What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide anxiolytic based on the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), developed and approved in Russia for generalized anxiety disorder and as an immunomodulator. It demonstrates anxiolytic and nootropic effects comparable to benzodiazepines but without the sedation, dependence potential, or memory impairment. Administered intranasally. Not FDA-approved in the US.
Mechanism of Action
Enkephalinase (neprilysin) inhibition extending endogenous enkephalin activity; modulation of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA systems; normalization of IL-6; inhibition of HIF-1α expression in stress conditions; indirect GABAergic effects
Target: Enkephalinase (neprilysin), serotonergic system, GABA modulation
Research / educational reference. Educational research index only — not medical advice. Literature maturity is not a verdict on whether a compound works in people. Community reports are not evidence of efficacy.
Evidence at a glance
Derived · maturity-1.0Human efficacy is unproven unless an approved label or completed published efficacy program says otherwise. Counts reflect indexed literature volume/kind — never a verdict on effect.
Literature maturity
nascent 25/100
PubMed hits
68
CT.gov trials
0
Strong-human apps
0
Sample papers
8
Sample articles by era
- pre-201816
- 2018-20205
- 2021-20232
Application grades (curated)
- Human-grade apps1
- Animal / in-vitro0
- Mechanistic0
Does literature support studied applications?
Grades reflect cited literature posture — not a treatment recommendation. Community notes are never efficacy evidence.
| Application | Cited evidence | Grade | Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiolytic / cognitive research (clinical exploration outside US) | Russian clinical literature explores anxiolytic effects; not FDA-approved. | Limited human | Community reports vary; not evidence of efficacy. |
Pharmacology
Mechanism of action
- •Enkephalinase (neprilysin) inhibition extending endogenous enkephalin activity; modulation of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA systems; normalization of IL-6; inhibition of HIF-1α expression in stress conditions; indirect GABAergic effects
- •Primary target framing: Enkephalinase (neprilysin), serotonergic system, GABA modulation
Half-life
~3 minutes (intranasal, active)
Identity & chemistry
- CAS
- 129954-34-3
- PubChem
- CID 11765600
- Formula
- C33H57N11O9
- Molar mass
- 751.9 Da
- InChIKey
- JTDTXGMXNXBGBZ-YVHUGQOKSA-N
Identity cross-checked with PubChem where available. Compass HTML used only as a bootstrap checklist — not republished as product copy.
Storage & stability
- Lyophilized
- 2–8°C; lyophilized typical shelf 18–24 months
- Reconstituted
- 2–8°C; in-use window often 21–30 days (product-dependent)
- Tell-tale degradation
- !Cloudiness, clumping, or particles after mixing
- !Discoloration versus the expected clear/colorless (or labeled) solution
- !Failed or incomplete reconstitution of lyophilized cake
Educational estimates. Prefer product labeling and peptide shelf-life tool.
Lab handling posture
Research / educational handling notes only. Not a substitute for an SDS.
- •Use PPE appropriate for peptide powder/solution handling
- •Avoid inhalation of lyophilized powder; handle spills per institutional policy
- •Do not present research materials as medicines
Sample indexed literature
- Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects.
Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections · 2020 · PMID 32342318
- [Comparison of anticoagulant effects of regulatory proline-containing oligopeptides. Specificity of glyprolines, semax, and selank and potential of their practical application].
Izvestiia Akademii nauk. Seriia biologicheskaia · 2006 · PMID 16634437
- Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission.
Frontiers in pharmacology · 2016 · PMID 26924987
- GABA, Selank, and Olanzapine Affect the Expression of Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission in IMR-32 Cells.
Frontiers in pharmacology · 2017 · PMID 28293190
- Peptide Selank Enhances the Effect of Diazepam in Reducing Anxiety in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Conditions in Rats.
Behavioural neurology · 2017 · PMID 28280289
- Effect of Selank on Morphological Parameters of Rat Liver in Chronic Foot-Shock Stress.
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2019 · PMID 31243679
Research Indications
Research suggests improvements in memory, focus, and cognitive processing
May protect neurons from oxidative stress and inflammatory damage
Some studies report anxiolytic and mood-stabilizing effects
Research Protocols
These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose | Low dose | Once daily | Intranasal or Injectable |
| Standard Dose | Standard | Once daily | Intranasal or Injectable |
Peptide & Drug Interactions
Always consult your healthcare provider before combining with other compounds. Use our Interaction Checker for reference.
How to Reconstitute & Inject
Use bacteriostatic (BAC) water only. Avoid saline — may cause precipitation. Refrigerate and use within 28 days.
- 1
Remove Selank vial from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes)
- 2
Clean vial top with alcohol swab and allow to air dry completely
- 3
Using a sterile syringe, draw the calculated volume of bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- 4
Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial — do not aim directly at the powder
- 5
Gently swirl in circular motions — DO NOT shake vigorously as this degrades the peptide
- 6
Allow 2–3 minutes for full dissolution — solution should be clear and colorless
- 7
Draw calculated dose into an insulin syringe for subcutaneous injection
- 8
Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
- 9
Store reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C) and use within 28 days
What to Expect
Week 1–2
Subtle mood and focus improvements may begin. Sleep quality often improves early.
Week 2–4
Increased mental clarity, word recall, and reduced brain fog reported by many.
Week 4–8
Consistent cognitive improvements. Better stress response and working memory.
Week 8+
Sustained cognitive and neurological benefits. Effects may persist post-cycle.
Side Effects & Safety
- Headache, particularly at initiation
- Mild anxiety or restlessness with some compounds
- Nasal irritation (intranasal administration)
- Sleep disturbance if dosed too close to bedtime
- Rare: Mood changes or emotional lability
FDA Status & Regulatory Info
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide anxiolytic based on the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), developed and approved in Russia for generalized anxiety disorder and as an immunomodulator. It demonstrates anxiolytic and nootropic effects comparable to benzodiazepines but without the sedation, dependence potential, or memory impairment. Administered intranasally. Not FDA-approved in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research References
External links for education only. We do not control third-party content.
Community-reported data
The information below reflects self-reported experiences from PeptIQ app users. It is not clinical evidence and should not replace professional medical advice.
Community Intelligence
What 57 users report
Overall experience
From check-in ratings — separate from side effects logged below. Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Favorable 3% · Mixed 97% · Unfavorable overall 0%
Most reported benefits
Benefits users selected when logging a favorable or mixed check-in.
Most logged side effects
Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Self-reported dose per injection
Median bucket: 0.2–0.4 mg · Most common: 0.2–0.4 mg
Reports span 0.1 to ≥ 5 mg (open-ended top bucket)
Anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users — not prescribing guidance. Buckets group similar logged amounts; open-ended top buckets mean “at least” that dose.
How repeat users are trending
Among repeat reporters, 86% said they felt similar to their last entry, 14% more positive, and 0% more negative.
Overall, repeat reporters leaned more positive than their previous entry.
Median gap between entries: 54 days · Based on 35 repeat reporters
Share Your Experience
Rate Selank in the PeptIQ app and help the community make informed decisions.
Educational information only
This page is for educational reference. It is not medical or legal advice. PeptIQ does not sell peptides or list vendors. Consult the FDA and a licensed healthcare professional for current regulations and individualized guidance.