Anxiolytic, Nootropic & Immunomodulatory Research
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin, modified with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide to enhance stability and CNS penetrance. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Selank is approved in Russia for anxiety treatment. Research documents potent anxiolytic effects, nootropic activity, modulation of BDNF and serotonin, and a broad immunomodulatory profile without sedation or dependence potential.
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring immunopeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), extended with a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence to improve metabolic stability. It was developed over several decades at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow and is approved as a registered drug in Russia for anxiety and neurasthenia.
Unlike classical anxiolytics such as benzodiazepines, Selank does not act directly on GABA-A receptors. Instead, it modulates anxiety through effects on the enkephalin system, serotonin metabolism, BDNF upregulation, and immunomodulatory mechanisms. It is notable for producing anxiolytic effects without sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence.
Research indicates Selank inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, specifically enkephalinase (neprilysin) and angiotensin-converting enzyme, increasing the half-life and effectiveness of endogenous enkephalins. This mechanism is distinct from opiate receptor agonism and explains both the anxiolytic effects and the absence of tolerance or dependence.
Selank modulates serotonergic neurotransmission by increasing serotonin turnover in specific brain regions involved in anxiety regulation. Studies show that Selank's anxiolytic effects are partially blocked by serotonin antagonists, confirming the serotonergic component of its mechanism.
Like Semax, Selank upregulates BDNF expression, contributing to its nootropic and potentially neuroprotective profile. Increased BDNF is associated with improved synaptic plasticity, memory consolidation, and cognitive performance โ effects documented in rodent learning and memory paradigms.
Reflecting its tuftsin origin, Selank has broad immunomodulatory properties. Research demonstrates modulation of interferon-gamma, IL-6, and TNF-ฮฑ, as well as activation of natural killer (NK) cells. This immune component may contribute to its overall stress-resistance profile.
Seredenin SB et al. demonstrated in multiple anxiogenic rodent paradigms (elevated plus maze, open field, conflict test) that Selank produced anxiolytic effects comparable to diazepam without the associated sedation, muscle relaxation, or memory impairment. No tolerance was observed over extended treatment.
Semenova TP et al. demonstrated that intranasal Selank administration produced significant changes in serotonin turnover in multiple brain regions, with the magnitude of effect correlating with anxiolytic outcomes in behavioural testing. The findings establish serotonergic modulation as a key mechanism.
Gudasheva TA et al. reported that Selank significantly improved performance in passive and active avoidance tasks in rodents, an effect blocked by protein synthesis inhibitors, suggesting genuine memory consolidation enhancement rather than performance artefact.
Uchakina ON et al. examined Selank's cytokine effects in patients with anxiety disorder, demonstrating significant normalisation of interferon-gamma and IL-6 levels compared to placebo. NK cell activity was also increased, suggesting immune system involvement in the clinical response.
Selank lyophilized powder is reconstituted in sterile saline or bacteriostatic water. Intranasal administration is the primary route studied in Russian clinical research, with subcutaneous injection used in animal studies.
Russian clinical trials used Selank as a 0.15% nasal solution, 2-3 drops per nostril (approximately 100 mcg per dose). Rodent studies have employed 100โ250 mcg/kg subcutaneously. These figures are for scientific reference only and do not constitute medical recommendations.
| Product Name | Selank |
| CAS Number | 129954-34-3 |
| Molecular Formula | CโโHโ โNโโOโ |
| Molecular Weight | 751.9 Da |
| Sequence | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Purity | โฅ99% (HPLC) |
| Storage (lyophilized) | โ20ยฐC, protected from light |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2โ8ยฐC, use within 30 days |
| COA | Available with each order |
