Selank
A tuftsin-related synthetic heptapeptide developed in Russia as an anxiolytic, studied for anxiety-spectrum and cognitive effects.
Overview
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide structurally related to tuftsin, developed in Russia as an anxiolytic agent with proposed cognitive-supporting activity. It is used clinically in Russia for anxiety-spectrum conditions and is distributed internationally as a research peptide. Its pharmacology centers on modulation of neuropeptide and monoamine systems rather than classic GABAergic targets.
Mechanism
Selank is reported to influence enzymes that degrade enkephalins and to modulate brain monoamine metabolism, including serotonin and dopamine pathways, with effects on BDNF expression and neuroplasticity proposed in animal work. The peptide shows anxiolytic-like activity in rodent behavioral tests without pronounced sedation, which has driven interest in its mechanism of action.
Dosing
Clinical use in Russia has typically involved intranasal administration over short courses. Research protocols vary, and there is no internationally standardized research dose.
- Intranasal delivery is the most common route in reported human use
- Animal behavioral studies use systemic injection at species-specific doses
- Treatment courses in reported clinical practice are typically brief, ranging from days to weeks
Expected Effects
- Anxiolytic-like behavior in rodent models with less sedation than benzodiazepine comparators
- Reduced anxiety scores reported in small Russian clinical studies
- Proposed improvements in attention and memory in some studies
Side Effects & Tolerability
Reported tolerability is generally good, and no major adverse events are documented in the available Russian clinical literature. As with related research peptides, independent large-scale safety data are limited.
Storage
Lyophilized peptide should be stored cold, dry, and protected from light. Reconstituted solutions are typically aliquoted and refrigerated or frozen, avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles.