WHAT IS SELANK

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (composed of 7 amino acids) developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  It was designed as a non-sedating anxiolytic alternative to benzodiazepines and antidepressants. 

Structure and Designed Function

• Natural Base: Selank is a synthetic peptide derived from tuftsin, an immunomodulatory peptide naturally produced in the body (its sequence is based on the naturally occurring Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg peptide). 

•  Structural Modification: It includes a Pro-Gly-Pro fragment added to the C-terminus of the tuftsin sequence. 

• Purpose: This modification was engineered to increase its metabolic stability and prolong its duration of action within the body, allowing it to enhance both neurological and immune function. 

WHAT DOES SELANK DO?

Selank works by modulating several key neurological and immune pathways, offering a multi-layered approach to cognitive and emotional regulation. Unlike conventional anti-anxiety medications, which often act as sedatives or blunt neurotransmitter activity, Selank enhances natural balance and signaling efficiency in the brain.

Selank's primary biological effects are realized in the Central Nervous System (CNS), where it regulates neurotransmitter and gene expression profiles linked to anxiety and stress.

Neurological Mechanism of Action

• GABAergic Modulation (Anxiolytic Action): Selank acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor. This action enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA (the brain's chief calming neurotransmitter), producing anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines but without the associated sedation, memory impairment, or risk of dependence.

• Monoamine Regulation: It influences the metabolism and concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters (Dopamine and Serotonin) in brain structures involved in emotional regulation, contributing to its antidepressant and psycho-stimulant properties.

• Enkephalin Protection: Selank inhibits enzymes responsible for the degradation of endogenous enkephalins (natural opioid peptides). This protection prolongs the effect of the body's natural stress and pain relievers.

• Neurogenesis and BDNF: It rapidly elevates the expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, promoting neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and enhancing cognitive function.

BENEFITS/ CLINICAL TRIALS

Selank is ideal for individuals seeking non-stimulant cognitive enhancement, improved emotional balance, and better mental performance—especially under chronic stress or fatigue. While it is not physically performance-enhancing like growth peptides, its mental and neurological benefits can have a profound impact on lifestyle, focus, and recovery. Selank is licensed for medical use in certain countries (EX: Russia) for anxiety and neuro-asthenic disorders.

Key Benefits Observed in Clinical Trials

• Anxiety and Stress Reduction: Selank's most well-documented effect is its ability to reduce anxiety without sedation. Clinical studies comparing Selank to traditional anxiolytics (Medazepam) showed comparable efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms, stress, and fear reactions. Crucially, clinical data consistently highlight that Selank achieves its anxiolytic effect without causing the typical side effects of benzodiazepines, such as sedation, amnesia, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms.

• Enhanced Focus and Mental Clarity (Nootropic Effects): By modulating dopamine and serotonin, Selank supports clear thinking, alertness, and concentration—without the crash or jitteriness associated with stimulants or racetams. It provides positive effects on mnestic (memory), cognitive functions, learning processes, and attention, particularly under conditions of functional load or stress. This is especially beneficial for entrepreneurs, students, and high-stress professionals.

• Mood Stabilization and Resilience: Selank helps buffer emotional reactivity, reduce cortisol-related mood swings, and improve general resilience to psychological stress. It exhibits antidepressant like effects in animal models and reduces symptoms of neurasthenia (a condition characterized by chronic fatigue and weakness). This makes it a great option for individuals navigating burnout, adrenal fatigue, or seasonal affective disorders.

• Cognitive Recovery and Neuroprotection: In preclinical models, Selank supports neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, suggesting it may aid in cognitive recovery after trauma, illness, or chronic overwork.

• Immunomodulation: Retaining activity from its Tuftsin precursor, Selank has demonstrated immunotropic activity, including the ability to influence cytokine expression and induce interferon secretion to support antiviral defense.

SIDE EFFECTS

Selank is characterized by excellent tolerability and minimal side effects, even when used long-term in clinical studies.

Commonly Reported Side Effects

• CNS Effects (Transient): The most common adverse effect is mild overstimulation, which is sometimes described as a psycho-stimulant effect rather than a sedative. This is transient and resolves upon cessation.

• Neurological: Headache (often attributed to dehydration or stacking with other nootropics).

• General: Fatigue or overstimulation (rare, dose-dependent).

• Nasal Use: Mild nasal irritation (if using intranasal spray).

• Local Reactions: Injection site reactions (ISRs) if administered via SubQ injection.

• Emotional: In very high doses, some users anecdotally report emotional blunting or emotional flatness.

Interactions and Safety Caution

• Drug Interactions: Caution is advised regarding potential interactions with other GABAergic drugs, although studies suggest Selank's binding site on the receptor does not entirely overlap with those of benzodiazepines.

IS SELANK SAFE?

Selank is a licensed drug in certain countries but is not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use in the United States.

Key Safety Advantage: No Dependency

Unlike benzodiazepines or SSRIs, Selank does not cause tolerance, dependency, or withdrawal—making it ideal for daily or cyclical use without long term suppression of natural neurotransmitter production.

• Safety Takeaway: Selank has an established, clean safety profile based on decades of use in Russian and European clinics, particularly due to the absence of dependence and withdrawal risk.

Regulatory and Legal Status

• US Status: Its use in the US is strictly experimental.

• Sale Risk: Its classification as a drug means its sale as an oral supplement in the US is illegal and poses a risk of consuming unregulated substances.

• Sourcing: Always ensure proper sourcing, as quality varies significantly among research-grade products.

Contraindications and Cautions

• CNS Depressants: Avoid stacking with central nervous system (CNS) depressants (EX: alcohol, sedatives).

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Selank has not been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.

DOSAGE

Dosing protocols for Selank are based on clinical applications using intranasal or subcutaneous routes.

Administration Routes and Frequency

• Most Common Therapeutic Route: Intranasal Drops or Spray to maximize bioavailability to the brain.

• Subcutaneous Injection: Used in some research protocols (less common).

• Cycle Length: Used in courses of 10 to 20 consecutive days for acute anxiety or stress, sometimes repeated in cycles.

Dosing Guidelines 

• Intranasal Dosing: Typically administered as 250 mcg to 500 mcg per day, divided into 2 to 3 doses.

• Subcutaneous Injection (Research):

  • Dose: 250 mcg–500 mcg once or twice daily.

  • Injectable Dosing (Protocol): Protocols often use 300 mcg/kg to 500 mcg/kg SubQ.

  • Site: Abdomen or thigh (rotate sites). 

  • Cycle: 10–20 days followed by a break.

Best Practices for Timing 

• Focus Enhancement: Use morning and mid-afternoon for focus enhancement.

• Relaxation: Evening use may promote relaxation but may also interfere with sleep in sensitive individuals due to its psycho-stimulant properties.

RECONSTITUTION

Selank is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder for SubQ injection or as a pre-mixed liquid solution for intranasal administration.

Reconstitution Fluid and Dilution

• Reconstitution Fluid: Use sterile or bacteriostatic water (BAC Water) or saline.

• Standard SubQ Dilution (EXAMPLE: 10 mg Vial): For a 10 mg vial, adding 1 mL of BAC water results in a highly concentrated stock solution of 10 mg/mL.

• Custom SubQ Dilution (EX: 11 mg Vial): Adding 1.1 mL of BAC water to an 11 mg (11,000 mcg) vial results in a concentration of 10 mg/mL, or 100 mcg per unit on an insulin syringe.

• Intranasal Preparation: For nasal drops or spray, the powder is diluted to a very low concentration (EX: 0.1 percent to 1 percent solution) using sterile water.

• Mixing Technique: Inject the BAC Water slowly down the side of the vial. DO NOT SHAKE vigorously. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is completely dissolved into a clear solution.

Post-Reconstitution Storage 

• Storage: Store the solution in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).

• Stability: Stability in liquid form is limited, especially for nasal solutions, so prompt use is recommended.

WHERE TO BUY SELANK

Researchers should always vet their sources to ensure that a few key factors are present in their test subjects. With the rise in peptide popularity in recent years, many companies have created peptides that undergo little to no testing, quality standards, or regulations. As it is not regulated by the FDA, researchers must do their due diligence and look closely at the company's practices and standards. 

When selecting a supplier for Selank, focus on transparency and quality assurance, not customer testimonials:

1. Quality Documentation: A reputable supplier must provide:
   •  Certificate of Analysis (COA): This document must be recent (corresponding to the batch/lot number purchased) and demonstrate a minimum purity of >95% via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) testing.
   • Mass Spectrometry (MS) Data: The COA must include mass spectrometry (MS) confirmation to verify the compound’s exact molecular weight, confirming its chemical identity.
   • Contaminant Testing: Look for reports on heavy metals, microbial load, and solvent residues (e.g., residual trifluoroacetic acid, or TFA). The presence of these contaminants can severely compromise research and introduce unknown toxicity.
2. Vendor Verification and Transparency 

   • Specialization: Prioritize vendors who specialize in the manufacturing and distribution of peptides for academic and biotechnology research, rather than general supplement vendors.

   • Manufacturing Origin: Inquire about the source of the raw materials and the manufacturing protocols. Ideal suppliers adhere to strict quality control processes.

   • Handling & Storage: The supplier must provide clear documentation on the proper storage and handling procedures for the peptide to maintain its stability and integrity.

Conclusion on Procurement: Given the high risk of contamination, mislabeling, and legal ambiguity. The use of Selank outside of this defined research context poses unacceptable, unquantified risks to human health.

REFERENCES

• “Selank.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/11765600. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025. 
• by, Written. “Selank for Beginners: Benefits, Dosage, and How It Works.” Swolverine, swolverine.com/blogs/blog/selank-for-beginners-benefits-dosage-and-how-it-works?_pos=1&_sid=8005be3fa&_ss=r. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025. 
• Min, Dan. “Selank Peptide: Benefits, Safety & Buying Advice [2025].” Innerbody, Innerbody Research, 5 Aug. 2025, www.innerbody.com/selank-peptide. 

• The Inhibitory Effect of Selank on Enkephalin-Degrading Enzymes as a Possible Mechanism of Its Anxiolytic Activity (PubMed ID 11550013).

• MDPI (ID 1422-0067/22/18/10054). "Antistress Action of $\text{Melanocortin}$ $\text{Derivatives}$ $\text{Associated}$ with $\text{Correction}$ of $\text{Gene}$ $\text{Expression}$ $\text{Patterns}$ in $\text{the}$ $\text{Hippocampus}$ of $\text{Male}$ $\text{Rats}$ $\text{Following}$ $\text{Acute}$ $\text{Stress}$."

• ResearchGate (ID 299052506). "$\text{Efficacy}$ and $\text{possible}$ $\text{mechanisms}$ of $\text{action}$ of a $\text{new}$ $\text{peptide}$ $\text{anxiolytic}$ $\text{selank}$ in $\text{the}$ $\text{therapy}$ of $\text{generalized}$ $\text{anxiety}$ $\text{disorders}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{neurasthenia}$."

• PubMed (ID 28293190). "$\text{GABA}, \text{Selank}, \text{and}$ $\text{Olanzapine}$ $\text{Affect}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{Expression}$ of $\text{Genes}$ $\text{Involved}$ in $\text{GABAergic}$ $\text{Neurotransmission}$ in $\text{IMR}-32$ $\text{Cells}$."

• Paragon Sports Medicine. "$\text{Selank}$ $\text{Peptide}$ $\text{Calm}$ $\&$ $\text{Cognitive}$ $\text{Support}$."

• Case $\text{Integrative}$ $\text{Health}$. "$\text{Selank}$."