxiety markers and improved cognitive performance in stress models without sedative effects.
Selank influences expression of immunity genes in rats
Key finding: Selank modulated expression of numerous immune-related genes, confirming immunomodulatory properties.
Citations reference published peer-reviewed studies. This is not a complete literature review. All studies were conducted in preclinical or controlled clinical settings. Content is for educational reference only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tuftsin and how does selank relate to it?
Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) is a naturally occurring tetrapeptide derived from the Fc region of IgG immunoglobulin, known for its immunostimulatory activity including macrophage activation and phagocytosis enhancement. Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin with an added C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension that provides enzymatic stability. While retaining some immunomodulatory properties of tuftsin, selank expresses additional anxiolytic and nootropic activities not attributed to the parent peptide.
How does selank produce anxiolytic effects without acting as a benzodiazepine?
Selank modulates GABA-A receptor function and enhances GABAergic tone through mechanisms distinct from the benzodiazepine binding site. Studies also indicate selank inhibits enkephalinase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down met-enkephalin and leu-enkephalin, thereby increasing endogenous opioid peptide levels that contribute to anxiolysis. This multi-modal mechanism is thought to explain its anxiolytic efficacy without the sedation, tolerance, and dependence associated with benzodiazepines.
Can selank be used as part of a cognitive protocol alongside stimulatory peptides?
Yes, selank is frequently studied alongside more activating peptides such as semax in nootropic protocols. Semax provides dopaminergic and BDNF-mediated cognitive stimulation while selank's calming GABAergic activity may offset potential overstimulation. Those interested in stress-cognition interactions find this pairing useful for studying how anxiolytic modulation affects cognitive performance outcomes.
Related Topics
Selank
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