Selank
Heptapeptide derived from tuftsin, an anxiolytic without sedation
In a Russian trial of 62 patients, Selank had an effect on anxiety comparable to that of medazepam, a reference anxiolytic, without sedation (Zozulya, 2008).
This heptapeptide is taken from tuftsin, a natural antibody fragment, extended by the Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide, which makes it more stable. It is approved in Russia, where it is used clinically for anxiety.
It is studied for anxiety without sedation: it modulates the sensitivity of GABA-A receptors, and one hour after a dose, 45 of the 84 neurotransmission genes studied change their expression (Volkova, 2016).
- Half-life
- Very short in the blood; the effect on genes and receptors lasts hours to days.
- Route
- Intranasal in the original studies; the subcutaneous route is also used.
Technical sheet
- Family
- Heptapeptide derived from tuftsin, an anxiolytic without sedation
- Half-life
- Very short in the blood; the effect on genes and receptors lasts hours to days.
- Route
- Intranasal in the original studies; the subcutaneous route is also used.
- Time to effect
- A calming effect is often reported the same day; the underlying effect on stress resilience builds after one to two weeks.
- Level of evidence
- Laboratory research : In humans: Russian clinical trials, given through the nose; by injection, data are limited.
Chemical identity
- Form
- Synthetic peptide, values for the base form
- CAS No.
- 129954-34-3
Salt form: as stated on the lot's certificate of analysis.
A modulation of GABA-A receptors
Benzodiazepines directly strengthen the GABA receptor, hence drowsiness, memory problems and dependence. Selank instead changes the expression and affinity of GABA-A receptors (allosteric modulation). The aim: less anxiety, alertness intact.
Serotonin, BDNF, and enkephalins
It increases available serotonin in certain regions and BDNF expression. It also slows the breakdown of enkephalins, brain peptides involved in the stress response.
Cytokines and immunity
Derived from tuftsin, it also modulates certain cytokines (including IL-6) and the balance between Th1 and Th2 immune responses: a link between chronic stress and immunity.
Studied effects and observed timelines
Anxiety: effect comparable to medazepam, without sedation, and about 40% of patients responded by day 3 in the Russian trials
Days
Stress tolerance: it slows the breakdown of enkephalins, peptides of the stress response
One to two weeks
Mental clarity: a stimulating, anti-fatigue effect not seen with medazepam (Zozulya, 2008)
Days
What you may feel
- Nasal irritation (intranasal route); reaction at the injection site.
- Mild fatigue or drowsiness, or a sense of detachment, in some users during the first few days.
- Rarely, a somewhat flat mood if the calming effect is too pronounced.
Stop and consult if
- Significant drowsiness or confusion.
- A depressive mood that sets in.
When to abstain
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Current anxiolytic or antidepressant treatment, without the prescriber's advice.
- A severe psychiatric disorder without medical follow-up.
- Minors.
The effects to watch for, and how to reduce them
This sheet is educational. It replaces neither a diagnosis nor follow-up: for any medical condition, pregnancy, breastfeeding or current medication, talk to a health professional.
To avoid
- Alcohol and benzodiazepines: the calming effects add up. Never combine without medical advice.
In Russian clinical trials on generalized anxiety and adjustment disorders, Selank performed comparably to a reference anxiolytic, without its sedative effects. Numerous studies cover the GABA mechanism and stress.
The Russian trials were short (about 14 days) and small: they reported neither a sedative effect nor dependence, but long-term follow-up is lacking.
2008 · Zozulya et al., Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii
62 patients with generalized anxiety disorder or neurasthenia, nasal Selank compared with medazepam
An effect on anxiety comparable to medazepam, without a sedative effect, plus a stimulating and anti-fatigue effect.
2016 · Volkova et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology
Expression of GABA-system genes (experimental model)
Selank alters the expression of GABA-A receptor subunits and shares a profile of action with benzodiazepines, without being one.
2012 · Kozlovskii and Danchev
Experimental models of stress and alcohol withdrawal
Reduced anxiety-related behaviour and withdrawal symptoms, without a sedative effect.
Does it cause dependence?
No dependence or withdrawal syndrome was reported in the Russian trials.
But those trials lasted about 14 days, were small, and were run by the product's developers, and a 2021 review (Doyno and White) calls for an assessment of the abuse potential of this type of substance.
So, no known signal, but no long-term evidence either.
Does it replace treatment?
No. A diagnosed anxiety disorder is treated with a professional. Selank fits within a wellness and stress-management framework, never in place of proper care.
Glossary (5)
- GABA
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid: the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, the brain's “brake.”
- Allosteric modulation
- Action on a receptor through a secondary site, which adjusts its sensitivity without activating it directly.
- Tuftsin
- A natural antibody fragment that stimulates certain immune cells; Selank is derived from it.
- Benzodiazepines
- A family of classic anxiolytics (lorazepam, diazepam) that are effective but sedating and carry a risk of dependence.
- Cytokines
- Chemical messengers of the immune system, some of which sustain inflammation.