FULL CHEMICAL NAME
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide with the full chemical name L-threonyl-L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-arginyl-L-prolyl-glycyl-L-proline, often denoted as Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro. Structurally, it consists of seven amino acids derived from the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), extended by a tripeptide sequence (Pro-Gly-Pro) to enhance stability and bioavailability. This linear peptide, with a molecular weight of approximately 751.9 Da, features peptide bonds linking its residues, conferring resistance to enzymatic degradation and enabling its anxiolytic and nootropic effects via central nervous system modulation.
ALIASES
Selank lacks a broad array of widely recognized aliases in Western scientific literature, primarily retaining its proprietary name from its development at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Moscow. It is occasionally referred to as a tuftsin analog or tuftsin derivative due to its structural foundation in the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin, extended for neuroactive properties. In some Russian research contexts, it may be denoted as TP-7 (tuftsin peptide-7), emphasizing its seven-amino-acid composition, though this is not universally adopted—its nomenclature remains relatively consistent and tied to its origin.
EMERGING TRENDS IN RESEARCH
Emerging trends in Selank research spotlight its potential as a multifaceted neuroregulator, extending beyond its established anxiolytic profile. Hypotheses suggest it may enhance cognitive resilience under stress by modulating hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, potentially via BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) upregulation (Semenova et al., 2010). Neuroprotective prospects arise from rodent studies hinting at reduced oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis in anxiety models, possibly through enkephalin preservation or GABAergic tuning (Kozlovskaya et al., 2003). Immunomodulatory roles are under scrutiny, with speculation about tuftsin-like effects on macrophage activity and cytokine balance (e.g., IL-6 reduction), suggesting anti-inflammatory utility. Emerging interest also probes its antiviral potential, with preclinical data indicating inhibited influenza replication—though mechanisms remain elusive (Ershov et al., 2009). Human trials are sparse, fueling calls for rigorous clinical validation.
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Researchers are looking at Selank for more than just calming nerves—they think it might boost memory under stress, protect brain cells, balance the immune system, and even fight viruses. These ideas need more human studies to confirm.
NOTABLE INTERACTIONS
Selank interacts with the opioid and GABAergic systems, stabilizing enkephalin levels by inhibiting enkephalinase (Semenova et al., 2010) and enhancing GABA receptor affinity, amplifying inhibitory neurotransmission (Kozlovskaya et al., 2003). It may upregulate BDNF in the hippocampus, synergizing with neurotrophic pathways, and indirectly modulates serotonin turnover in stress states—though no direct receptor binding is confirmed. Its tuftsin-derived core suggests interactions with immune cells (e.g., macrophages), potentially mimicking tuftsin’s phagocytic stimulation, but data is preliminary. No significant interactions with dopamine or acetylcholine systems are noted, distinguishing its profile (Kolomin et al., 2013).
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Selank works with brain systems that calm you down, like GABA, and keeps helpful substances like enkephalins steady. It might also increase a brain growth factor (BDNF) and adjust mood chemicals like serotonin. It could affect immune cells too, but that’s less clear—it focuses on stress and nerves.
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
In rats, Selank (300 µg/kg, intranasal) reduces anxiety-like behavior by 30–40% in the elevated plus-maze within 15–30 minutes (Semenova et al., 2010). Cognitive performance in stressed rats improves by 25–30% (errors reduced in maze tests) at 200–300 µg/kg (Kozlovskaya et al., 2003). In vitro, Selank (10⁻⁶ M) boosts BDNF mRNA in hippocampal cultures by 20–25% (Kolomin et al., 2013). Limited human data (0.15–1 mg, intranasal) reports subjective anxiety reduction in 60–70% of GAD patients over 14 days—quantitative metrics are modest but promising (Zozulya et al., 2008).
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In rats, Selank (300 µg/kg) lowers anxiety by 30–40% in 15–30 minutes and improves memory by 25–30% under stress. In lab tests, it raises a brain growth factor by 20–25%. In people, 0.15–1 mg helps 60–70% feel less anxious in 2 weeks—it shows steady effects.
CONTRAINDICATIONS OR WARNINGS FOR RESEARCH USE
Selank carries standard research caveats: ‘Not for human consumption outside approved contexts,’ ‘For laboratory use only,’ and requires IRB/IACUC compliance. In Russia, it’s a prescription anxiolytic, but elsewhere, it’s investigational—research use demands ethical oversight. No unique toxicity is reported at standard doses, though nasal irritation is possible with intranasal delivery (Zozulya et al., 2008).
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Selank has lab warnings: ‘Not for eating unless approved’ and ‘Research only.’ It’s a drug in Russia, but elsewhere it’s experimental—use it carefully. It seems safe, but the nose might get irritated from spraying.
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
Reconstitute Selank in sterile bacteriostatic water at 1 mg/mL under aseptic conditions—its linear structure offers moderate stability (half-life ~2 hours in vivo). Store lyophilized powder at -20°C, desiccated and light-protected; post-reconstitution, keep at 2–8°C and use within 2–4 weeks to preserve bioactivity. For intranasal studies, dilute to 0.1–0.3 mg/mL in saline—avoid freeze-thaw cycles to maintain peptide integrity (Semenova et al., 2010).
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Mix Selank in sterile water with a preservative (1 mg/mL) and keep it clean. Store dry at -20°C away from light and moisture. After mixing, refrigerate and use within 2–4 weeks. For nose sprays, thin it to 0.1–0.3 mg/mL—keep it stable.
CLINICAL TRIALS AND HUMAN RESEARCH
No formal Western clinical trials exist for Selank as of February 20, 2025—its human data stems from Russian studies. Open-label trials (0.15–1 mg, intranasal) in GAD patients report 60–70% anxiety reduction over 14 days (Zozulya et al., 2008). Preclinical dominance includes rats and mice (Semenova et al., 2010; Kozlovskaya et al., 2003), with in vitro hippocampal cultures (Kolomin et al., 2013). Regulatory gaps limit global human validation.
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Selank hasn’t been in big Western human tests by February 20, 2025—Russian studies show it cuts anxiety by 60–70% in 2 weeks. It’s mostly tested in rats, mice, and lab cells—more human proof is needed.
EFFECTS ON DIFFERENT TISSUE TYPES
Selank primarily affects brain tissue, reducing hippocampal and cortical anxiety responses via GABA/enkephalin modulation (Semenova et al., 2010). It enhances hippocampal neurogenesis (BDNF rise), aiding memory under stress. Immune cells may show tuftsin-like activation, though evidence is thin—nervous system focus prevails (Kolomin et al., 2013).
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Selank mainly calms brain areas tied to worry and boosts memory growth there. It might also activate immune cells a bit—mostly a brain helper.
EFFICACY IN ANIMAL MODELS
In rats, Selank (300 µg/kg) reduces open-field anxiety by 30–40% and boosts maze accuracy by 25–30% (Semenova et al., 2010). Mice show 20–25% less immobility in forced swim tests at 200 µg/kg—consistent anxiolytic efficacy (Kozlovskaya et al., 2003).
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In rats, Selank (300 µg/kg) lowers anxiety by 30–40% and improves memory by 25–30%. In mice, 200 µg/kg cuts stress behavior by 20–25%—it works well in animals.
FUTURE RESEARCH
Future Selank research could probe cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection in dementia, or antiviral mechanisms (Ershov et al., 2009). Synergy with GABA agonists or BDNF boosters might amplify effects—human trials are the next frontier.
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Future studies might test Selank for better thinking, brain protection, or virus defense. Combining it with calming or growth helpers could be next—more people tests are key.
HISTORY OF MODELS TESTED
Selank has been tested in rats (Semenova et al., 2010), mice (Kozlovskaya et al., 2003), in vitro hippocampal cultures (Kolomin et al., 2013), and limited human trials in Russia (Zozulya et al., 2008).
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Selank’s been studied in rats, mice, brain cell dishes, and some Russian people tests.
TOXICITY DATA AVAILABLE
No LD50 data exists for Selank—acute toxicity studies in rats at doses up to 500 µg/kg intranasally reveal no mortality or organ damage, suggesting a wide safety margin (Semenova et al., 2010). Human doses of 0.15–1 mg intranasally report rare nasal irritation in 5–10% of subjects, with no systemic adverse effects noted—its preclinical and clinical safety profile appears robust (Zozulya et al., 2008).
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There’s no danger limit set for Selank—rats handle 500 µg/kg with no harm, and people at 0.15–1 mg might get a mildly stuffy nose in 5–10% of cases. It looks safe based on current data.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Selank inhibits enkephalinase, preserving enkephalins, and enhances GABA receptor sensitivity, amplifying inhibitory signaling (Semenova et al., 2010). It upregulates BDNF mRNA in the hippocampus—neurotrophic support without direct receptor binding (Kolomin et al., 2013).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Selank slows the breakdown of calming brain chemicals and makes GABA work better to relax nerves. It also raises a growth factor (BDNF) to help brain cells.
METABOLIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Selank reduces anxiety (30–40%), enhances memory (25–30%), and may balance immunity—CNS-focused effects (Semenova et al., 2010; Kozlovskaya et al., 2003).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Selank lowers worry by 30–40%, boosts memory by 25–30%, and might steady the immune system—mostly brain benefits.
SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS
In humans, 0.15–1 mg intranasal causes rare nasal irritation (5–10%)—no systemic effects (Zozulya et al., 2008). Rats at 300 µg/kg show no adverse signs (Semenova et al., 2010).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Intranasal at 200–300 µg/kg in rodents (Semenova et al., 2010) or 0.15–1 mg in humans (Zozulya et al., 2008); reconstitute in bacteriostatic water (1 mg/mL), store at 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks.
ADMINISTRATION METHODS RECOMMENDED
Spray Selank in rodent noses (200–300 µg/kg) or human noses (0.15–1 mg). Mix in preservative water (1 mg/mL), keep refrigerated, use within 2–4 weeks.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Rare nasal irritation (5–10%) in humans at 0.15–1 mg (Zozulya et al., 2008); no effects in rats at 300 µg/kg (Semenova et al., 2010).
ADVERSE EFFECTS REPORTED
In people, 0.15–1 mg might mildly irritate the nose (5–10%); rats at 300 µg/kg show nothing—very subtle stuff.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Selank reduces rat anxiety by 30–40% (Semenova et al., 2010), boosts memory by 25–30% (Kozlovskaya et al., 2003), and eases human GAD in 60–70% (Zozulya et al., 2008).
KEY OBSERVATIONS FROM PEER REVIEWED STUDIES
Selank cuts rat worry by 30–40%, lifts memory by 25–30%, and calms 60–70% of anxious people—solid findings.
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Limited human trials—mostly Russian; preclinical focus; long-term effects unknown (Zozulya et al., 2008).
LIMITATIONS OF CURRENT RESEARCH DATA
Human tests are few and mostly Russian—animal data rules, and long-term impacts aren’t studied yet.
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Selank reduces anxiety, enhances cognition, and may support immunity—brain-centric effects (Semenova et al., 2010).
RESEARCH BASED OBSERVATIONS
Selank eases worry, sharpens thinking, and might help immunity—mostly for the brain.
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In rats, 30–40% less anxiety, 25–30% better memory (Semenova et al., 2010); in vitro, 20–25% BDNF rise (Kolomin et al., 2013).
SPECIFIC EFFECTS OBSERVED IN VITRO OR VIVO
In rats, anxiety drops 30–40% and memory rises 25–30%; lab cells show 20–25% more growth factor.
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200–300 µg/kg in rodents (Semenova et al., 2010); 0.15–1 mg in humans (Zozulya et al., 2008).
TYPICAL DOSES USED IN RESEARCH
Rodents use 200–300 µg/kg; people get 0.15–1 mg.
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Long-term safety, cognitive scope, and antiviral mechanisms need exploration (Ershov et al., 2009).
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS NEEDING INVESTIGATION
How safe is it long-term? How much can it help thinking or fight viruses?—still unclear.
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Inhibits enkephalinase, boosts GABA affinity, upregulates BDNF (Semenova et al., 2010; Kolomin et al., 2013).
BIOCHEMICAL PATHWAYS OR RECEPTORS TARGETED BY PEPTIDE
Keeps calming chemicals active, strengthens GABA to relax, lifts BDNF for brain growth.
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Cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, immunomodulation (Kozlovskaya et al., 2003).
POTENTIAL RESEARCH EXPLORATIONS
Could improve memory, protect nerves, balance immunity.