Selank
Synthetic analog of immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin with anxiolytic and nootropic effects.
🔬 Mechanism of Action
Selank (TP-7) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. It has both anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) properties. Selank modulates multiple neurotransmitter systems simultaneously: GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It also enhances BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) expression.
Selank is approved in Russia as a prescription medication for anxiety and cognitive disorders. Its extremely short half-life (~3 minutes for the parent compound) necessitates intranasal administration for clinical use, where it achieves rapid CNS delivery.
Source: PMID: 18577768
📜Background & History
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1990s. By adding three additional amino acids (Pro-Gly-Pro), its stability and CNS penetration were significantly enhanced. It has been approved in Russia for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and as a nootropic since 2009. Over 30 clinical trials have been conducted. Its anxiolytic mechanism differs from benzodiazepines — no GABA-A modulation — acting instead via enkephalin system and BDNF upregulation.
🎯 Research Use Cases
- ✓Generalized anxiety disorder without sedation or dependence
- ✓Cognitive enhancement: focus, memory consolidation, learning
- ✓Stress-induced immune suppression reversal
- ✓PTSD and fear extinction support
- ✓Nootropic protocol for mental performance under stress
💉 Dosing Protocol
| Typical Dose | 250-750 mcg/day (intranasal) |
| Frequency | 1-3× daily (intranasal) |
| Half-Life | ~3 minutes (rapid metabolism) |
| Common Vial Sizes | 5 mg |
🧪 Reconstitution Example
⚠️Safety & Considerations
Approved in Russia as an anxiolytic medication. Good safety profile in clinical use. Primary route is intranasal. No significant side effects reported at standard doses. May cause mild drowsiness in some users.
⚡Interactions & Contraindications
No significant drug interactions documented. Do not combine with benzodiazepines without tapering assessment. MAO inhibitors may interact with enkephalin metabolism. Intranasal administration preferred for CNS bioavailability.
🔗Synergies & Common Stacks
Selank reduces anxiety via enkephalin pathways; Semax enhances cognition via BDNF and ACTH. Together they create an anxiolytic + cognitive enhancement stack without sedation.
Selank reduces daytime anxiety; DSIP supports slow-wave sleep restoration at night. Comprehensive stress and sleep protocol.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How is Selank administered?▼
Does Selank require a prescription?▼
📖 References
- Semenova TP, et al. “Anxiolytic-like effect of selank in elevated plus-maze test in rats.” Bull Exp Biol Med (2006). PMID: 17407305
- Kasian A, et al. “Selank has anxiolytic activity comparable to GABA-ergic compounds.” Regul Pept (2012). PMID: 22709419