Dimitar Marinov, Ph.D.
Dimitar Marinov, Ph.D.Interested in learning about the research-backed benefits of Selank?
We have compiled the latest information on this tuftsin analog to aid in all research. Selank peptide is known to have neuroprotective properties, which may result in benefits like:
- Cognitive enhancement
- Stress reduction
- Mood regulation
This guide will explain how Selank works in the body and will highlight studies detailing the purported benefits of this versatile nootropic.
In addition, we will provide dosing information for the two main routes of administration used in Selank research along with suggestions for safe sourcing.
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What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic analog of tuftsin, an endogenous immunostimulatory tetrapeptide residing in the Fd fragment of the gamma-globulin molecule. Selank is modified with an additional group of three amino acids (Pro-Gly-Pro), enhancing its stability within the body [1].
Selank was originally developed by a team of researchers from the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics, who sought to explore its role in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. Since then, Selank has become globally recognized for its possible anxiolytic, cognitive, and antinociceptive properties [2, 3].
The pharmacokinetics of Selank are not fully understood at this point, but research shows that different routes of administration alter how Selank is processed and utilized by the body.
For example, insufflated Selank quickly passes through the blood-brain barrier and almost immediately creates changes in the central nervous system, while subcutaneous Selank releases into the body more slowly and has different effects on GABA and NMDA binding sites than the nasally administered version [4].
While Selank is used to treat conditions like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in Russia, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved Selank for any human use [5].
Researchers are hopeful that its approval status will change as more data is documented on the cognitive and immunomodulatory benefits of Selank.
How Does Selank Work?
As a tuftsin analog, Selank works similarly to the endogenous peptide within the immune system. But Selank has other mechanisms of action that contribute to its cognitive benefits, which we will further explore in this section.
Mechanism of Action
Selank has been reported to possess immunomodulatory properties. It is thought to regulate immune responses and modulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus potentially influencing the immune function [6].
Selank also seems to have favorable effects on anxiety, pain, and phobias due to its interaction with enkephalins. These are neurotransmitters that work within the body’s opioid receptors to promote a sense of calm and reduce pain. When enkephalins are degraded too quickly by the enzyme enkephalinase, the nervous system becomes dysregulated [7].
Selank inhibits enkephalinase to preserve healthy enkephalin levels, improving anxiety spectrum disorders and certain kinds of pain [3].
Effects on Neurotransmitters and Brain Function
Selank is believed to modulate the activity of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play crucial roles in mood regulation and cognitive processes [8].
Selank influences some neuropeptides involved in the stress response, such as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and its receptors, down-regulating responses to stressful stimuli [9].
Selank also changes the way that GABA receptors respond to GABA, resulting in an inhibitory CNS response similar to that experienced during benzodiazepine use, but without the addiction potential or similar side effects [10].
Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Enhancement
Selank might enhance neuroplasticity by promoting the growth and branching of neurons, as well as facilitating synaptic plasticity, or the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken based on activity [11, 12]. These effects may contribute to improved learning, memory, and cognitive flexibility.
Selank exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for brain health [13]. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, Selank may help protect neurons from damage and support optimal cognitive function. These effects are important for maintaining brain health and promoting neuroplasticity [14].
Finally, Selank may improve the acquisition and consolidation of new information, as well as facilitate memory retrieval. By modulating neurotransmitter systems and promoting neuroplasticity, Selank may enhance memory formation and retention, leading to improved cognitive performance [15, 16].
Top 5 Benefits of Selank
The benefits of Selank have been demonstrated in multiple scientific studies. Here are some of its most notable effects.
Selank for Cognitive Enhancement
Selank has shown positive effects on memory and learning processes. It may enhance the acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval of information, potentially leading to improved cognitive performance [15, 16].
Selank is also known for its anxiolytic properties, meaning it can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calmness [3]. By alleviating anxiety, Selank may indirectly support cognitive function by reducing distractions and improving mental clarity.
Selank also exhibits neuroprotective properties, which will be discussed soon. This protection may indirectly contribute to cognitive enhancement by preserving cognitive function and preventing cognitive decline.
Selank for Mood Regulation
Selank is believed to interact with the serotonin system. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, and imbalances in serotonin levels have been linked to mood disorders such as depression. The way Selank corrects serotonin metabolism within the brain may promote a sense of well-being [17].
Selank has also been found to modulate dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Dopamine dysregulation is implicated in mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. By affecting dopamine levels or receptor activity, Selank may help restore balance and promote a more stable mood [10].
Selank’s Neuroprotective Properties
Selank has been observed to promote neuronal survival and regeneration in preclinical studies. It may support the growth and development of new neurons (neurogenesis) and facilitate the maintenance of existing neurons [11, 12]. These effects are essential for preserving brain function and protecting against neurodegenerative processes.
Selank has likewise been found to reduce oxidative stress in the brain. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to neutralize them. Excessive oxidative stress can damage cells, including neurons. By acting as an antioxidant, Selank may help protect neurons from oxidative damage and promote their overall health [14].
Chronic inflammation in the brain is associated with various neurodegenerative conditions and can contribute to neuronal damage. Selank has been linked to anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing inflammation in the brain and protecting neurons from inflammatory damage [13].
Selank for Stress Reduction
Selank is believed to regulate the activity of neurotransmitters involved in the body's stress response similar to the way it exerts its anxiolytic effects. This modulation can lead to a reduction in stress levels and a promotion of a calmer state of mind.
Selank may also augment certain drugs used for the treatment of stress, such as diazepam, making the drug work more effectively and with fewer side effects than if it were administered alone [9].
Other Potential Benefits of Selank
This short list of potential Selank benefits is far from exhaustive. The synthetic peptide may also be useful for the reduction of pain, aggression, fear, and anhedonia [2]. It may also be a potent antiviral agent [18].
Selank Benefits | Scientific Studies and Research
Despite its being around since the 1990s, there have been few human studies involving Selank, mostly related to its anxiolytic properties. Given its apparently favorably safety profile, we hope to see more clinical research into Selank in the future.
Cognitive Enhancement Research
In one animal study, Selank was compared to piracetam, a drug used to enhance cognitive processes such as learning and memory. For four days, Selank was administered to one group of rats with low learning ability and one group with average learning ability, before each group engaged in a stressful training activity [16].
The low-ability group showed significant improvements in the learning process beginning with the first dose of Selank, and the improvements grew stronger with each subsequent dose. The average-ability group began to show improvements on day three of the study. The study authors concluded that Selank could improve learning and memory consolidation, especially in the presence of emotional stress [16].
Mood Regulation Research
Subjects who suffer from anxiety, depression, and mood disorders have been found to have elevated levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) [19].
In a clinical study, Selank was administered to subjects with anxiety-asthenic disorders as well as a control group. Over the 14-day treatment period, Selank suppressed the expression of IL-6 in the anxiety-asthenic disorder group, but did not change IL-6 levels in the healthy volunteers [20].
Another human study showed that Selank was as effective at treating generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia as the benzodiazepine medazepam. Selank not only reduced the subjects’ anxiety levels to the same degree as did medazepam, but also improved enkephalin levels in the treated subjects while making them feel more energetic [3].
Neuroprotection Research
Selank may exert neuroprotective effects and may even reverse memory impairment as a result of alcohol abuse.
In a 2019 experiment, rats with alcohol-related cognitive deficits received daily intraperitoneal Selank injections at 0.3 mg/kg for seven days. The rats were able to demonstrate memory and attention levels comparable to normal, control group rats. Upon examination, Selank had prevented the abnormal buildup of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) typically found in the hippocampus and frontal cortex in an alcohol abuse subject [14].
Stress Reduction Research
Stress can deplete serotonin levels, and low serotonin levels can cause one to feel more stressed. Selank may play a role in resolving this unfortunate cycle.
In a 2009 study, 87 rats were given a serotonin metabolism inhibitor to induce low serotonin. One group of these rats received tuftsin injections into the brain stem while the other group received Selank injections. Tuftsin had no effect on serotonin metabolism. Selank, however, increased serotonin metabolism shortly after administration. This may make Selank a viable treatment for serotonin-related stress disorders [17].
How to Maximize Selank Benefits
By now, researchers are probably curious as to how to maximize the many potential benefits of Selank.
In this section we go over:
- How to dose and administer Selank
- Which supplements and nootropics may be stacked with Selank
- Lifestyle factors that can alter Selank’s effectiveness
Selank Dosage and Administration
Selank may be administered subcutaneously or as a nasal spray.
Each route will have a different protocol and effects [21].
Selank Subcutaneous Injections:
- When Selank is injected into fatty tissue, it is slowly released into the bloodstream.
- This route of administration results in more protracted, sustained action.
- Daily Selank injectable dose in the range of 150-300mcg.
Selank Nasal Spray:
- Insufflated Selank is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the sinus membrane.
- Selank nasal spray results in quick anxiolytic and nootropic improvements, although it is metabolized quickly as well.
- Nasally administered Selank should be split into 2-3 doses throughout the day for a total of 750-1,000mcg.
- If the nasal spray comes in the N-Acetyl Selank Amidate version, administer a lower starting dose of 300-600mcg daily.
Combining Selank with Other Nootropics or Supplements
Selank combines will with certain other nootropics and supplements, increasing the potency of each compound. The following list includes some of ones most commonly combined with Selank for enhanced anti-anxiety, neuroprotective, and cognitive enhancing benefits:
- Semax
- Sunifiram
- Noopept
- Caffeine
Lifestyle Factors
With the administration of any sort of anxiolytic or nootropic, the substance cannot be expected to do all the work. Subjects of Selank experimentation should participate in activities that enhance the desired effects of Selank. Getting adequate sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress should be consistently practiced to get the most out of Selank.
Where to Buy Selank Online? | 2024 Edition
Through trial, error, research, and fact-checking, the Peptides.org team has found two reputable companies vending Selank.
We chose to recommend these retailers because their products are pristine, their business practices are sound, and their customer service is unbeatable.
Remember that any peptide purchased through these sellers is for laboratory research only.
Top Supplier of Selank Nasal Spray
We acknowledge the unique benefits and convenience of Selank as a nasal spray, and that’s why we love:
Limitless Life
Limitless Life offers a highly potent N-Acetyl Selank Amidate in nasal spray form, which delivers 300mcg per spray.
Here are some highlights about this vendor:
- Lab-Tested Selank: The vendor is dedicated to selling strictly research-grade compounds, to which end it works with a third-party laboratory to ensure the purity, potency, and safety of its peptide products.
- Comprehensive Information: Limitless Life provides an array of useful resources about working with peptides. Their website is neatly organized and includes blog posts about peptide reconstitution and handling.
- Customer Service: Limitless Life has an amazing customer service department that can be reached any time of day with a phone call or email. They answer inquiries quickly and strive to go the extra mile for their customers.
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Top Supplier of Injectable Selank
While internasal Selank can be preferable in many research applications, some researchers opt for other versions of the peptide.
Researchers looking for aliquot Selank of 99%+ purity can buy it from this top source:
Xcel Peptides
While Xcel Peptides is a relatively new vendor of research peptides, they are working hard to establish themselves as a top name.
Based on our first-hand experience, we appreciated the following things about Xcel Peptides:
- Commitment to Quality: All Xcel Peptides products are sent to Janoshik analytical laboratories for comprehensive third-party testing. This helps to ensure that the vendor’s products are potent and safe to administer.
- Product Affordability: Considering the extensive testing of their research chemicals, this vendor’s pricing is extremely cost-effective, with promotional discounts offered for many peptides.
- Shipping and Customer Service: The vendor makes it a point to take care of its customers through dedicated email- and phone-based support. Plus, orders over $200 qualify for free shipping.
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Bacteriostatic Water and Selank
Researchers who choose to use injectable Selank will need to be ready with certain items for reconstitution and administration.
For convenience and quality, we highly recommend ordering many of said items from this top-rated supplier.
Benefits of Selank | Verdict
Selank research has clearly demonstrated the peptide’s potential as an anxiolytic, nootropic, mood regulator, and more.
It appears to be quite safe, exhibiting no major side effects. In fact, virtually the only side effects reported have been irritation caused by Selank nasal spray or complications related to injections.
However, there are limited long-term studies documenting the effects of Selank, adverse or otherwise, so researchers must be conscientious in their experimentation.
Qualified professionals looking for high-quality Selank nasal spray (N-Acetyl Selank Amidate) can be found through Limitless Life.
David Warmflash, M.D.