Selank
Molecular Identifiers
Molecular Formula
C33H57N11O9
CAS Number
129954-34-3
PubChem CID
11765600Molecular Weight
751.87 Da
Overview
Anxiolytic peptide derived from tuftsin with a Pro-Gly-Pro addition. Reduces anxiety without sedation. Immunomodulatory properties.
Interest in Selank centers on its anxiolytic profile without sedation or dependence — a meaningful contrast with benzodiazepines. It acts via GABAergic modulation and stabilization of endogenous enkephalins, with an additional immunomodulatory effect (interferons, IL-6). User reports describe reduction of situational and trait anxiety, mood improvement, and attentional stabilization, without cognitive impairment.
In Brazil and most of the Western world it has no regulatory approval; it is prescribed off-label through compounding pharmacies in nasal or subcutaneous formulation. In Russia it is registered as an anxiolytic (Selank nasal drops). Typical protocols last 4-8 weeks, with administration 1-2 times per day.
It was developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in collaboration with the Institute of Pharmacology, derived from tuftsin (an endogenous immunoactive tetrapeptide) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension added to provide enzymatic stability.
In the peptide nootropic landscape, Selank is the "Russian sibling" of Semax — same developing group and same Pro-Gly-Pro extension — but with an anxiolytic/immunomodulatory focus, whereas Semax (derived from the ACTH 4-10 fragment) is pro-cognitive via BDNF. It differs from Cerebrolysin (a porcine hydrolysate, not a single peptide) and from the investigational Dihexa (synaptogenesis via HGF/c-Met), P21 (BDNF and anti-tau), and PE 22-28 (TREK-1 for depression) by already having a registered indication (Russia) and a clinical profile consolidated in anxiety.
TKPRPGP Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro Half-life
~3-5 minutes
Administration Route
Intranasal or subcutaneous
Category
Cognitive & Neuroprotective
Mechanism of Action
- GABAergic system modulation
- Anxiolytic effect without sedation
- Immune modulation (IL-6, interferons)
- Stabilization of endogenous enkephalins
- Neuroprotective effect
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 250-500 mcg per injection |
| Frequency | 1-2 times daily |
| Timing | Morning and/or afternoon |
| Duration | 4-8 weeks |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Mild fatigue
- Nasal irritation (intranasal)
- Headache (rare)
Product Properties
| Purity | >98% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, bacteriostatic water, and saline. Suitable for intranasal formulation. |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Selank found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 2 ml per vial
- Slowly inject the diluent against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Also available in nasal formulation
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
Scientific Studies
Published studies on Selank.
Related Peptides
Adamax
100-500 mcg via intranasal or subcutaneous · 1-2 times daily
Cerebrolysin
5-30 ml per injection · Once daily
Cortagen
Dihexa
DSIP
100-300 mcg per subcutaneous injection · Once daily
Epithalon
1-5 mg per subcutaneous injection (some protocols use 5-10 mg per full cycle) · Once daily or every other day