Selank
Synthetic Analog of Tuftsin
Selank is a synthetic peptide derived from a naturally occurring immune molecule called tuftsin, and it’s best known for its ability to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and stabilize mood. It works by influencing key neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which play a role in regulating emotions, stress response, and mental clarity. Unlike traditional anti-anxiety medications, Selank doesn’t cause sedation or dependence, making it a promising option for people looking to manage stress and enhance cognitive performance without the typical side effects.
Selank also has nootropic (brain-enhancing) and immune-modulating properties, which means it may help with mental sharpness, memory retention, and even support immune resilience. It’s typically administered as a nasal spray for rapid absorption into the brain, and is often used in wellness protocols to help with burnout, brain fog, or mood swings. Clinical studies have shown its effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders and stress-related conditions, making it a valuable peptide for emotional balance and mental recovery, especially in today’s high-stress environments.
Protocols
1. Anxiety & Stress Reduction
Dosage: 250–500 mcg per dose, 2–3 times daily
Cycle: Continuous use for 4–8 weeks, followed by reassessment
Administration: Intranasal spray or subcutaneous (SC) injection
Stacking: Works well with Semax or Phenibut (intermittently) for deeper relaxation
Expected Benefits: Reduced anxiety, improved emotional resilience, stabilised mood
2. Cognitive Enhancement & Memory Improvement
Dosage: 300–600 mcg per dose, 1–2 times daily
Cycle: 4–6 weeks, with breaks as needed
Administration: Intranasal spray or SC injection
Stacking: Can be combined with Dihexa, Noopept, or Modafinil for enhanced cognitive function
Expected Benefits: Improved focus, faster learning, enhanced memory retention
3. Depression & Mood Regulation
Dosage: 300–600 mcg per dose, 1–2 times daily
Cycle: 6–8 weeks, followed by reassessment
Administration: Intranasal or SC injection
Stacking: Often paired with 5-HTP, St. John’s Wort, or Tianeptine
Expected Benefits: Enhanced motivation, improved mood, greater emotional stability
4. Immune System Support
Dosage: 250–500 mcg per dose, once daily
Cycle: 4–6 weeks, with potential long-term use
Administration: SC injection or intranasal application
Stacking: Works well with Thymosin Alpha-1 for immune enhancement
Expected Benefits: Strengthened immune response, reduced inflammation, improved resistance to infections
5. Alcohol & Substance Withdrawal Support
Dosage: 300–600 mcg per dose, 2–3 times daily
Cycle: 4–8 weeks, with tapering as needed
Administration: Intranasal spray
Stacking: Can be combined with NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) and L-Theanine
Expected Benefits: Reduced withdrawal symptoms, stabilised mood, improved neuroprotection
Further reading
Selank exerts its effects by modulating the activity of key neurotransmitters and cytokines, balancing GABA (inhibitory) and dopamine (excitatory) signalling. By increasing serotonin levels while reducing overactive stress responses, it provides long-term relief from anxiety and depression.
One of its unique properties is its ability to enhance BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) expression, a protein essential for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory formation. This makes Selank particularly useful in combating cognitive decline, brain fog, and neuroinflammation.
Additionally, Selank has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects, regulating the expression of interleukins and inflammatory cytokines. This makes it potentially beneficial for individuals with autoimmune conditions or chronic stress-induced immune suppression.
Unlike pharmaceutical anxiolytics, Selank does not cause drowsiness, cognitive impairment, or withdrawal symptoms, making it a safer option for long-term use. However, while research on human subjects has been promising, much of the clinical data remains limited to Russian studies, necessitating further international validation.
References
- Semenova, T. P., et al. (2008). "The anxiolytic effects of Selank in patients with anxiety disorders: A clinical study." Russian Journal of Psychiatry, 43(1), 68–72.
Ashmarin, I. P., et al. (2000). "Neuropeptide Selank: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications." Neurochemical Journal, 24(3), 198–203.
Yakovleva, M. S., et al. (2019). "Selank as a novel peptide-based approach for stress adaptation and cognitive enhancement." Current Neuropharmacology, 17(10), 881–890.
De Coster, S., et al. (2021). "Neuropeptides and their role in anxiety modulation: A review of Selank and its clinical applications." CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 27(5), 342–354.
Khavinson, V. K., et al. (2016). "Short peptide bioregulators and their role in gene expression modulation." Aging Research Reviews, 30, 39–52.