Selank
Cognitive & NootropicResearch-GradeLast reviewed: September 20, 2026
Quick Facts
- What it is
- A lab-made peptide derived from tuftsin, the body's own immune-signaling molecule — a non-sedating anxiolytic and nootropic studied for anxiety, stress resilience, and cognition.
- How it's taken
- Intranasal drops or spray, or subcutaneous injection
- Half-life
- Short plasma half-life; biological effects build over days
- Typical research dose
- Registered label: ≈150 mcg/nostril, 3×/day, 14-day course. Community-reported (unverified) figures run higher — see Dosing section.
- Research status
- Not FDA-approved; a prescription anxiolytic in Russia — elsewhere research use only.
On this page
- 1.Where to source Selank
- 2.What is Selank?
- 3.How does Selank work?
- 4.What is Selank used for?
- 5.How long does Selank take to work?
- 6.How is Selank dosed?
- 7.How is Selank administered?
- 8.What does Selank stack well with?
- 9.What are the side effects of Selank?
- 10.Does Selank interact with other drugs?
- 11.How should Selank be stored?
- 12.What are the limitations of Selank research?
- 13.Selank FAQ
- 14.References
- 15.Published Studies
Where to source Selank
Outside Russia, Selank is sold by specialty research peptide vendors as research-grade material. Choose vendors that provide third-party testing (HPLC purity, mass spectrometric identity confirmation). The vendors highlighted below have been vetted, and include nasal-format options.
ILS Laboratories · batch COAs
Batch-traceable COAs · cold-chain shipping
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See offer (opens Midwest Peptide in a new tab)Also stocking Selank
Peptide Giants, Peptides.gg, Royal Peptides, Vital Core Research — each carries a current price row for this compound.
N-Acetyl Selank — the N-terminally acetylated variant, sold as a distinct product — has its own NA-Selank price comparison.
What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro), also known by its developmental code TP-7 and marketed as a Russian anxiolytic peptide, developed in the 1990s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It combines tuftsin (an endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide derived from immunoglobulin G) with the same Pro-Gly-Pro stabilizing tail used in Semax. In a Russian comparative study, Selank produced anxiolytic effects comparable to the benzodiazepine medazepam; the study reports no withdrawal syndrome or dependence after stopping. No study of tolerance was found. It is approved in Russia for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neurasthenia. The peptide also retains immunomodulatory activity from its tuftsin parent. Often paired with Semax as the Semax-Selank blend. New to peptide research? Start with the basics
Reported benefits:
- Anxiolytic effect comparable to medazepam in clinical studies
- No sedation, cognitive impairment, or motor effects
- No withdrawal or dependence reported after stopping (one 62-patient study); tolerance not studied
- BDNF upregulation in hippocampus
- Modulates GABA-A receptor signaling, serotonin, and dopamine
- Immunomodulation (IL-6 modulation, T-helper balance) from tuftsin parent
Common research dose: Russian-registered label: ≈150 mcg per nostril, 3 times daily, as 0.15% solution, for a 14-day course. Community-reported practice (unverified) commonly cites higher per-dose figures — see the Dosing section for the comparison.
Where to buy: PP maintains a vetted list of peptide vendors with verified discount codes. See Verified Discount Codes for current options.
How does Selank work?
Selank acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptor signaling WITHOUT binding the benzodiazepine site — this is the structural reason it produces anxiolytic effects without sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence. It also modulates serotonin and dopamine metabolism, upregulates BDNF, inhibits enkephalinase, and retains immunomodulatory activity from its tuftsin parent peptide.
- GABAergic Modulation [1]. Selank acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptor signaling without binding the benzodiazepine site. This produces anxiolytic effects without the sedation, cognitive impairment, and dependence associated with benzodiazepines.
- Serotonin Metabolism [2]. Russian studies report increased 5-HIAA to serotonin ratios in the hypothalamus and striatum, indicating accelerated serotonin turnover. Dopamine metabolism shifts in the same direction.
- BDNF Upregulation [3]. Single intranasal Selank doses produce measurable upregulation of BDNF and NGF mRNA in the hippocampus within hours. This contributes to the cognitive-supportive effects observed clinically.
- Enkephalinase Inhibition [4]. As with Semax, Selank inhibits enzymes that degrade endogenous enkephalins, prolonging their activity. This contributes to anti-stress effects through endogenous opioid system modulation.
- Immunomodulation [5]. As a tuftsin analog, Selank retains immunomodulatory properties. It enhances phagocytic activity of monocytes and neutrophils, modulates IL-6 expression, and influences T-helper cell cytokine balance.
What is Selank used for?
Selank's research evidence base centers on a Russian comparative study vs medazepam in GAD patients (Zozulya et al. 2008), animal cognitive performance under stress, neurasthenia (approved Russian indication), BDNF/plasticity studies, and cytokine modulation from tuftsin parent activity. Russian regulatory approval is built on the Zozulya study.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder [6]. Zozulya et al. 2008 compared Selank with medazepam in 62 patients — 30 with GAD and 32 with neurasthenia — assessed by psychometric scales (Hamilton, Zung, CGI). The paper's own abstract does not state randomization or blinding — this is a controlled comparative study, not a confirmed RCT. Selank produced anxiolytic effects the paper describes as similar to medazepam, with additional antiasthenic and psychostimulant properties. Russian regulatory approval is based on this and related evidence.
- Cognitive Performance Under Stress [2]. Animal and human studies show Selank preserves or improves cognitive performance in elevated plus maze, light-dark box, open field, and human stress paradigms. Unlike benzodiazepines, no cognitive impairment occurs.
- Neurasthenia and Asthenic Syndrome. Approved Russian indication. Standard dosing for 14 days has shown efficacy in neurasthenia without sedating effects.
- BDNF and Plasticity [3]. Selank's BDNF effects parallel Semax with stronger anxiolytic phenotype. Combined Semax+Selank protocols leverage complementary mechanisms.
- Cytokine Modulation. Tuftsin-derived immunomodulatory activity documented in research. Explored as adjunctive treatment during viral infections, though clinical evidence remains limited.
How long does Selank take to work?
Community reports describe calm within 10–30 minutes of intranasal dosing, sometimes from the first dose; no trial or label was found that establishes an onset time. Zozulya et al. 2008 assessed patients on days 3, 7 and 14 and reports no withdrawal syndrome or dependence after stopping. No study of tolerance was found.
Community reports describe calm within 10–30 minutes of intranasal dosing, sometimes from the first dose. No trial or label was found that establishes this onset time. Community reports also describe cognitive and stress-resilience effects building over a 14-day course. Zozulya et al. 2008 assessed patients on days 3, 7 and 14 and reports no withdrawal syndrome or dependence after stopping. No study of tolerance was found.
How is Selank dosed?
The Zozulya et al. 2008 human study [6] compared Selank with medazepam in 62 GAD/neurasthenia patients. Its abstract does not state the dose. The Methods of a full-text copy state Selank 0.15% at 36 drops (2.7 mg) per day in three divided doses, against medazepam 30 mg/day; the route and course length are not stated. Other dosing figures come from the Russian Ministry of Health-registered package insert for Selank 0.15% nasal drops [7] and from separately circulating community practice, and these differ.
Prof. Peptide reports what trials established and what research communities practice, labelled separately. Neither is a recommendation.
Need to calculate a dose?
Use the Prof. Peptide dosage calculator for accurate reconstitution and dosing math.
Open CalculatorWhat the cited literature administered
- Human trial dose: 2.7 mg/day. Zozulya et al. 2008 [6], the primary human comparative study (Selank vs medazepam, n=62), does not state a dose in its abstract. The Methods of a full-text copy (hosted on a Selank product site) state Selank 0.15% at 36 drops (2.7 mg) per day in three divided doses. The route and course length are not stated in that text.
- Russian-approved package insert [7]. The registered label for Selank 0.15% nasal drops (manufacturer: Peptogen JSC) specifies 2 drops (≈150 mcg) per nostril, 3 times daily, for a 14-day course — roughly 900 mcg/day. This is Evidence Level: Approved-label / Human Observational (post-marketing registration), not an RCT dose.
- Animal dosing (context only). Preclinical studies [3][4] used 200 mcg/kg intranasal or 300 mcg/kg/day intraperitoneal in rats — not directly convertible to a human dose and not the basis for the figures below.
Community-reported practice (unverified)
- Commonly circulated intranasal protocol. 250–300 mcg per nostril, 2–3 times daily, for 14-day courses — roughly 1,500–2,250 mcg/day. This is higher, per-nostril and per-day, than the ≈150 mcg/nostril, 3×/day (≈900 mcg/day) figure on the registered Russian label [7]; no clinical source for the higher community figure has been identified.
- Lower-end starting dose (unverified). 200 mcg per nostril, 2× daily — reported by users as a starting point to assess tolerance; not from a cited source.
- Subcutaneous research dosing (unverified). 250–500 mcg per injection, once daily — a community-reported route not covered by the Russian label, which is intranasal-only.
- Course length. 14 days matches the registered label. Cycling 2–4 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off is a community convention beyond the label, which describes repeat courses after 1–3 weeks on medical advice rather than a fixed cycling schedule.
The Prof. Peptide dosage calculator converts between milligram figures and syringe units for a given reconstitution; it performs the arithmetic and does not set a schedule.
How is Selank administered?
Selank is administered intranasally (preferred route — fastest CNS access via nose-to-brain transport) or by subcutaneous injection. Standard intranasal protocol is 1–2 drops per nostril, 2–3 times daily. Reported protocols keep dosing out of the late evening — Selank can have a mild stimulating effect that may affect sleep. For SC technique, see the syringes and injection technique guide.
- Route. Intranasal (preferred) or subcutaneous injection.
- Time of day. Morning and afternoon in reported protocols — a mild stimulating effect can affect sleep.
- Intranasal technique. Tilt head slightly back. Apply 1–2 drops per nostril. Blowing the nose within 30 minutes clears the dose before it absorbs.
- Reconstitution. For 0.15% solution: 5 mg vial + 3.3 mL bacteriostatic water = 1.5 mg/mL (~75 mcg per drop in standard nasal dropper).
- Site rotation (SC). Sites are conventionally rotated each injection (abdomen, thigh, upper arm).
- Missed dose. Reported practice skips and resumes at the next scheduled dose. Effects are cumulative across the 14-day course.
- Cycle structure. 14 days standard, with 2–4 week breaks between courses.
Timing context. Intranasal dosing gives faster CNS access than subcutaneous injection. The mild stimulating effect (counterintuitively present despite the anxiolytic action) means evening dosing can disrupt sleep — morning and afternoon are preferred. The 14-day course is a published protocol, not arbitrary — cumulative BDNF and serotonergic effects build across this window.
| Aspect | Reported |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Registered label [7]: 3× daily (2 drops/nostril) for 14 days. Community-reported (unverified): 2–3× daily at a higher per-dose amount. |
| Best time of day | Morning and afternoon — avoid late evening (mild stimulating effect) |
| Food | No fasting required; effects independent of food timing |
| Route choice | Intranasal preferred for fastest CNS access; SC alternative for research contexts |
| Half-life | Short plasma half-life; biological effects build over days via gene expression |
| Steady-state | Anxiolytic effect immediate per dose; the 14-day course length is the Russian clinical protocol, not a community estimate |
Reconstitution math (subcutaneous use). Water volume sets concentration: a lower volume yields a higher concentration and a smaller syringe draw for a given mg amount, and the reverse for a higher volume. Selank research vials are typically 5 mg. The standard 0.15% intranasal solution uses 3.3 mL recon to give 1.5 mg/mL. For SC dosing, the table below shows alternative recon volumes. All units below are measured on a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). The table assumes a 5 mg vial.
| BAC water | Concentration | 100 mcg dose | 250 mcg dose | 500 mcg dose | 1 mg dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5 mg/mL | 2 units | 5 units | 10 units | 20 units |
| 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 4 units | 10 units | 20 units | 40 units |
| 3 mL | 1.67 mg/mL | 6 units | 15 units | 30 units | 60 units |
Units vs mcg. At a 5 mg vial, each unit drawn delivers 50 mcg of Selank at 1 mL reconstitution, 25 mcg at 2 mL, and 16.7 mcg at 3 mL. For a primer on reading insulin syringes and choosing the right barrel size, see our guide on syringes and injection technique.
What does Selank stack well with?
Selank's canonical pairing is Semax — the gold-standard cognitive-anxiolytic combination targeting complementary BDNF/dopamine + GABA/serotonin pathways — run as a Semax-Selank combination or dosed separately (Semax morning, Selank later). L-Theanine adds further calm; BPC-157 and adaptogenic herbs are compatible. Caffeine pairs well — Selank counterbalances the jitter.
- Semax (Semax-Selank Stack). Semax for cognitive enhancement (morning) + Selank for calm (afternoon/evening). Complementary mechanisms (BDNF/dopamine vs GABA/serotonin) without redundancy. Available as a pre-blended Semax-Selank product.
- BPC-157. BPC-157 generally compatible; no direct interaction. Common in general health/recovery stacks.
- L-Theanine. Additive calming effect; safe combination.
- Adaptogenic herbs (rhodiola, ashwagandha). Generally compatible. Some users report potentiated stress resilience.
- Caffeine. Selank counterbalances jitter from caffeine while preserving cognitive benefit.
What are the side effects of Selank?
Zozulya et al. 2008, a 62-patient comparison with medazepam, reports no withdrawal syndrome or dependence after selank was stopped, with assessments to day 14. No study of tolerance or long-term use was found. Community reports describe mild nasal irritation (intranasal route), a mild stimulating effect, and slight headache in the first doses. Western-standard long-term safety data remains limited.
Common (most users)
- Mild nasal irritation. Intranasal route only.
- Mild stimulating effect. Not dosed late in the evening.
- Slight headache. Especially first doses; resolves with continued use.
Less common (moderate)
- Mild fatigue after end of dosing course. Resolves quickly.
- Transient mild dizziness.
- Mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
Serious (rare)
- No serious adverse events documented in Russian clinical trials.
- No withdrawal syndrome or dependence reported after stopping (Zozulya et al. 2008, assessments to day 14).
- Long-term safety beyond 14-day courses in healthy individuals not formally established.
Zozulya et al. 2008, a 62-patient comparison with medazepam, reports no withdrawal syndrome or dependence after selank was stopped, with assessments to day 14. No study of tolerance or long-term use was found. Western-standard long-term safety data remains limited.
Does Selank interact with other drugs?
Selank's relevant interactions are with benzodiazepines (both modulate GABA at different sites — combination theoretically additive), SSRIs and serotonergic medications (Selank modulates serotonin metabolism — combine cautiously), and alcohol (limited data, theoretical additive sedation at high doses). No major drug-drug interactions reported in published research.
- Benzodiazepines. Both modulate GABA but at different sites. Combination is theoretically additive but not redundant. Limited safety data on combination.
- SSRIs and serotonergic medications. Selank modulates serotonin metabolism; combine cautiously.
- Alcohol. Limited data; theoretical additive sedation possible at high doses.
- No major drug-drug interactions reported in published research.
How should Selank be stored?
- Lyophilized (powder) form: Store at -20°C for long-term storage; refrigerate at 2–8°C for short-term.
- Reconstituted nasal solution: 2–8°C, refrigerated, is standard practice once dissolved. Prof. Peptide has not identified a manufacturer label, published study, or lab document establishing how long reconstituted research-grade Selank remains stable — this page does not state a duration as fact.
- Reconstitution uses bacteriostatic water for injection (BAC water). Swirl gently — do not shake.
- The reconstituted solution is never frozen.
- Selank is stored protected from light, in the original carton or amber dropper bottle.
- A solution that is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles is discarded.
What are the limitations of Selank research?
Selank is approved in Russia as a prescription anxiolytic for GAD and neurasthenia. NOT FDA-approved in the US. Most clinical evidence comes from Russian-language studies — the key Zozulya comparative study vs medazepam (n=62, 2008) does not state randomization or blinding and has not been independently replicated in large Western trials. The mechanism of GABA modulation is incompletely characterized. NOT WADA-prohibited.
Selank is approved in Russia as a prescription anxiolytic for generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia. It is NOT FDA-approved in the United States. Most clinical evidence comes from Russian-language studies — including the key comparative study vs medazepam (Zozulya et al. 2008, n=62), whose own abstract does not state randomization or blinding — that have not been independently replicated in large Western trials.
The mechanism of GABA modulation is incompletely characterized. Selank's exact binding site on GABA-A is unclear — it does NOT bind the benzodiazepine site, which would explain the lack of sedation and dependence, but the alternative site has not been definitively identified.
Research-grade material sold outside Russian pharmaceutical channels is intended for laboratory use only. Purity and potency vary by vendor; a third-party certificate is the only check on either.
The World Anti-Doping Agency does not currently include Selank on the prohibited list.
Selank FAQ
Is Selank FDA-approved?
No. Selank is approved as a prescription medication in Russia for generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia. It is not FDA-approved in the United States or EMA-approved in Europe. Outside Russia, Selank is sold as a research-grade peptide.
How does Selank compare to benzodiazepines?
In a Russian comparative study (Zozulya et al. 2008), Selank produced anxiolytic effects comparable to medazepam in 62 patients with generalized anxiety disorder or neurasthenia. The paper reports no withdrawal syndrome or dependence after Selank was stopped, with assessments to day 14. No study of tolerance was found. Selank also showed anti-asthenic (anti-fatigue) and mild psychostimulant effects not seen with medazepam.
How is Selank different from Semax?
Both are Russian heptapeptides with Pro-Gly-Pro stabilization. Selank is derived from tuftsin and primarily acts on GABA and serotonergic systems — best for anxiety without sedation. Semax is derived from ACTH(4-7) and primarily targets BDNF and dopaminergic systems — best for cognitive enhancement and stroke recovery. They are commonly stacked as the Semax-Selank blend or dosed separately: Semax morning for focus, Selank later for calm. See the Semax vs Selank comparison for a side-by-side breakdown.
Will Selank make me drowsy?
No — this is its key advantage over benzodiazepines and most prescription anxiolytics. Selank reduces anxiety while preserving alertness and cognitive function. Some users report mild stimulating effect, which is why morning/afternoon dosing is preferred over late evening.
How quickly does it work?
Community reports describe calm within 10–30 minutes of intranasal dosing, sometimes from the first dose. No trial or label was found that establishes an onset time. Community reports also describe cognitive and stress-resilience effects building over a 14-day course.
Does Selank cause dependence?
Zozulya et al. 2008, a 62-patient comparison with medazepam, reports no withdrawal syndrome or dependence after Selank was stopped, with assessments to day 14. No study of tolerance and no long-term dependence record was found.
Should I cycle Selank?
Russian clinical protocols use fixed 14-day courses with breaks. Outside Russia, the 2-week-on/2-week-off pattern is common. Continuous long-term use beyond several months has limited published data — cycling is the conservative approach.
Where can I buy Selank?
Outside Russia, Selank is sold by specialty research peptide vendors as research-grade material. Choose vendors that provide third-party testing (HPLC purity, mass spectrometric identity confirmation). PP maintains a list of vetted vendors with verified discount codes — see Verified Discount Codes .
References
- Wikipedia. Selank. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selank
- Kozlovskaya MM, Kozlovskii II, Val'dman EA, Seredenin SB. Selank and short peptides of the tuftsin family in the regulation of adaptive behavior in stress. Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2003;33(9):853-60. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14969422/
- Inozemtseva LS, Karpenko EA, Dolotov OV, et al. Intranasal administration of the peptide Selank regulates BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus in vivo. Dokl Biol Sci. 2008;421:241-3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18841804/
- Kost NV, Sokolov OY, Gabaeva MV, et al. Semax and selank inhibit the enkephalin-degrading enzymes from human serum. Russ J Bioorg Chem. 2001;27(3):180-3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11443939/
- Uchakina ON, Uchakin PN, Myasoedov NF, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of selank in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2008;108(5):71-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18577961/
- Zozulya AA, Neznamov GG, Siuniakov TS, et al. Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2008;108(4):38-48. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18454096/
- RLSNET. Selank (Селанк), package insert — nasal drops 0.15%. Registration holder: Peptogen JSC. https://www.rlsnet.ru/drugs/selank-36612
Published Studies
Plain-English summaries of the peer-reviewed studies behind the claims above. Click any title to read the source paper.
Zozulia AA, Neznamov GG, Syunyakov TS, et al.
The primary human clinical trial of Selank — a comparative study of 62 patients (generalized anxiety disorder 30, neurasthenia 32), treated with either Selank or medazepam, a benzodiazepine. Selank produced anxiolytic effects comparable to medazepam — but with additional antiasthenic and psychostimulant effects not seen with the benzodiazepine. The full text reports no withdrawal syndrome or dependence after Selank was stopped, with assessments to day 14.
Volkova A, Shadrina M, Kolomin T, et al.
A molecular study investigating how Selank produces its anxiolytic effects. The findings confirmed that Selank affects the GABA system — but indirectly, through allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors rather than direct binding. Direct GABA receptor agonism (as with benzodiazepines) produces tolerance and dependence, while allosteric modulation is associated with a much lower dependence risk.
Semenova TP, Kozlovskiy II, Zakharova NM, et al.
A preclinical study examining how Selank interacts with diazepam under chronic stress conditions. The combination of Selank and diazepam was most effective under unpredictable chronic mild stress — with anxiety levels returning to pre-stress baseline. The synergistic effect suggests Selank may enhance and hasten the onset of benzodiazepine therapy.
Kolik LG, Nadorova AV, Antipova TA, et al.
Selank prevented ethanol-induced cognitive impairments and produced a cognitive-stimulating effect in non-alcohol-exposed control animals. Selank prevented ethanol-induced dysregulation of BDNF in both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex — extending Selank's research profile beyond anxiety into neuroprotection and cognitive preservation.
Dadayan AK, et al.
Combining Selank with olanzapine amplified gene expression changes compared to olanzapine alone — suggesting Selank may enhance the effectiveness of antipsychotic medication through BDNF-mediated pathways. Opens a potential research direction for Selank as an adjunct in schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions.
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