Selank is a peptide that is known for its anxiolytic and nootropic effects. Here, researchers will find what must be known about Selank, including benefits and safety.
Selank is a synthetic analog of tuftsin, an endogenous tetrapeptide that plays a role in regulating the immune system. Some researchers informally classify Selank as a nootropic—a compound that can enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and increase mental clarity.
Selank was developed in the early 1990s at the Russian Academy of Sciences and has primarily been studied for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. It is believed to work by modulating neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA [1]. With these mechanisms, Selank can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calmness without causing sedation or impairing cognitive function.
In addition to its anxiolytic properties, Selank has also been studied for its potential benefits in reducing pain and inflammation, while enhancing the immune system [2]. It has shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, and cognitive impairments.
While Russia and a few CIS states have approved Selank for treating generalized anxiety disorder, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not reviewed Selank for any clinical use. Researchers in the U.S. should be aware that any Selank they purchase is for laboratory experimentation only.
In this guide, our team has compiled critical information about Selank peptide, including its clinically validated benefits, safety profile, dosage recommendations, and information on where qualified professionals can buy Selank online.
Selank has profound effects on cognition and is believed to act through the GABAergic system. In rat studies, Selank administration has been shown to alter the gene expression of GABA receptors, causing them to have a greater affinity for GABA. This enhances GABA’s ability to inhibit excitability in the CNS similar to the administration of benzodiazepines—although, crucially, without their associated side effects and addictive potential [1].
Selank also appears to provide protection against alcohol-induced memory loss that occurs when brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increases in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. In an experiment where rats were given only alcohol to drink for 30 weeks, rats who were also given Selank performed better on object recognition tasks, did not exhibit the same memory and attention deficits, and did not have increased BDNF compared to the untreated rats [3].
Selank may also protect enkephalins, which are endogenous peptides that help reduce pain and anxiety, by inhibiting the enzyme that degrades enkephalins. In a study on human serum levels of enkephalinase and other enzymes, Selank inhibited the degradation caused by the enzymes [4].
This was also demonstrated in a study on two types of mice: C57Bl/6 mice, who had low levels of enkephalinase, and BALB/c mice, who had high levels of enkephalinase. Selank administration had no effect on the behavior of the C57Bl/6 mice while producing a significant anxiolytic impact on the BALB/c mice due to Selank’s protective action on enkephalins [5].
As a tuftsin analog, Selank also acts on the immune system in a number of ways. For example, Selank has been found more effective at suppressing the reproduction of the H3N2 influenza strain in vitro and in vivo than recombinant IFN-α, a traditional antiviral drug [6].
The antiviral mechanism of action of Selank appears to be related to its effect on the expression of cytokine genes, which could also explain its potential to treat depression and other neurological conditions.
In a 14-day human trial, researchers administered Selank daily to one group of patients suffering from depressive disorder (and thus elevated IL-6) and one group of healthy volunteers. Selank suppressed the expression of IL-6 in the depressed group but did not affect the healthy group, pointing to its activity as both an immunomodulator and adaptogen [2].
Selank is a dynamic peptide with an array of potential applications. Fortunately, Selank has been applied in multiple human studies along with in vitro and in vivo experiments, giving researchers some idea of how subjects may respond to Selank administration.
Below are several of the most-studied benefits of Selank and summaries of scientific findings thus far:
Selank for Anxiety Reduction: Selank is reported to have anxiolytic effects, which may help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calmness.
In a 2008 study, patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neurasthenia were divided into two groups. One group of 30 patients was treated with Selank, while another group of 32 patients was treated with Medazepam, a long-acting benzodiazepine. While both drugs decreased the patients’ anxiety (as measured by a standardized psychometric assessment), Selank also increased levels of enkephalins that were low in the GAD patients [7].
Selank may also have a synergistic effect when co-administered with certain other medications that treat anxiety. Filatova et al. (2017) performed an experiment on human neuroblastoma IMR-32 cells to assess if the interaction of Selank on the gene expression in the GABAergic system would increase the effectiveness of either exogenous GABA and/or olanzapine treatment.
Selank alone did not significantly alter gene expression in IMR-32 cells. However, when Selank and GABA were administered together, Selank did improve the ability of GABA to bind with its receptors. Selank also improved the weak affinity of olanzapine for the GABA receptor, possibly due to how Selank modulates the GABA receptors [8].
Selank for Stress Relief: Selank may help alleviate stress and improve stress resilience. It is believed to affect the release of stress-related hormones, such as cortisol, and may help regulate the body’s response to stressors.
In one study, researchers exposed rats to stressors to induce corticosterone-related stress responses. The rats who received Selank injections showed less elevation of corticosterone and its negative biological impact along with quicker adaptation to the stressors [9].
A study from 2022 explored the effectiveness of both Selank and Semax (another neuropeptide) in correcting stress-induced immunoreactivity in rats. Stress is known to cause immune system dysfunction as it hyperactivates some aspects of immunity while suppressing others, resulting in immune disorders and allergies, which further increase stress on the organism. Semax and Selank both restored healthy immune function when individually applied to the stressed animals [10].
Selank for Cognitive Enhancement: Some studies suggest that Selank may have cognitive-enhancing effects such as improving learning, memory, and attention.
An experiment on learning-disabled rats showed that the administration of Selank significantly and progressively improved their learning, memory, and problem-solving [11]. A later study on rats showed that Selank increased memory trace stability when administered during the consolidation stage of learning, possibly due to how it affects serotonin metabolism in the brain [12].
Brain damage resulting from oxygen deprivation during gestation can severely impair the development and cognitive abilities of the fetus [13]. Selank has been shown in some rat studies to partially attenuate the effects of antenatal hypoxia and other early-life neurological damage, allowing for marked increases in learning ability, improved sensory attention, and balanced monoamines in the brain [14, 15].
Due to the limited data on human Selank dosing and its current status as unapproved for human use, there is no established dosage range or cycle length for Selank at this time.
However, Dr. William Seeds (2020) has proposed a sensible protocol based on a synthesis of available studies and his own observations of patients undergoing Selank therapy [17].
Selank has poor oral bioavailability, but may be administered intranasally or subcutaneously.
Here are some reference guidelines based on Dr. Seeds’ work:
Selank nasal spray is the delivery method preferred by most researchers. Not only does this method remove complications, but it also allows Selank to pass through the blood-brain barrier for quick and potent effects in the central nervous system [18, 19].
Selank nasal sprays are available in different dosage concentrations, and researchers may also choose to reconstitute lyophilized Selank to achieve a custom dilution. The peptide is fast-acting and its effects seem to vary in intensity and duration among individual subjects.
Experts suggest a daily nasal spray dose ranging from 750mcg to 1mg. Administration can be split into two or three doses throughout the day [17].
The second preferred method of delivery for Selank is a subcutaneous injection into adipose tissue. Selank injections work more slowly than intranasal sprays for potentially longer-lasting effects [19]. Selank injections should be administered once per day at a dose from 150mcg to 300mcg [17].
There is limited published clinical information on recommended study duration lengths for Selank administration. While researchers have not concluded on the necessity of cycling Selank, the most important consideration for Selank administration seems to be the need to continue dosing for at least two weeks to see desired outcomes.
While there is no convincing evidence that Selank must be cycled, it is best to err on the side of caution and give research subjects a week-long break after every one-two weeks of administration.
When looking to buy Selank online for research, researchers are well-advised to select a reputable vendor. Our team strongly recommends purchasing from a source that upholds high standards of product purity, boasts an excellent track record, and provides exceptional customer service.
The Peptideinfo.net team’s most trusted vendor is Research Peptide Nootropics, renowned for consistently delivering top-quality compounds produced at reliable facilities.
Here are some reasons why we place our trust in Research Peptide:
It is important to note that Selank from Research Peptide Nootropics is exclusively intended for research purposes.
Selank has limited safety data, so researchers must exercise caution when using this peptide in their experimentation. However, studies to date have documented almost no adverse effects when Selank was administered to either human or animal subjects.
In fact, a peer-reviewed study on Selank mentioned side effects only to state that Selank had the desirable effects of low-dose benzodiazepines with none of the side effects [1]. Another study demonstrated that combining Selank with phenazepam to treat anxiety spectrum disorders significantly decreased the side effects that normally accompany phenazepam [16].
An observation that might give one pause is that the majority of published Selank studies have been conducted by scientists associated with the Russian Academy of Sciences. Additionally, most studies have been conducted over short durations, which might not allow time for adverse effects to manifest.
Though there is no data correlating the following side effects specifically to Selank, some anecdotal reports report the following reactions following administration:
While Selank appears to be safe according to the available evidence, researchers must perform due diligence before commencing research on the peptide.
Researchers opting for injectable Selank will need to reconstitute the peptide prior to administration.
Reconstituting Selank involves mixing the lyophilized powder form of the peptide with a suitable solvent to prepare a solution for administration.
It is important to use bacteriostatic water as your diluent when preparing peptide solutions. Bacteriostatic water contains a preservative that will increase the shelf-life of your solution up to 28 days when properly stored [21, 22].
Here is a general guide on how to reconstitute Selank:
Researchers will require a plethora of supplies to properly reconstitute selank.
Take the bacteriostatic water and draw the desired amount from the vial. The amount of solvent used will depend on the concentration of Selank desired.
Gently inject the solvent into the vial containing the Selank powder. Aim to direct the solvent onto the inner wall of the vial, allowing it to flow down and dissolve the powder. Avoid shaking or agitating the vial vigorously, as it may damage the peptide. If necessary, gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved. Do not use the solution if any visible particles remain.
Once the Selank powder is fully dissolved, the solution is ready for use. Since researchers will likely not be using the entire solution immediately, it can be store it in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2-8°C (36-46°F) to ensure its stability [23].
Selank has limited safety data, so researchers must exercise caution when using this peptide in their experimentation. However, studies to date have documented almost no adverse effects when Selank was administered to either human or animal subjects.
In fact, a peer-reviewed study on Selank mentioned side effects only to state that Selank had the desirable effects of low-dose benzodiazepines with none of the side effects [1]. Another study demonstrated that combining Selank with phenazepam to treat anxiety spectrum disorders significantly decreased the side effects that normally accompany phenazepam [16].
An observation that might give one pause is that the majority of published Selank studies have been conducted by scientists associated with the Russian Academy of Sciences. Additionally, most studies have been conducted over short durations, which might not allow time for adverse effects to manifest.
Though there is no data correlating the following side effects specifically to Selank, some anecdotal reports report the following reactions following administration:
While Selank appears to be safe according to the available evidence, researchers must perform due diligence before commencing research on the peptide.
Researchers opting for injectable Selank will need to reconstitute the peptide prior to administration.
Reconstituting Selank involves mixing the lyophilized powder form of the peptide with a suitable solvent to prepare a solution for administration.
It is important to use bacteriostatic water as your diluent when preparing peptide solutions. Bacteriostatic water contains a preservative that will increase the shelf-life of your solution up to 28 days when properly stored [21, 22].
Here is a general guide on how to reconstitute Selank:
Researchers will require a plethora of supplies to properly reconstitute selank.
Take the bacteriostatic water and draw the desired amount from the vial. The amount of solvent used will depend on the concentration of Selank desired.
Gently inject the solvent into the vial containing the Selank powder. Aim to direct the solvent onto the inner wall of the vial, allowing it to flow down and dissolve the powder. Avoid shaking or agitating the vial vigorously, as it may damage the peptide. If necessary, gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved. Do not use the solution if any visible particles remain.
Once the Selank powder is fully dissolved, the solution is ready for use. Since researchers will likely not be using the entire solution immediately, it can be store it in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2-8°C (36-46°F) to ensure its stability [23].
Semax is another popular peptide drug that has been extensively studied and used for purposes along the same lines as Selank. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct mechanisms of action and potential applications.
Semax is a synthetic peptide derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which plays a role in regulating stress responses and cognitive functions. It has been primarily investigated for its neuroprotective, cognitive-enhancing, and neurotrophic effects [24].
Selank, the synthetic version of the naturally occurring peptide tuftsin, is known for its anxiolytic, antidepressant, and immunomodulatory properties. Selank primarily acts on the central nervous system and the immune system [2].
Semax and Selank may be co-administered to potentially enhance the effects of both compounds. For instance, a combination of Semax and Selank has been reported to improve muscular and neurological health and may delay or reverse some of the cognitive degradations associated with neurodegenerative diseases [25].
In summary, while both Semax and Selank have potential cognitive and anxiolytic effects, Semax is more focused on neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement, while Selank has a stronger emphasis on anxiolytic and immunomodulatory properties.
Selank may legally be purchased as a research chemical for research only, but is not approved for human consumption or medical use in most countries.
Some countries may have specific regulations or restrictions on the purchase, possession, or importation of Selank or other similar peptides. For instance, Selank is approved in Russia to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
To ensure compliance with the law, it is advisable to consult local regulations, including those related to research chemicals, pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, or any relevant laws that govern the use and distribution of peptides in your specific jurisdiction.
Selank may be administered intranasally at doses of up to 1mg per day, or subcutaneously at up to 300mcg per day. Follow the vendor’s guidelines for preparing a nasal spray or reconstituting injectable powder, and start with a lower dosage before increasing as needed.
No, Selank does not affect testosterone or any reproductive hormones.
No, Selank does not interact with the body in a way that promotes muscle growth.
No, there is no data showing that Selank administration may result in weight gain.
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