Selank — Research, Dosing & Price Guide

Selank is a synthetic analog of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is approved in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic medication. Selank combines potent anti-anxiety effects with cognitive enhancement and immune modulation, making it one of the most versatile peptides in the research community. Unlike benzodiazepines, it produces anxiolysis without sedation, addiction potential, or cognitive impairment.

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a heptapeptide based on the tuftsin sequence (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with a Pro-Gly-Pro stabilizing tail that dramatically increases its biological half-life. Its mechanism of action is multifaceted and involves several key neurochemical systems. First, Selank modulates the GABAergic system — it enhances GABA-A receptor sensitivity without directly binding to the benzodiazepine site, producing anxiolytic effects without sedation or tolerance development. This is a critical distinction from classical anxiolytics. Second, Selank profoundly influences monoamine neurotransmission. It stabilizes enkephalin degradation by inhibiting enkephalinase enzymes, increasing endogenous opioid peptide levels in the brain. It also modulates serotonin metabolism, increasing serotonin turnover in the cortex and reducing the activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO), effectively boosting serotonergic and dopaminergic tone. Third, Selank is a potent neurotrophin modulator. It upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression by 2–3 fold and increases nerve growth factor (NGF) in the hippocampus, supporting neuroplasticity, long-term potentiation, and memory consolidation. Gene expression studies have identified over 50 genes affected by Selank administration, including those involved in neurotransmitter transport, signal transduction, and inflammation. Fourth, as a tuftsin derivative, Selank retains significant immunomodulatory properties. It enhances the phagocytic activity of monocytes and neutrophils, modulates IL-6 and TNF-α expression, and influences the balance between Th1 and Th2 immune responses. This dual anxiolytic-immunomodulatory profile is unique among available peptides.

• A 2008 study in Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine showed Selank produced anxiolytic effects comparable to phenazepam (a benzodiazepine) without sedation or muscle relaxation in clinical trials
• Gene expression profiling (2010, Doklady Biological Sciences) identified 50+ genes modulated by Selank, predominantly in neurotransmitter signaling and immune function pathways
• Russian clinical trials demonstrated significant improvement in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms over 14 days with no withdrawal effects upon discontinuation
• Selank increased BDNF mRNA expression by 2.8-fold in rat hippocampus (2009, Doklady Biochemistry and Biophysics)
• A study in Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii showed Selank improved cognitive performance in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders
• Immunological studies demonstrate enhanced IL-10 production and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, supporting its use in stress-related immune suppression
• Selank showed neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage in cortical neuron cultures
• EEG studies in humans show Selank increases alpha-wave activity, consistent with a calm but alert cognitive state

• Intranasal administration: 200–400 mcg per nostril, 2–3 times daily (most common route)
• Subcutaneous injection: 250–500 mcg once or twice daily
• Russian clinical protocols use 150 mcg intranasally three times daily for 14 days
• Cycle: 14–30 days on, 2–4 weeks off, though some users report sustained benefits with continuous use
• Start with lower doses (200 mcg) and titrate up based on response
• Effects are noticeable within 15–30 minutes of intranasal administration
• For acute anxiety, a single 400 mcg intranasal dose can be used as needed
• Pair with NA-Selank-Amidate for enhanced potency and duration (the acetylated form has superior bioavailability)
• No food timing restrictions; can be taken at any time of day

Known Side Effects

• Generally very well tolerated — Selank has one of the most benign side effect profiles of any anxiolytic compound
• Mild nasal irritation or dryness with intranasal administration (the most commonly reported complaint)
• Transient fatigue in sensitive individuals, particularly at higher doses
• Rare reports of mild headache, usually resolving within hours
• No sedation, cognitive impairment, addiction, tolerance, or withdrawal has been documented in clinical studies
• No sexual side effects reported, unlike SSRIs
• Theoretical immune stimulation may be contraindicated in autoimmune conditions

Safety Profile

Selank has undergone extensive clinical testing in Russia and is approved as a pharmaceutical product (marketed as Selank nasal drops) for anxiety and cognitive disorders. Its safety profile is exceptional — clinical trials have shown no significant adverse effects, no dependence potential, no withdrawal symptoms, and no interaction with alcohol or other sedatives. Unlike benzodiazepines, it does not impair motor function, reaction time, or cognitive performance. The LD50 in rodents is over 400 mg/kg (intraperitoneal), indicating an extremely wide therapeutic index. However, because it modulates immune function, caution is advised in patients with autoimmune disorders, organ transplants, or those taking immunosuppressive medications. Selank has not been extensively studied in pregnancy or lactation. It has no known drug-drug interactions. The compound is not regulated as a controlled substance in most jurisdictions.

First dose (within 15–30 minutes): A subtle but noticeable sense of calm settles in. Anxious mental chatter quiets without any sedation or mental dulling. Many users describe it as 'the volume being turned down on worry.' Week 1: Consistent anxiolytic effects become more prominent. Social interactions feel easier, and stress responses are more measured. Cognitive clarity improves — thoughts feel more organized and focused. Sleep quality often improves as background anxiety decreases. Week 2–3: Full effects manifest. Users typically report improved verbal fluency, better working memory, enhanced creativity, and a stable, positive mood. The immune-modulating effects may become apparent as reduced susceptibility to minor infections during stressful periods. Week 4+: Benefits appear to sustain and may persist for 1–2 weeks after discontinuation, suggesting neuroplastic changes rather than purely acute receptor effects. No tolerance development is reported even with extended use.

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