Selank
Synthetic Tuftsin Analog | Anxiolytic & Nootropic Peptide
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What is Selank?
Selank is a lab-made peptide modeled on tuftsin, a natural immune-system peptide, developed by Russian researchers and studied for calming and cognitive effects. Research has looked at its interactions with GABA, serotonin, and dopamine signaling, alongside effects on immune markers, in both animal and human studies. It's supplied here strictly as a research chemical for laboratory study, not for human or animal treatment.
Key terms:
Selank is a synthetic tuftsin analog.
Selank is a lab-made peptide of seven amino acids. It is modeled on tuftsin, a peptide the immune system makes naturally, and was developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is described as anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and nootropic (cognition-related). Researchers have studied it extensively for effects on anxiety, cognitive function, and immune responses, without the side effects associated with traditional benzodiazepines. Reported mechanisms involve GABA, serotonin, and dopamine signaling, three of the brain's chemical messenger systems. Researchers describe that combination as a distinct route to stress reduction and cognitive effects.
Key research areas
- Rapid onset anxiolytic effects
- Enhanced BDNF expression
- Improved stress resilience
- Cognitive enhancement
- Immune modulation
- No tolerance or withdrawal
- Neuroprotective effects
Researched dosing
This table reflects the dose ranges reported in selank research protocols, presented as research-methodology reference, not personal usage instructions.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild anxiety models | 250mcg daily | Once daily | SubQ injection |
| Moderate anxiety and cognitive studies | 250mcg twice daily | Morning and evening | SubQ injection |
| Higher-dose anxiety and stress studies | 500mcg daily | Divided doses | SubQ injection |
| Cognitive-performance studies | 250-350mcg daily | Morning only | SubQ injection |
| PTSD and trauma models | 250mcg twice daily | Consistent timing | SubQ injection |
| Immune studies under stress | 250mcg daily | Once daily for 2-4 weeks | SubQ injection |
Commonly cycled 8 weeks on, 1+ weeks off.
How it works
At the cell level, selank research looks at how the peptide acts as an allosteric modulator of GABA receptors and interacts with serotonin and dopamine signaling — the terms below just name those cell-signaling steps.
Allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors, serotonin and dopamine system optimization, enkephalin degradation inhibition, IL-6 and cytokine balance regulation, BDNF upregulation in hippocampus
Molecular data
These figures — molecular weight, seven-amino-acid sequence, chain length — are the chemistry ID researchers use to confirm a selank sample's identity.
- Weight
- 751.89 Da
- Length
- 7 amino acids
- Type
- Tuftsin analog
Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
Pharmacokinetics
This chart shows how quickly a research dose of selank is absorbed and cleared in the reported data — its very short half-life is part of why research protocols often use once- or twice-daily dosing.
- Peak
- 0.333 hr
- Half-life
- 0.05 hrs
- Cleared
- ~0.25 hrs
Russian pharmaceutical data
Research applications
This section lists the research areas — anxiety-related research, cognitive performance, and immune markers — that scientists have studied for selank in animal and human studies; it's a summary of what's been investigated in the literature, not medical claims about people.
Anxiety
Clinical trials demonstrate significant reduction in anxiety symptoms comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation, amnesia, or dependence potential (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). Emerging research shows effectiveness in PTSD treatment, helping stabilize stress responses and emotional regulation without cognitive impairment. Reduces anticipatory anxiety and social stress while maintaining cognitive clarity and emotional stability during challenging situations.
Cognitive
Selank enhances BDNF expression in the hippocampus (30% increase), improving neuroplasticity and cognitive performance. Nootropic effects include improved memory, focus, and learning capacity with mild effects lasting up to one week after last dose.
Immune
Modulates IL-6 and cytokine balance, providing immune support during periods of stress. Based on tuftsin (an immune peptide), Selank retains immune-modulatory properties.
Dosage reference
- Doses used in research
- 250–500 mcg
- Frequency in studies
- Once daily morning, or split twice daily
- Handling
- Reconstituted solution — research use only; not for administration
- Timeline reported in studies
- Anxiety relief 30-60 min, cognitive effects 1-3 days, peak benefits 1-2 weeks
- Storage
- Refrigerate 2-8°C, protect from light and heat
- Cycle length
- 2-8 weeks, break not required but recommended
- Break between cycles
- 1-2 weeks between cycles (optional)
Interactions
This list shows which other nootropic and mood-related research compounds are studied alongside selank, and flags combinations that call for extra caution.
Reconstitution & storage
This is the standard laboratory method for turning freeze-dried selank powder into a research solution — the same basic water-based mixing process used for most peptide research.
- Remove Selank vial from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature for 10-15 minutes to prevent condensation
- Clean vial tops with alcohol wipes using circular motion from center outward, allow to air dry completely
- Calculate appropriate reconstitution volume based on desired concentration using the calculator below
- Draw calculated amount of bacteriostatic water into insulin syringe, remove any air bubbles
- Insert needle into Selank vial at 45-degree angle against the glass wall - do NOT inject directly into powder
- Slowly inject BAC water down the side of the vial to minimize foaming and preserve peptide integrity
- Remove needle and gently swirl vial - NEVER shake vigorously as this can damage the peptide structure
- Allow solution to sit for 1-2 minutes if any cloudiness remains, then swirl gently until completely clear
- Final solution should be clear and colorless - persistent cloudiness indicates peptide degradation
- Label vial with reconstitution date and concentration, store in refrigerator immediately
- Use within 30 days of reconstitution, always inspect for particles
Lyophilized: 2-8°C, use within Refrigerate upon arrival for long-term storage
Reconstituted: 2-6°C, use within 30 days
Open the Selank reconstitution calculatorQuality indicators
These are the checks researchers use to confirm a selank sample is pure and hasn't degraded before it's used in a study — a quick reference against a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
White to off-white powder - High-quality Selank appears as light, fluffy lyophilized powder without clumping or discoloration
Clear reconstituted solution - Properly reconstituted Selank should be completely clear and colorless without particles or cloudiness
Proper labeling and batch information - Legitimate Selank includes clear peptide sequence, purity testing, batch numbers, and expiration dates
Appropriate packaging and storage - Lyophilized powder can ship at room temperature - refrigerate upon arrival for long-term storage. Pre-mixed solutions require cold shipping.
Yellowing, clumping, or moisture exposure - Discolored, clumped, or damp powder indicates degradation, improper storage, or contamination
Persistent cloudiness after reconstitution - Cloudiness that doesn't clear indicates peptide aggregation, contamination, or poor quality
Unusual smell or burning sensation - Fresh Selank should be odorless - strong smells or burning may indicate bacterial contamination
What to expect
This timeline summarizes what the research and reported literature describe at each stage — research context for comparing findings, not a personal-results promise.
Enhanced stress resilience and emotional stability. Mild anxiety reduction within 30-60 minutes of injection. Improved mental clarity and focus within 1-3 days.
Cognitive enhancement effects peak around 1-2 weeks. Better sleep quality and reduced nervous tension. No sedation, drowsiness, or cognitive impairment.
Safety notes
This section covers handling cautions and regulatory notes for selank in a laboratory setting — it's approved and marketed as a pharmaceutical in Russia, but research-use-only scope applies here, not medical guidance.
- Consult healthcare provider if taking multiple psychiatric medications
- Use sterile injection techniques to prevent infection
- Not FDA approved — approved and marketed as a pharmaceutical in Russia
- No WADA prohibition noted
Regulatory status
- Not approved by the FDA for any indication.
- Supplied and described for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
Community data
Community Insights
Based on data the community reported. Not clinical proof.
References
Demonstrated Selank's modulation of 45 genes involved in neurotransmission, confirming GABAergic mechanism similar to benzodiazepines without negative effects
Found 30% increase in hippocampal BDNF levels, indicating enhanced neuroplasticity and neuroprotective effects
Showed significant anxiolytic and mild nootropic effects lasting up to one week after last dose, improved quality of life without dependence