Selank
Selank
The anxiolytic nootropic peptide that reduces anxiety without sedation or dependence.
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Quick Reference
| Peptide Class | Heptapeptide (Tuftsin analogue) |
| Half-Life | ~1–2 minutes (nasal); longer with stabilizers |
| Administration | Intranasal spray, Subcutaneous injection |
| Typical Dosage | 250–3,000 mcg/day (nasal) |
| Cycle Length | 2–4 weeks |
| Evidence Level | Moderate Preclinical / Emerging Human |
| Legal Status | Research compound — not FDA-approved; approved in Russia for anxiety treatment |
| Approximate Cost | $30–$70 per vial |
How Selank Works
Modulates GABA-A receptor activity and increases BDNF expression; reduces anxiety through non-sedating anxiolytic mechanisms.
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from tuftsin, an endogenous immunomodulatory peptide. Its anxiolytic effects are mediated through modulation of GABA-A receptor activity — the same receptor system targeted by benzodiazepines, but through a different binding site that produces anxiolysis without sedation or dependence. Selank also increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) expression, which supports neuroplasticity and cognitive function. It modulates the enkephalin system and has demonstrated immunomodulatory effects in Russian clinical research.
Evidence Base
Preclinical Evidence
Extensive Russian preclinical data demonstrating anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation, tolerance, or withdrawal. Cognitive enhancement effects in stress models.
Human Evidence
Russian clinical trials in patients with generalized anxiety disorder show significant anxiety reduction with a favorable safety profile. No large-scale Western RCTs completed.
Anecdotal Evidence
Selank has a strong reputation in the nootropic community for producing calm, focused mental states without the sedation or cognitive impairment of benzodiazepines. Users report it as particularly effective for social anxiety and performance anxiety.
Key PubMed References:
Safety Profile
Side Effects
Generally well-tolerated. Mild nasal irritation with intranasal use. No dependence or withdrawal reported.
Contraindications
No established contraindications. Caution with concurrent benzodiazepine use.
PeptidePilot Assessment
Selank is PeptidePilot's top recommendation for users in the Cognition & Mood domain who report anxiety as their primary concern. In our algorithm, it scores highest for users who select 'Better mood and emotional balance' as their primary goal and report moderate-to-significant anxiety. It is frequently recommended alongside Semax for users who want both anxiolytic and cognitive-enhancing effects.
📊 15% of PeptidePilot users with anxiety and mood concerns receive Selank as their top match
Frequently Asked Questions
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