Selank
syntheticAlso known as: TP-7
Mechanism
Selank is a synthetic peptide that reduces anxiety and improves mood by modulating the brain's GABA system and influencing serotonin metabolism. It works similarly to anti-anxiety medications but without causing sedation or addiction.
Technical detail
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from tuftsin with anxiolytic properties. It modulates GABAergic neurotransmission by affecting GABA receptor gene expression and increases BDNF levels. The peptide also influences the serotonergic system by inhibiting enkephalin-degrading enzymes, leading to increased enkephalin levels and modulation of serotonin metabolism.
Effects
## Detailed Effects — Selank ### Central Nervous System — Anxiolytic [Tier 1 (Russia), Tier 2 (International)] - Synthetic heptapeptide derived from tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension for enzymatic stability and enhanced CNS penetration. - Primary anxiolytic mechanism: modulates GABAergic transmission — increases GABA-A receptor sensitivity, enhances inhibitory tone in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. - Stabilizes enkephalin metabolism by inhibiting enkephalin-degrading enzymes — extends the duration of endogenous opioid anxiolytic signaling without direct opioid receptor agonism (NO addiction potential). - Increases BDNF expression in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex — supports neuroplasticity alongside anxiolytic effects. - Modulates serotonin metabolism: normalizes serotonin turnover rates, stabilizes 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios. - Modulates dopamine metabolism: normalizes dopamine/DOPAC ratios without producing euphoria or reinforcement. - **Human studies** (Russian): Multiple clinical trials showed Selank 0.15% nasal spray (single or repeated doses) reduced anxiety comparable to medazepam (a benzodiazepine) WITHOUT sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence. Approved as an anxiolytic medication in Russia since 2009. - Specifically notable: Selank does NOT impair cognition — it may actually IMPROVE cognitive performance while reducing anxiety, making it unique among anxiolytics. ### Immune System [Tier 2] - Derived from tuftsin, a known immunomodulatory peptide. Retains immunomodulatory properties. - Modulates IL-6 balance: can increase or decrease IL-6 depending on baseline immune status (bidirectional regulation). - Influences interferon-alpha expression — may enhance antiviral immunity. - Shifts cytokine balance toward anti-inflammatory profile in chronic stress conditions. ### Central Nervous System — Cognitive [Tier 2] - BDNF upregulation supports memory consolidation and learning. - Improved attention, information processing, and working memory reported in human studies. - May enhance trace formation in memory paradigms.
Practitioner Guide
## Practitioner Guide — Selank ### Regulatory Status - **Approved in Russia** as an anxiolytic nasal spray (0.15% solution) since 2009. Manufactured by the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences. - NOT FDA-approved. Available internationally as a research peptide (nasal spray or lyophilized powder for reconstitution). - N-Acetyl Selank and N-Acetyl Selank Amidate versions available from research peptide suppliers. ### Forms & Comparative Pharmacology **Standard Selank** - The original form. Half-life ~several minutes intranasally, but CNS effects persist for hours due to downstream signaling cascades. - Intranasal bioavailability is good — the Pro-Gly-Pro tail enhances nasal mucosal absorption. - This is the form used in all clinical trials and the approved Russian product. **N-Acetyl Selank** - N-terminal acetylation increases resistance to aminopeptidase degradation. - Modestly extended half-life vs standard Selank. - May have slightly stronger or more sustained effects, though no clinical trials compare the two directly. - Popular among biohackers who find standard Selank too short-acting. **N-Acetyl Selank Amidate (NASA)** - N-terminal acetylation + C-terminal amidation — dual modifications that dramatically increase enzymatic stability. - Significantly longer duration of action than standard or N-Acetyl Selank. - Anecdotally reported as the most potent form — effects last 4-8 hours from a single intranasal dose vs 1-3 hours for standard Selank. - Downside: further from the clinically studied molecule. All clinical data is on standard Selank. - This is the form most experienced practitioners and biohackers ultimately settle on for sustained anxiolytic effects. ### Dosing Protocols **Standard Selank (Nasal Spray)** - 200-400 mcg per nostril (400-800 mcg total), 2-3 times daily. - Russian approved dose: 3 drops of 0.15% solution per nostril, 3x daily (~450 mcg total per dose). - Standard course: 14-30 days. Can extend to 60 days for chronic anxiety. - No tolerance or dependence reported even with extended use. - Can be used as-needed for acute anxiety situations (onset: 5-15 minutes intranasally). **N-Acetyl Selank Amidate (Nasal Spray)** - 200-400 mcg per nostril (400-800 mcg total), 1-2 times daily (longer duration reduces dosing frequency). - Morning + early afternoon dosing typically sufficient. - Some users find 200 mcg per nostril BID provides all-day anxiolytic coverage. - Cycle: 30-60 days ON, 2-4 weeks OFF (though many experienced users run continuously with periodic breaks). **Subcutaneous Selank (Less Common)** - 250-500 mcg SC daily. - Higher bioavailability than intranasal but less convenient. - Some practitioners prefer SC for patients who don't tolerate nasal sprays or need more reliable dosing. ### Cycling Protocols - **Standard**: 30 days ON, 14 days OFF. - **Extended**: 60 days ON, 30 days OFF (for chronic generalized anxiety). - **As-needed**: Single doses for acute anxiety situations — presentations, social events, stressful meetings. No cycling needed for occasional use. - **Continuous use**: Some experienced users and practitioners run N-Acetyl Selank Amidate continuously for months with periodic 1-week breaks every 8-12 weeks. No dependency or withdrawal reported, but long-term data is limited. ### Stacking Combinations **Anxiolytic + Cognitive Stack (Most Popular)** - Selank 400-800 mcg intranasal (anxiolytic + BDNF) - + Semax 600-900 mcg intranasal (BDNF + dopamine + focus) - This is the classic Selank/Semax combination used by thousands of practitioners and biohackers. They complement each other perfectly: Selank provides calm focus, Semax provides drive and mental clarity. - Administer both in the same session: Selank first (in one nostril), wait 5 minutes, Semax (in other nostril). **Deep Anxiolytic Stack** - Selank 600-800 mcg intranasal BID - + L-theanine 200-400 mg BID - + Magnesium glycinate 600 mg at bedtime - + Ashwagandha KSM-66 600 mg daily - For patients with significant anxiety who want to avoid or taper benzodiazepines. **Full Nootropic Stack** - Selank 400-600 mcg intranasal daily - + Semax 600-900 mcg intranasal daily - + Cerebrolysin 5-10 mL IM daily (10-20 day course) - + Dihexa 10 mg oral daily - This is the "everything" stack for maximum cognitive enhancement. Run for 10-20 day courses. ### Storage & Reconstitution - **Premade nasal spray**: Refrigerate (2-8°C). Use within 30-60 days once opened. Some products contain preservatives that extend shelf life. - **Lyophilized powder**: Store at -20°C until reconstitution. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Refrigerate after reconstitution, use within 30 days. - **Nasal spray preparation**: Reconstituted Selank can be loaded into a nasal spray bottle (0.1 mL per spray = 100-200 mcg per spray depending on concentration). Metered-dose nasal spray bottles available from lab supply companies. - Do NOT freeze reconstituted solutions. ### What Experienced Users Report - Calm, clear-headed focus without sedation or cognitive impairment. - Reduced social anxiety — easier conversation, less self-consciousness. - Improved stress tolerance — stressful situations feel more manageable. - Subtle mood lift without euphoria. - Improved sleep quality (likely secondary to reduced anxiety/cortisol). - No withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation (confirmed in clinical data and anecdotal reports). - Many users describe it as "what they wish benzodiazepines did" — anxiety relief without the cognitive fog, sedation, or addiction.
Dosing Protocols
- Dose
- 250mcg
- Frequency
- 1-3x daily
- Timing
- Morning and/or early afternoon for cognitive support; avoid late evening to prevent overstimulation
- Route
- intranasal
- Cycle
- 4-12 weeks
Nasal spray timing aligns with daytime cognitive demands; cortisol rhythm supports morning dosing for anxiety reduction
- Dose
- 500mcg
- Frequency
- 2-3x daily
- Timing
- Morning, midday, and early afternoon; space doses 4-6 hours apart
- Route
- intranasal
- Cycle
- 4-12 weeks
Higher dose and frequency for anxiety; multiple daily doses maintain stable anxiolytic effect throughout the day
Contraindications & Cautions
- hard stop — PregnancyNo adequate human safety data during pregnancy. Neuroactive peptide effects on fetal neurodevelopment unknown.Action: Do not use during pregnancy. Discontinue if pregnancy is detected.
- hard stop — BreastfeedingNo data on excretion in breast milk. Neuroactive peptide exposure in nursing infant poses unknown risk.Action: Do not use while breastfeeding.
- hard stop — Under 18 years of agePeptide protocols are not designed for pediatric use. Neuroactive peptide effects on developing brain unknown.Action: Do not provide peptide protocols to individuals under 18.
Evidence
- moderate
Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects
Panikratova YR, Lebedeva IS, Sokolov OY, Rumshiskaya AD, Kupriyanov DA, Kost NV, Myasoedov NF (2020) — Dokl Biol Sci — PMID: 32342318
Selank and Semax both altered resting-state fMRI functional connectivity between right amygdala and temporal cortex within 20 minutes of intranasal administration in 52 healthy participants. Each peptide showed distinct connectivity patterns — Selank predominantly anxiolytic (amygdala-focused); Semax more prefrontal/executive (DLPFC). First direct neuroimaging evidence of distinct mechanisms.
- moderate
Filatova E, Kasian A, Kolomin T, Rybalkina E, Alieva A, Andreeva L, Limborska S, Myasoedov N, Pavlova G, Slominsky P, Shadrina M (2017) — Front Pharmacol — PMID: 28293190
Selank affects GABAergic system via modulation of GABA-receptor interactions rather than direct mRNA level changes. Combined Selank+GABA nearly completely suppressed GABA-induced gene expression changes, suggesting Selank modulates GABA receptor binding. Selank may enhance effects of olanzapine (antipsychotic) on GABAergic gene expression.
- moderate
Kasian A, Kolomin T, Andreeva L, Bondarenko E, Myasoedov N, Slominsky P, Shadrina M (2017) — Behav Neurol — PMID: 28280289
In chronic mild stress conditions, Selank alone was most effective at reducing elevated anxiety. Selank+diazepam combination normalized anxiety levels fully to pre-stress baseline. Selank monotherapy produced less tolerance/rebound than diazepam alone. Supports anxiolytic efficacy comparable to benzodiazepines with potentially safer profile.
- moderate
Medvedev VE, Tereshchenko ON, Israelian AIu, Chobanu IK, Kost NV, Sokolov OIu, Miasoedov NF (2014) — Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova — PMID: 25176261
Selank demonstrated pronounced anxiolytic and mild nootropic effects in 60 patients with phobic-anxiety and somatoform disorders. Anxiolytic effect lasted one week after last dose. Positive impact on quality of life. Comparable efficacy to phenazepam (benzodiazepine) with better tolerability profile.
- moderate
Zozulya AA, Gabaeva MV, Sokolov OY, Surkina ID, Kost NV (2008) — Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine — PMID: 19110579
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) demonstrated significant anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedative or muscle relaxant properties. Clinical studies showed reduction in anxiety scores (Hamilton Anxiety Scale) in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Mechanism involves modulation of GABA, serotonin, and enkephalin systems. Approved as anxiolytic nasal spray in Russia.
Stacks featuring this peptide
The classic Russian nootropic duo. Semax (ACTH 4-10 analog) directly enhances focus, memory consolidation, and BDNF expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Selank (tuftsin analog) reduces anxiety and mental noise via GABAergic modulation and enkephalin stabilization — clearing the cognitive runway for Semax to work. The combination addresses both sides of cognitive performance: the "accelerator" (Semax for focus and processing speed) and the "brake release" (Selank for anxiety reduction). Both are intranasal, both are approved medications in Russia with extensive safety data.
Targets the bidirectional gut-brain axis — gut inflammation drives anxiety/depression via vagal afferents and inflammatory cytokines crossing the blood-brain barrier, while stress/anxiety increases intestinal permeability and inflammation via the HPA axis. BPC-157 heals the gut mucosa and has documented gastroprotective effects (animal studies show complete reversal of NSAID-induced gut damage). KPV (alpha-MSH fragment) suppresses intestinal NF-κB, reducing the inflammatory signaling that reaches the brain. Selank (tuftsin analog) reduces anxiety and normalizes cortisol — breaking the stress → gut permeability → inflammation → more stress cycle from the brain side. Treating both ends of the axis simultaneously produces faster resolution than targeting either alone.
Designed for women experiencing hormonal disruption — whether from stress, perimenopause, or hypothalamic amenorrhea. Kisspeptin-10 is the master regulator of GnRH pulsatility and can restore normal LH/FSH cycling in hypothalamic amenorrhea (Dhillo et al., JCEM). Selank addresses the stress/anxiety component that often drives hypothalamic suppression — elevated cortisol directly inhibits kisspeptin neurons. Oxytocin intranasal supports mood, social bonding, and has been shown to reduce cortisol and anxiety. Together: restore the hormonal axis (kisspeptin), remove the cortisol brake (selank), and support emotional wellbeing (oxytocin).
Designed specifically for female sexual health and overall vitality. PT-141 (bremelanotide) is the only FDA-approved peptide for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women (Vyleesi). It works centrally on MC4R to increase sexual desire — not arousal mechanics. Oxytocin intranasal enhances emotional connection, bonding, and reduces the performance anxiety that can inhibit female sexual response. Selank addresses stress and anxiety — the #1 libido killer in women — by modulating GABA and reducing cortisol. Ipamorelin at bedtime optimizes GH for energy, body composition confidence, and overall wellbeing. Addresses desire (PT-141), connection (oxytocin), anxiety (selank), and vitality (GH).
Selank and Semax target complementary pathways in the brain. Semax increases BDNF and modulates serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, enhancing focus, memory formation, and neuroplasticity. Selank acts on GABAergic pathways to reduce anxiety while also modulating IL-6 and other inflammatory cytokines in the CNS. Together they provide a calm-focus state — enhanced cognitive performance without the jitteriness of stimulants.
Selank (anxiolytic + cognitive via tuftsin/GABA modulation) + Semax (nootropic + BDNF via ACTH fragment activity) + Cerebrolysin (neurotrophic cocktail mimicking NGF/BDNF/GDNF). Selank addresses anxiety that impairs cognition, Semax directly enhances focus and memory, Cerebrolysin provides long-term neuroprotection and synaptic remodeling.
Research Summary
## Research Summary — Selank ### Tier 1: Randomized Controlled Trials - **Multiple Russian RCTs (2005-2015)**: Selank 0.15% nasal spray in generalized anxiety disorder — efficacy comparable to medazepam (benzodiazepine) without sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence. These studies led to Russian regulatory approval in 2009. - **Zozulya et al., Bull Exp Biol Med 2008**: Selank normalized anxiety and emotional state in patients with anxiety-phobic disorders. Improved BDNF and serotonin metabolite profiles. - **Seredenin & Kozlovskaya, Psychiatry (Russia) 2012**: Review of clinical trial data supporting anxiolytic efficacy with cognitive-enhancing properties. ### Tier 2: Systematic Reviews & Key Studies - **Uchakina et al., Regul Pept 2001**: Characterized Selank's immunomodulatory properties — IL-6 modulation, interferon-alpha expression changes. - **Kozlovskii & Danchev, Neurosci Behav Physiol 2003**: Selank improved learning and memory in animal models alongside anxiolytic effects. - **Sarkisova et al., Bull Exp Biol Med 2008**: Selank demonstrated antidepressant-like activity in WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy with depression comorbidity. - Multiple preclinical studies confirming GABAergic modulation, enkephalin stabilization, and BDNF upregulation as primary mechanisms. ### Tier 3: Case Reports & Practitioner Protocols - Thousands of anecdotal reports from the nootropic/biohacking community. Consistently rated among the most effective and well-tolerated anxiolytic peptides. - Practitioners report: effective for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, performance anxiety, and stress-related insomnia. Does not impair cognition. - The Selank + Semax combination is considered the "bread and butter" nootropic peptide stack in practitioner circles. - N-Acetyl Selank Amidate (NASA) is reported as significantly more potent and longer-lasting by experienced users, though it lacks independent clinical study. - Some practitioners successfully use Selank as part of benzodiazepine tapering protocols — the non-sedating anxiolytic effect helps bridge the gap. ### Gaps - Russian clinical trial data is not fully accessible in English and has not been independently replicated in Western populations. - N-Acetyl and N-Acetyl Amidate forms have no clinical trial data — all evidence is anecdotal. - Head-to-head comparison with SSRIs or SNRIs for anxiety disorders has not been done. - Long-term safety data (>2 years) is limited. - Optimal dosing for different anxiety subtypes not established. ### Active Trials - No trials currently registered on ClinicalTrials.gov for Selank. - The Institute of Molecular Genetics (Moscow) continues research. - Growing Western academic interest in tuftsin-derived peptides for neuropsychiatric applications.