Selank
Research OnlyA synthetic heptapeptide derived from the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed by Russian researchers and approved in Russia since 2009 for anxiety and neurasthenia. Demonstrates anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence liability. Extensive Russian clinical research supports efficacy, though Western independent replication remains limited.
TP-7 · Selanc · Threonyl-Lysyl-Prolyl-Arginyl-Prolyl-Glycyl-Proline
5 human studies
- Preclinical
- 80%
- Clinical
- 20%
Based on 25 cited sources
clinically demonstrated · low confidence
Demonstrated effect magnitude — not a recommendation or safety claim.
Research Depth 63: best human evidence is a single adequately-powered active- comparator RCT (Zozulia 2008, PMID:18454096, n=62 Selank vs medazepam, 1A=28) plus a placebo-controlled human fMRI study (PMID:32342318, n=52); Russian small-RCT methods rated "some concerns" (1B=10), total human N in the 50-300 band (1C=6), direct anxiety population/route/outcome (1D=12), and a substantial single-cluster preclinical program (1E=7). Mechanism 70: measured enkephalinase inhibition (IC50 ~15 uM, PMID:11550013) plus functional GABA-A subunit gene-expression modulation (PMID:26924987) gives binding+functional confirmation without knockout (2A=30); most of the proximal chain mapped (2B=18); dose-response in vitro and in vivo (2C=13); confirmed in mammalian in-vivo models (2D=9). Plausibility 82: mechanism->surrogate->clinical anxiety benefit largely supported (3A=30), fully coherent with GABAergic/enkephalinergic anxiety biology (3B=24), strong same-class analogy to benzodiazepines (3C=17), moderately broad claim set spanning anxiolysis/cognition/mood/immune (3D=11). Global Coverage 44: replication confined to a Moscow institutional cluster (4A=12), 1-2 countries (4B=8), ~25 diverse studies (4C=14), Russian regulatory approval since 2009 (4D=10). Community Experience 71: broad sustained nootropic- community use >7 years, broadly consistent "anxiolysis without sedation" themes, no recurring serious adverse signal (5A=22/5B=24/5C=14/5D=11). Effectiveness clinical basis: one small Russian RCT shows anxiolytic effect comparable to medazepam with HAM-A reductions (E1~18/E2~14/E3~13/E4~12 ≈ 55), confidence low given single small non-Western RCT and no independent Western replication.
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension that confers CNS activity and enhanced stability. Unlike traditional anxiolytics that directly bind receptors, Selank works primarily through gene expression modulation, producing sustained effects without tolerance or dependence.
How It Works (Simplified)
Modulates gene expression of GABA-A receptor subunits, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission for calming effects without the sedation or dependence of benzodiazepines.
Inhibits enzymes that degrade enkephalins, allowing your natural “feel-good” opioids to work longer for mood elevation and stress resilience.
Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, supporting memory consolidation, learning, and neuroplasticity.
Modulates 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor expression, contributing to mood stabilization and anxiolytic effects similar to buspirone but at the transcriptional level.
Key Research: Zozulia AA et al. (2008) demonstrated anxiolytic efficacy comparable to medazepam in 62 patients with generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia, with additional antiasthenic effects. PMID:18454096
Important Limitations
- Most clinical research originates from Russian institutions with limited Western replication
- Approved in Russia (2009) but not by FDA, EMA, or other Western regulatory agencies
- Many primary studies published only in Russian, limiting accessibility
- Long-term effects beyond 14-day treatment courses less well characterized
- Gene expression mechanism means onset takes days rather than minutes
Reported positives
- Reduced anxiety without sedation frequently reported
- Improved focus and cognitive clarity noted
- Better stress management and emotional stability
- Nasal administration convenient
Reported negatives
- Effects subtle compared to pharmaceutical anxiolytics
- Short duration of action
- Some users report fatigue at higher amounts
- Limited supplier quality control
“Often compared to and stacked with semax. Favored for anxiolytic effects in nootropic communities.”
Self-reported, unverified accounts — not clinical evidence and no substitute for the cited research. Anecdotes are prone to selection bias and placebo effects.
Gene expression modulation begins. Unlike fast-acting anxiolytics, Selank works through transcriptional changes requiring time for protein synthesis. Minimal acute effects expected as GABA receptor subunit genes begin modulation.
PMID:26924987Initial anxiolytic effects may emerge as GABA-A receptor subunit changes accumulate. Russian clinical protocols typically use 14-day courses. Enkephalin levels begin rising due to aminopeptidase inhibition.
PMID:18454096Clinical trials show significant HAM-A score reductions by end of 14-day treatment. BDNF upregulation contributing to cognitive improvements. Mood stabilization from serotonin receptor modulation.
PMID:18454096Sustained anxiolytic effects with continued administration. No tolerance development observed in clinical studies. Cognitive benefits become more apparent with improved memory consolidation.
PMID:25176261Effects may persist beyond treatment cessation due to gene expression changes. No withdrawal symptoms reported, distinguishing Selank from benzodiazepines. Duration of post-treatment benefit not well characterized.
Research-based observations
This timeline reflects observations from published clinical and preclinical studies. Individual responses may vary significantly. This is not a guarantee of effects or a dosing schedule. Consult qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance.
Good Signs (7 indicators)
Warning Signs (6 indicators)
Bad Signs (7 indicators)
For Research Evaluation Only
These quality indicators are general guidelines based on typical peptide characteristics. Professional laboratory testing (HPLC, mass spectrometry) provides definitive quality verification. This checklist is for initial visual evaluation only.
Semax
SynergisticBoth Russian regulatory peptides with complementary effects - Selank provides anxiolysis while Semax enhances cognition. Often used together in Russian clinical practice.
Epithalon
CompatibleBoth Russian bioregulator peptides with distinct targets - Selank for anxiety via GABA modulation, epithalon for longevity via telomerase. No known interactions.
Thymosin-Alpha-1
CompatibleBoth have immunomodulatory properties - Selank via tuftsin backbone, Ta1 as primary function. May have complementary immune effects.
BPC-157
CompatibleDifferent primary targets - Selank for CNS anxiolysis, BPC-157 for tissue repair. BPC-157's reported CNS effects may complement Selank's anxiolytic action.
LL-37
CompatibleSelank retains immunomodulatory properties from tuftsin backbone; LL-37 provides direct antimicrobial effects. Different immune modulation pathways.
Research Note: Interaction data is based on published literature, mechanistic understanding, and theoretical considerations. Most peptide combinations lack direct clinical study. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers.
Key Studies Cited
Full reference list available on request. All citations link to PubMed for verification.
This dossier synthesizes available evidence from peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, and clinical trial registries. Evidence strength ratings follow a modified GRADE approach.
For complete methodology details, see our Methodology page.
Important Disclaimer
This dossier is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.
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