Family · cognitive
Selank
Heptapeptide Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro; synthetic analog of tuftsin; developed in Russia (Institute of Molecular Genetics / Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology)
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide structurally related to the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Proposed mechanisms, based mainly on Russian pharmacology research, include modulation of GABAergic and monoaminergic (serotonin/dopamine) signaling, inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes (raising endogenous leu- and met-enkephalin levels), and upregulation of BDNF expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in rodent models. It does not appear to act as a classic benzodiazepine-receptor agonist, and its full molecular target(s) remain incompletely characterized.
Evidence is limited and comes mostly from Russian-language pharmacology. Rodent studies report anxiolytic-like behavior, protection against stress- and ethanol-induced memory impairment, and increased hippocampal/prefrontal BDNF. A small (n=62) Russian clinical comparison found Selank produced anxiolytic effects similar to the benzodiazepine medazepam in generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia, with additional antiasthenic/psychostimulant effects reported by the investigators. No Western-registered randomized controlled trials, FDA/EMA review, or independent replication outside Russia have been identified. A separate rodent study suggests a synergistic effect when Selank is combined with diazepam under chronic mild stress.
- Studied in Russian clinical and animal research for generalized anxiety and stress-related states
- Investigated preclinically for effects on memory/attention and BDNF-linked neuroplasticity
Educational overview only — no dosing instructions in the public hub.
Human safety data are sparse and derive almost entirely from small, older Russian trials. Long-term safety, drug interactions, and effects in specific populations (pregnancy, hepatic/renal impairment, psychiatric comorbidities) have not been systematically studied in controlled Western research.
Any research sample should be accompanied by a third-party Certificate of Analysis (independent lab) confirming identity, purity, and quantification by mass spectrometry (MS); mislabeling and underfilling are common risks in unregulated peptide markets.
Research Use Only (RUO); not approved as a drug by the FDA, EMA, or UK MHRA. Marketed in Russia as a prescription nasal spray under the brand name Selank, a status that does not extend to the EU, US, or UK.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Selank used for?
- Studied in Russian clinical and animal research for generalized anxiety and stress-related states. Investigated preclinically for effects on memory/attention and BDNF-linked neuroplasticity. Evidence is limited and comes mostly from Russian-language pharmacology. Rodent studies report anxiolytic-like behavior, protection against stress- and ethanol-induced memory impairment, and increased hippocampal/prefrontal BDNF. A small (n=62) Russian clinical comparison found Selank produced anxiolytic effects similar to the benzodiazepine medazepam in generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia, with additional antiasthenic/psychostimulant effects reported by the investigators. No Western-registered randomized controlled trials, FDA/EMA review, or independent replication outside Russia have been identified. A separate rodent study suggests a synergistic effect when Selank is combined with diazepam under chronic mild stress.
- Is Selank legal in Europe?
- Research Use Only (RUO); not approved as a drug by the FDA, EMA, or UK MHRA. Marketed in Russia as a prescription nasal spray under the brand name Selank, a status that does not extend to the EU, US, or UK.
- What are the risks and side effects of Selank?
- Human safety data are sparse and derive almost entirely from small, older Russian trials. Long-term safety, drug interactions, and effects in specific populations (pregnancy, hepatic/renal impairment, psychiatric comorbidities) have not been systematically studied in controlled Western research.
- How is the quality of Selank assessed?
- Any research sample should be accompanied by a third-party Certificate of Analysis (independent lab) confirming identity, purity, and quantification by mass spectrometry (MS); mislabeling and underfilling are common risks in unregulated peptide markets.