Selank
Threonyl-lysyl-prolyl-arginyl-prolyl-glycyl-proline
A Russian-registered peptide studied in small trials for anxiety
Selank is a heptapeptide developed in Russia as a synthetic analogue of the human immune peptide tuftsin. It is primarily researched for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) effects, and it's registered in Russia as 0.15% nasal drops. As of October 2026, it isn't approved in the US or EU. The human evidence is a few small Russian trials, none placebo-controlled; one compared it with medazepam in 62 patients and found similar anti-anxiety effects. Its developers report that, unlike traditional anxiety medications, Selank does not cause sedation, but no independent trial has tested that.
Read the research profile for mechanisms, citations, and safety context before comparing vendors. View the Selank research profile.
Key Benefits
Mechanism of Action
In rodent and cell studies, Selank changes the expression of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Rat studies also report changes in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, which researchers link to its memory effects in animals. Its developers propose that its action on the GABAergic system is distinct from benzodiazepines, providing anxiety relief without dependence. None of these mechanisms has been confirmed in people.
Dosing Guidelines
Typical Dose
300-900 mcg
Frequency
1-3x daily
Duration
10-14 days
Note: Vendor and community guides describe nasal use, often a short 10-14 day course followed by a break of 1-3 weeks before resuming. Users on forums report roughly 250-1,200 mcg/day; we found no trial doses in the abstracts we checked. The Russian label reports rapid absorption by the nasal route, but 'direct transport to the brain' hasn't been measured in people.
Research & Studies
Our profile of Selank, covering its mechanism, the small Russian studies behind it, and reported side effects.
Read Full ResearchProfile of Semax, the Russian peptide most often paired with Selank, studied mainly in small Russian stroke trials.
Read Full ResearchSide effects and safety signals reported across common research peptides, with the evidence type behind each.
Read Full ResearchPotential Side Effects
Reported side effects may include:
- - No placebo-controlled safety data; trial abstracts we checked don't detail side effects.
- - Occasional nasal irritation or dryness from spray administration.
- - Allergic reactions or bad taste from drops (Russian label).
- - Headache, insomnia or anxiety (user reports).
- - Rare instances of mild fatigue or overstimulation at very high doses (vendor lists).
- - No known addictive potential or withdrawal symptoms in developer studies; not independently tested.
This information is for research purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional.
Popular Stacking Options
Selank + Semax
Semax and Selank are both Russian nootropic peptides that users often stack, describing Semax for attention and Selank for anxiety and mood. No study has tested the combination.
Shop this stackSelank + BPC-157
Vendors pair Selank's reported central nervous system effects with BPC-157's gut-brain axis effects, which come mostly from rodent studies. The combination hasn't been studied.
Shop this stackSelank + GHK-Cu
Marketed as a cognitive and physical anti-aging stack. GHK-Cu's human data are small topical skin studies, and the combination hasn't been studied.
Shop this stackFrequently Asked Questions
Is Selank a sedative? Will it make me sleepy?
Its developers report that Selank reduces anxiety without causing sedation or drowsiness. A 2008 trial against medazepam, a benzodiazepine, found similar anxiety relief plus psychostimulant effects. No placebo-controlled trial has measured sedation, and some users report insomnia instead.
How is Selank different from Semax?
While both are Russian nootropic peptides, they have different primary uses in research. Selank is primarily studied as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), while Semax has been studied mainly in small stroke trials. Users often take them together to cover both anxiety and focus, but the combination hasn't been studied.
How is Selank used: nasal spray or injection?
Selank is registered in Russia as nasal drops, and that's the only route with human data. Subcutaneous injection is an alternative in vendor guides, but we found no human study of it.
How long does it take to feel the effects of Selank?
No study we found measured onset in people. Vendor and community guides describe anxiolytic effects within about 30 minutes of a nasal dose, with mood effects building over several days. A course is typically 10-14 days in vendor guides.
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Semax
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