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Selank

Cognitive
·752 Da·7 amino acids·C₃₃H₅₇N₁₁O₉
Peptide Database
4Mechanisms
5Benefits
18Studies
6Dosages

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is a stabilized analog of the naturally occurring immunopeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg, a fragment of IgG heavy chain), extended with Pro-Gly-Pro at the C-terminus to improve metabolic stability.

SequenceTKPRPGP
Research Dosage Notes

Primarily administered intranasally. Russian clinical formulation: 0.15% solution, 2 drops (75 mcg/drop) per nostril, 3 times daily for up to 14 days. Research dosages: 250-500 mcg per session, 2-3 times daily. Higher doses up to 750-1000 mcg for severe anxiety. Maximum studied: 2700 mcg/day (split across 3 administrations) for up to 21 days. Cycling recommended: 1-3 weeks off between 14-day courses to avoid GABAergic desensitization.

Mechanisms of Action

4

GABAergic system modulation

Moderate

Acts through allosteric modulation of the GABAergic system, influencing the expression of genes involved in GABA neurotransmission. Produces anxiolytic effects similar to benzodiazepines but without sedation, amnesia, or dependence.

GABA-A receptor / GABAergic signaling

Monoamine neurotransmitter modulation

Moderate

Influences concentrations of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, and induces metabolism of serotonin. This modulation contributes to its anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects.

Serotonergic / dopaminergic systems

BDNF upregulation

Moderate

Rapidly elevates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, supporting neuronal growth, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function.

BDNF / TrkB signaling

Immune modulation via cytokine regulation

Moderate

Modulates the expression of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and affects the balance of T helper cell cytokines, reflecting its origin as a tuftsin analog with immunomodulatory properties.

IL-6 / T-helper cell cytokine balance

Benefits

5
75

Anxiety reduction

Cognitive

Produces anxiolytic effects comparable to low-dose benzodiazepines without the associated side effects of amnesia, withdrawal, or dependence. Enhances the effect of diazepam in animal models of chronic mild stress.

Moderate
65

Cognitive enhancement

Cognitive

Enhances memory and learning in animal models through BDNF upregulation and monoamine modulation. Promotes cognitive stability and emotional balance through neurotransmitter regulation.

Moderate
60

Antidepressant-like effects

Cognitive

Produces antidepressant-like effects in animal models of depression and anhedonia, likely mediated through serotonergic and dopaminergic modulation.

Moderate
60

Immune system support

Immune

As a tuftsin analog, modulates immune function through IL-6 regulation and T-helper cell cytokine balance, potentially supporting immune resilience.

Moderate
55

Stress resilience

Cognitive

Improves adaptive capacity under conditions of chronic unpredictable stress, supporting emotional stability and cognitive performance under pressure.

Emerging

Dosage Data

6
0.3
Human

Study: Activity of a peptide tuftsin analogue Selank was studied in outbred rats using ... Year: 2022 | Route: intraperitoneal

2
Human

Study: Activity of a peptide tuftsin analogue Selank was studied in outbred rats using ... Year: 2022 | Route: intraperitoneal

100
Human

Study: It was previously thought that inflammation and an immune response were the only... Year: 2021

0.3
Human

Study: The effects of a peptide anxiolytic Selank synthesized on the basis of the endog... Year: 2019

100
Animal

Study: Previous studies have shown that synthetic tuftsin analogue Selank and its fragm... Year: 2014 | Route: intraperitoneal

400
Animal

Study: The actions of the synthetic heptapeptide preparation Selank on learning and mem... Year: 2003

Research Studies

18
2026

Therapeutic peptides are emerging as promising adjuncts in the management of orthopaedic injuries, g...

Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews · Omar F Rahman, Steven J Lee, William A Seeds

2022

Activity of a peptide tuftsin analogue Selank was studied in outbred rats using the naloxone-precipi...

Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · M A Konstantinopolsky, I V Chernyakova, L G Kolik

2021

It was previously thought that inflammation and an immune response were the only factors capable of ...

Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology · Yasenyavskaya A Leonidovna, Samotrueva M Aleksandrovna, Tsib...

2021

There are many nonopioid central nervous system depressant substances that share a gamma-aminobutyri...

Journal of clinical pharmacology · Cassandra R Doyno, C Michael White

2020

The present study was aimed at the assessment of effects of anxiolytic Selank and nootropic Semax on...

Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections · Ya R Panikratova, I S Lebedeva, O Yu Sokolov, A D Rumshiskay...

This database is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.

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