At a glance
Effects
- Anxiety reduction: Clinical studies show anxiolytic effects comparable to low-dose benzodiazepines (e.g. medazepam) in GAD and neurasthenia without sedation, muscle relaxation, or withdrawal [5][6].
- Cognitive / nootropic support: Selank positively influences learning and memory formation and is reported to reduce mental fatigue and brain fog, effects linked to BDNF upregulation [2][6].
- Mood stabilisation: Has demonstrated antidepressant and antistress properties in preclinical models; reduces fear and aggression responses [5].
- Immunomodulation: As a tuftsin analogue, Selank modulates IL-6 expression and T-helper cytokine balance; antiviral activity has been reported in preclinical influenza models [1][3].
- No sedation or dependence signals: Unlike benzodiazepines, clinical studies did not observe amnesia, tolerance, or withdrawal syndrome at therapeutic doses; users can typically remain fully functional [5][6].
Synthetic anxiolytic / nootropic heptapeptide (tuftsin analogue)
~2–3 min plasma; functional effects 12–24 h
Intranasal spray (preferred) or subcutaneous injection
Approved in Russia/Ukraine; research compound only in US/EU — not FDA/EMA approved
30–60 min (intranasal); cumulative benefit builds over 1–2 weeks
About Selank
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide anxiolytic and nootropic developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences [1][2]. It is a stabilised analogue of the endogenous immunopeptide tuftsin, approved in Russia and Ukraine for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and neurasthenia, but classified as an unapproved research compound in the US, EU, and most Western countries [3][4].
How it works
Selank acts primarily as a positive allosteric modulator at the benzodiazepine-binding site of the GABA-A receptor, enhancing inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission similarly to benzodiazepines but without triggering the same tolerance or dependence signals [1][5]. Additional mechanisms include inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes (raising endogenous opioid peptide levels), serotonin system modulation, and upregulation of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in hippocampal tissue, which together underpin its anxiolytic, mood-stabilising, and nootropic effects [1][6]. Its C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension protects it from peptidase degradation and extends its functional duration well beyond its very short plasma half-life [3].
Risks & side effects
Most important: The long-term safety profile in humans is largely unknown — most evidence comes from small Russian studies lasting weeks to months, with no large-scale Western randomised controlled trials [4][7]. Quality and sterility of research-grade Selank sourced outside Russia's regulated pharmaceutical supply vary substantially between suppliers, adding a real contamination and immunogenicity risk [3][4].
Common
Serious
- Immunogenicity / allergic reaction to peptide or compounding impurities — risk elevated with low-purity research-grade material [4][7]
- Unknown interactions with psychiatric drug regimens (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, antipsychotics, sedatives): interaction data are absent [8][7]
- Potentiation of benzodiazepine effects if co-administered — PMC data show additive CNS depression [6]
- Variable absorption / unpredictable dosing from unregulated suppliers: purity and sterility cannot be assured [3][4]
Safety & harm reduction
- Pregnancy and lactation — safety not studied [3]
- Paediatric populations — no safety data [3]
- Significant hepatic or renal impairment — not evaluated [3]
- Active nasal infection or severe nasal polyps when using intranasal route [7]
- History of severe allergic reactions to injectable biologics or peptides [4]
- Concurrent use of benzodiazepines without clinical supervision — additive CNS effects demonstrated [6]
- Monitor for signs of allergic or immune reaction (rash, hives, swelling, breathing difficulty) at each administration [7]
- Track mood and anxiety scores to confirm therapeutic response vs. placebo effect [8]
- Watch for persistent headache or fatigue beyond the first few days; reduce dose or discontinue [7]
- Verify supplier purity (≥99% HPLC with MS confirmation) to minimise immunogenicity risk [3]
- Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam): additive/potentiated anxiolytic and CNS depressant effect — use only under clinical supervision [6]
- SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers: interaction data absent; caution required [7][4]
- Opioids: enkephalinase inhibition may alter endogenous opioid tone; combination risks unstudied [6]
- Semax: frequently combined in nootropic protocols; mechanistic interaction (complementary vs. competing pathways) is not established [10]
- Cycle rather than use continuously: a common reported pattern is 10–14 days on / 5–7 days off (intranasal) or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off (SubQ) to maintain sensitivity [7][10]
- Start at the lower end of the dose range and titrate gradually; do not escalate beyond reported research doses without clinical oversight [7]
- Reconstituted peptide should be refrigerated and used within 28 days; do not freeze reconstituted solution [10]
- Select one administration route per cycle; do not mix intranasal and subcutaneous in the same period without clinical guidance [10]
- Not a substitute for benzodiazepines in acute anxiety emergencies — onset and potency differ [4]
Dosage context
Dosage context (commonly-reported research ranges; NOT a prescription or clinical recommendation): Intranasal — Russian clinical protocols used approximately 250–300 mcg per spray, 2–3 sprays daily (total ~600–2,700 mcg/day) over 14–21 days [2][10]. Subcutaneous — research-use protocols commonly report 250–500 mcg/day, often starting at 250–300 mcg for 1–2 weeks before any step-up [7][10]. Plasma half-life is ~2–3 minutes; functional effects are reported to last 12–24 hours despite rapid clearance [3][10]. Sources are thin and no dose has been validated by a Western regulatory authority.
Sources
- 1.Wikipedia – Selank
- 2.PeptideInsight – Selank Research Evidence & Safety Profile
- 3.PMC – Selank GABAergic Gene Expression (Kasian et al., 2016)
- 4.PMC – Selank Enhances Diazepam Effect (Stress Model)
- 5.Palmetto Peptides – Selank Mechanism of Action
- 6.ResearchGate – Efficacy & Mechanisms of Selank (Zozulya et al., 2008)
- 7.DrLewis.com – Selank for Anxiety: Evidence, Mechanism, Realistic Expectations
- 8.ChemicalBook – Efficacy and Side Effects of Selank
- 9.RevitalyzeMD – Selank Peptide and Health Effects
- 10.Parahealth – Selank Dosing Guide: Intranasal Research Protocols
- 11.PeptideDosing Protocols – Selank Dosing Guide 2026
- 12.Paragon Sports Medicine – Selank Peptide
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.
Other options for Selank· 2 offers
Same compound from different labs/brands and pack sizes. Tap a row to switch brand — the price and buy button update instantly.
This compound comes in different forms (e.g. injectable vs oral vs topical). Cost per mg is only comparable within the same form.
| Brand | Form | Strength | Pack | Price | Per mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Generic | — | — | 29,90 € | — | |
GenericSelected | vial | 5 mg | 10 vial | 169,99 € | — |