Selank is a synthetic peptide approved in Russia for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) at 450 mcg per day via nasal administration. It is a modified analog of tuftsin (an immune-regulating tetrapeptide) with anxiolytic and nootropic properties. Research protocols use 250-500 mcg daily in 2-4 week cycles.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Selank (TP-7) |
| Structure | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (tuftsin analog + Pro-Gly-Pro) |
| Mechanism | GABA modulation, BDNF upregulation, enkephalinase inhibition |
| Approved dosage (Russia) | 450 mcg/day nasal (0.15% solution, 3x daily) |
| Research dosage | 250-500 mcg/day nasal or subcutaneous |
| Cycle length | 2-4 weeks on, 1-2 weeks off |
| Half-life | 2-5 minutes (parent compound) |
| Duration of effect | 3-6 hours (despite short half-life) |
| Regulatory status | Approved in Russia; research chemical elsewhere |
Selank's short half-life (2-5 minutes) seems to contradict its lasting effects (3-6 hours). The explanation: Selank triggers downstream changes in gene expression and receptor sensitivity that persist long after the peptide itself is cleared. This is similar to how a match lights a fire that burns long after the match is gone.
For other anxiety-related peptides, see our peptides for anxiety guide. This is educational content about a research compound.
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Dosage Protocols by Goal
Selank dosing varies by route of administration and therapeutic goal.
Anxiety Protocol (Primary Use)
| Parameter | Nasal Spray | Subcutaneous |
|---|---|---|
| Daily dose | 250-500 mcg | 250-500 mcg |
| Frequency | 2-3x daily | Once daily |
| Cycle | 14-21 days on, 7-14 days off | 14-21 days on, 7-14 days off |
| Onset | 10-15 minutes | 15-30 minutes |
Cognitive Enhancement Protocol
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily dose | 250-300 mcg |
| Frequency | 1-2x daily (morning and early afternoon) |
| Cycle | 14-28 days on, 14 days off |
| Best paired with | Semax (200-600 mcg/day) for synergy |
Immune Support Protocol
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily dose | 200-300 mcg |
| Frequency | Once daily |
| Cycle | 10-14 days |
| Notes | Selank's tuftsin backbone has immune-modulating properties |
The Russian-approved protocol is specific: 0.15% nasal drops, 2 drops per nostril, 3 times daily, for 14 days. This delivers approximately 150 mcg per administration (450 mcg daily total). Research protocols often use slightly higher doses.
Use our peptide reconstitution calculator for preparation and our unit converter for dose calculations.
How Selank Works
Selank modulates three systems simultaneously, which is why it produces both anxiolytic and cognitive effects.
GABA modulation. Selank enhances GABA-A receptor sensitivity without directly binding to benzodiazepine sites. This produces anxiolytic effects similar to benzodiazepines without the sedation, tolerance, or dependence. A 62-patient randomized trial compared Selank to medazepam (a benzodiazepine) and found comparable anxiolytic effects with additional antiasthenic and psychostimulant benefits that medazepam lacked.
BDNF upregulation. Selank increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the hippocampus. BDNF supports neuroplasticity, learning, and memory consolidation. This mechanism drives the cognitive enhancement effects and distinguishes Selank from traditional anxiolytics that impair cognition.
Enkephalinase inhibition. Selank inhibits the enzymes that break down enkephalins (endogenous opioid peptides). Higher enkephalin levels improve mood and stress resilience without the euphoria or addiction risk of exogenous opioids. The effect is subtle and modulatory, not euphoric.
The combination of anxiety reduction without sedation and simultaneous cognitive enhancement is Selank's unique profile. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety but impair cognition. SSRIs reduce anxiety but take weeks to work. Selank offers rapid onset (10-15 minutes nasal) with cognitive preservation.
N-Acetyl Selank Amidate
N-Acetyl Selank Amidate is a modified version of Selank designed for improved stability and potency.
| Feature | Standard Selank | N-Acetyl Selank Amidate |
|---|---|---|
| Half-life | 2-5 minutes | Estimated 10-20 minutes |
| Stability | Degrades quickly | More resistant to enzymatic breakdown |
| Potency | Standard | Reported as 2-3x more potent |
| Dosage adjustment | Standard doses | Reduce to 50-60% of standard Selank dose |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (premium product) |
| Research | Russian clinical trials | Limited (community-derived protocols) |
The acetyl group and amide modification protect the peptide from enzymatic degradation (aminopeptidases and carboxypeptidases), extending its active time. If using N-Acetyl Selank Amidate, reduce the dose to 150-300 mcg daily to account for increased potency and stability.
The trade-off: standard Selank has Russian clinical trial data. N-Acetyl Selank Amidate does not. The modification makes pharmacological sense but has no independent clinical validation.
Selank vs. Semax
Selank and Semax are both Russian-developed nootropic peptides, but they target different primary goals.
| Feature | Selank | Semax |
|---|---|---|
| Primary effect | Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) | Cognitive enhancement |
| Secondary effect | Nootropic | Neuroprotective |
| Mechanism | GABA, BDNF, enkephalinase | ACTH analog, BDNF, NGF |
| Best for | Anxiety, stress, sleep quality | Focus, memory, learning |
| Russian indication | GAD, neurasthenia | Stroke recovery, cognitive decline |
| Typical dose | 250-500 mcg/day | 200-600 mcg/day |
| Route | Nasal or subcutaneous | Nasal preferred |
| Onset | 10-15 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Duration | 3-6 hours | 3-4 hours |
| Sedating? | No | No (mildly stimulating) |
Stacking Selank + Semax: The two are commonly used together. Selank in the morning and evening for baseline anxiety control. Semax in the morning and early afternoon for cognitive performance. The dosing does not need to be reduced when stacking because they act through different pathways.
For more on cognitive-enhancing peptides, see our peptides for cognitive function guide.
Side Effects and Safety
Selank has a mild side effect profile based on clinical and research data.
| Side Effect | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal irritation (spray) | Common | Mild, temporary |
| Fatigue (first few days) | Occasional | Usually resolves by day 3-4 |
| Headache | Rare | More common with higher doses |
| Allergic reaction | Very rare | Discontinue if rash/swelling |
What Selank does NOT cause (based on available data):
- No cognitive impairment (unlike benzodiazepines)
- No tolerance with cycling (2-4 weeks on, 1-2 weeks off)
- No withdrawal symptoms (anxiolytic effects persist 1+ week after discontinuation per Russian clinical data)
- No dependence potential (not a controlled substance)
- No hormonal effects
Contraindications: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, known allergy to peptides. Use caution with immunosuppressant medications (Selank has immune-modulating properties from its tuftsin backbone).
The safety data comes primarily from Russian clinical trials conducted by the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences). Independent Western replication is limited. Study durations are typically 2-6 weeks.
For general peptide safety, see our peptide safety guide and are peptides legal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard Selank dosage?
The Russian-approved dose is 450 mcg/day nasal (0.15% solution, 2 drops per nostril, 3 times daily) for 14 days. Research protocols use 250-500 mcg/day via nasal spray or subcutaneous injection in 2-4 week cycles with 1-2 week breaks.
Is Selank better than benzodiazepines for anxiety?
A 62-patient Russian trial showed Selank produced comparable anxiolytic effects to medazepam (a benzodiazepine) with additional antiasthenic and psychostimulant benefits. Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank does not cause sedation, tolerance, cognitive impairment, or dependence. Selank is not FDA-approved.
How fast does Selank work?
Nasal administration produces effects within 10-15 minutes. Subcutaneous injection takes 15-30 minutes. Despite Selank's 2-5 minute half-life, effects last 3-6 hours because the peptide triggers lasting changes in gene expression and receptor sensitivity.
Can you take Selank and Semax together?
Yes. They act through different mechanisms (Selank: GABA/enkephalin; Semax: ACTH/NGF). The common stack is Selank for anxiety control and Semax for cognitive enhancement. No dose reduction is needed when combining. Both are administered nasally.
What is N-Acetyl Selank Amidate?
A modified version of Selank with acetyl and amide groups that protect it from enzymatic breakdown. It is estimated to be 2-3x more potent with a longer half-life. Reduce the dose to 150-300 mcg daily. It has no independent clinical trial data, unlike standard Selank.
Does Selank cause dependence or withdrawal?
No dependence has been reported in clinical studies. Russian trial data shows anxiolytic effects persisted for 1+ week after discontinuation with no withdrawal symptoms. Selank does not bind to benzodiazepine receptor sites and is not a controlled substance.
The Bottom Line
Selank is one of the few peptides with government-approved clinical use (Russia, since 2009). The anxiolytic effect without cognitive impairment is its defining advantage over traditional anti-anxiety medications.
Standard dosing is 250-500 mcg daily, nasal or subcutaneous, in 2-4 week cycles. The modified N-Acetyl Selank Amidate version offers improved stability at lower doses but lacks independent clinical validation.
Use our peptide reconstitution calculator for preparation guidance and see our peptides for anxiety guide for alternative options.
This is educational content about a research compound. Consult a healthcare provider before using any peptide.
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