Selank

In simple words

Selank is a Russian peptide given as nose drops; it is registered as an anti-anxiety drug. It is studied as a way to reduce anxiety without drowsiness or dependence and to gently improve attention.

What this molecule is

Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (7 aa) + tuftsin analog. Registered in Russia as an anxiolytic. ~863 Da.

Why it is studied

A registered anxiolytic without sedation or dependence. Clinical data: anxiety disorders, PTSD, benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Moderate ↑IL-6 (immune stimulation). Cognitive improvement: attention + working memory without a sedative effect.

How it works

↑GABA-A receptors (not via the benzodiazepine site) → anxiolysis without sedation. Enkephalinergic activation → ↑β-endorphin → ↓anxiety + ↑motivation. ↑IL-6 → ↑BDNF → neurogenesis. ↓dopamine breakdown (↓MAO-A).

Doses used in studies

Studies used intranasal 0.1% solution at 250-750 mcg (3-9 drops), 2-3 times/day, for a course of 10-14 days. For acute anxiety, a single dose of 250 mcg was used.

Combined with in studies

• Semax — morning: concentration; evening: Selank ↓anxiety
• Dihexa — cognition + anxiolysis
• DSIP — sleep: anxiolytic → easier falling asleep

Level of evidence

Level B Human observational data. There are studies in humans, but they are small, uncontrolled, or cohort studies. The data are encouraging but need confirmation. Registered drug in Russia. Clinical case series in anxiety disorders and PTSD.

Important to know

⚠️ Does not cause tolerance or dependence (unlike benzodiazepines). A mild cognitive boost without stimulation. In protocols, it is combined with Semax in the morning.

Studies in PubMed

1. [Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia]. (Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 2008)
2. [A comparison of the anxiolytic effect and tolerability of selank and phenazepam in the treatment of anxiety disorders]. (Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 2014)
3. Selank, a Peptide Analog of Tuftsin, Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in Rats. (Bull Exp Biol Med, 2022)
4. The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of "Social" Stress. (Curr Rev Clin Exp Pharmacol, 2021)
5. Selank, Peptide Analogue of Tuftsin, Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Memory Impairment by Regulating of BDNF Content in the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex in Rats. (Bull Exp Biol Med, 2019)