Cognitive & Neuroprotective
Selank
Russian-developed tuftsin analog used intranasally for anxiety and focus; small human studies, approved in Russia only.
Overview
Selank is a seven-amino-acid peptide built on tuftsin, a fragment of immunoglobulin G, with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail added for stability. Developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences, it is approved in Russia as an intranasal anxiolytic. It appears to modulate GABA-A receptor signaling allosterically, influence serotonin and enkephalin metabolism, raise BDNF expression and balance inflammatory cytokines. In small clinical studies it reduced anxiety and asthenic symptoms without the sedation, cognitive dulling or dependence associated with benzodiazepines. These trials were mostly open-label or small and published in Russian, so the evidence is promising but limited. In practice it is best viewed as a short-term bridge alongside therapy, sleep and stress-management work rather than a stand-alone treatment.
- Classification
- Synthetic heptapeptide (tuftsin analog)
- Route
- Intranasal (subcutaneous less common)
- Half-life
- Minutes in plasma (rapid enzymatic breakdown); effects persist for hours
Mechanism of action
- Intranasal deliveryPeptide absorbed via nasal mucosa with nose-to-brain transport.
- GABAergic modulationAllosterically shifts GABA-A receptor sensitivity without directly binding the benzodiazepine site.
- Enkephalin preservationInhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, prolonging endogenous opioid tone.
- Monoamine and BDNF effectsAlters serotonin metabolism and increases hippocampal BDNF expression.
- Cytokine balancingTuftsin-like immune effects modulate IL-6 and interferon signaling.
- Reduced anxiety without sedation
- Improved focus
- Stress resilience
Researched for
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Neurasthenia and asthenia
- Stress-related cognitive impairment
- Immune modulation
Research notes
- Zozulya et al. (2008) reported Selank's anxiolytic effect in GAD comparable to medazepam, with fewer side effects.
- Animal data show no tolerance, withdrawal or abuse potential.
- Gene-expression studies show changes in GABA-related and inflammatory genes in rodent brain.
- Human trials are small, often open-label and Russian-language; independent replication is lacking.
Reported side effects
- Nasal irritation
- Mild fatigue at higher doses
- Headache
- Injection-site reactions (SC)
Contraindications & cautions
- Active psychosis or mania
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Concurrent MAOIs (theoretical)
- Age under 18 without specialist input
Lab monitoring
- CBC, CMP
- Thyroid panel (TSH, free T4)
- AM cortisol
- Vitamin D, B12, magnesium
- Baseline anxiety score (GAD-7)
Dosing and pricing for Selank
Dosing references and compound pricing are available to established patients in the secure portal after a medical evaluation.
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