Selank

Anxiolytic & Nootropic Peptide · Tuftsin Analog

Overview

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the naturally occurring immune peptide tuftsin, developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences. It provides anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation, amnesia, tolerance, or withdrawal.

Works through allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors, serotonin and dopamine system optimization, enkephalin degradation inhibition, IL-6 and cytokine balance regulation, and BDNF upregulation in the hippocampus.

Clinical trials show significant reduction in anxiety symptoms comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation or amnesia.

Research indicates effectiveness in PTSD treatment.

Reduces anticipatory anxiety and performance stress.

Improves memory consolidation and learning capacity.

Mechanism

Clinical trials show significant reduction in anxiety symptoms comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation or amnesia.

Research areas

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the naturally occurring immune peptide tuftsin, developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences. It provides anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation, amnesia, tolerance, or withdrawal.
Works through allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors, serotonin and dopamine system optimization, enkephalin degradation inhibition, IL-6 and cytokine balance regulation, and BDNF upregulation in the hippocampus.
Clinical trials show significant reduction in anxiety symptoms comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation or amnesia.
Research indicates effectiveness in PTSD treatment.
Reduces anticipatory anxiety and performance stress.
Improves memory consolidation and learning capacity.
Enhanced sustained attention during demanding cognitive tasks.
BDNF upregulation supports long-term brain health.
Balances immune system function through cytokine regulation.
Shows activity against influenza, HSV, and cytomegalovirus.
Modulates inflammatory gene expression.

Research notes

Minimal side effects - excellent safety profile
No sedation or cognitive impairment
No tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal
Severe allergic reactions (rash, breathing difficulty, swelling)
Persistent injection site reactions or infection signs
Unusual mood changes or increased anxiety
Severe headaches or neurological symptoms
Contaminated product signs (unusual smell, cloudiness)
Unexplained fatigue or cognitive impairment
Skin reactions or immune hypersensitivity
Known peptide allergies
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Consult healthcare provider with multiple psychiatric medications
Selank avoids the tolerance and dependence issues of benzodiazepines, but the file specifically recommends limiting cycles to 2-3 weeks with breaks between them. This suggests potential GABAergic desensitization is possible with continuous use, though not true pharmacological tolerance. Cycling prevents this.
Yes, potentially more so. Intranasal offers fastest onset (15-30 minutes) with 4-6 hour duration, while injection takes 30-60 minutes but may last longer. Both are effective—choose based on how quickly you need relief. Nasal is better for as-needed anxiety; injection is better for daily protocols.

AXIOM catalogue

Selank — research-use catalogue record with strengths and available batch details where listed.

References

FAQs

Will Selank help with PTSD, or is it just for generalized anxiety?

Selank is documented to help PTSD. Research shows effectiveness in PTSD treatment (rated as 'effective'). It modulates stress response through multiple systems (GABA, serotonin, dopamine, BDNF), which addresses trauma-related dysregulation. However, it's typically used alongside proper PTSD therapy, not as sole treatment.

How does Selank's 30% BDNF increase compare to other nootropics?

It's significant. A 30% increase in hippocampal BDNF supports neuroplasticity and long-term potentiation (learning/memory). Semax shows similar effects. Compounds like noopept also increase BDNF, but through different pathways. Selank's unique value is anxiety relief plus BDNF elevation without sedation—a rare combination.