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Research information only. Not medical advice. 18+ only. Not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use.

Selank

Also known as: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, Tuftsin analogue, Selanque, TP-7 (glyproline heptapeptide), Selank heptapeptide

Synthetic heptapeptide anxiolytic / nootropic / immunomodulator (glyproline family, tuftsin analogue)

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What it is

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the endogenous immunopeptide tuftsin. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed in the reviewed literature: (1) Inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes (enkephalinases) in human plasma, thereby prolonging the half-life of endogenous leu-enkephalin — this is suggested as a primary anxiolytic mechanism (PMIDs: 11550013, 32342318, 29181670, 15344652, 11443939). (2) Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors, with a modulatory site apparently distinct from but potentially overlapping with benzodiazepine and antipsychotic binding sites. (3) Upregulation of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in hippocampal CA1 neurons. (4) Modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and immune function, including induction of IFN-α gene expression and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β1) under stress conditions (PMIDs: 19882898, 18577961, 45, 32621722). (5) Enhancement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. (6) Anticoagulant activity demonstrated by thromboelastography. One review also mentions enhancement of BDNF and HGF/c-Met pathways critical to neuroplasticity. GABA receptor-related mechanism is noted in a pharmacology review.

Class: Synthetic heptapeptide anxiolytic / nootropic / immunomodulator (glyproline family, tuftsin analogue)

What it's studied for

  • Anxiety and anxiety-phobic disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, phobic disorders, somatoform disorders, neurasthenia) Human observational
    • In 62 patients with GAD and neurasthenia, Selank showed comparable anxiolytic effects to medazepam, plus antiasthenic and psychostimulant effects; administered intranasally and orally. PMID 18454096 Zozulia et al., Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii, 2008
    • Comparative study (60 patients, phobic-anxiety and somatoform disorders): pronounced anxiolytic and mild nootropic effects of Selank demonstrated; anxiolytic effect lasted a week after last dose; positive impact on quality of life. PMID 25176261 Medvedev et al., Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii, 2014
    • Randomized controlled trial: combination of Selank + phenazepam produced earlier positive effect and decreased undesirable side effects of phenazepam (memory/attention impairment, sedation, etc.) vs. phenazepam monotherapy in anxiety-phobic, hypochondriac and somatoform disorders. PMID 26356395 Medvedev et al., Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii, 2015
  • Immunomodulation / cytokine regulation Mixed
    • In vitro: Selank at 10^-7 M completely suppressed IL-6 gene expression in peripheral blood of depressed patients. In vivo: Changes in Th1/Th2 cytokine balance observed in patients with GAD and neurasthenia receiving Selank for 14 days. PMID 18577961 Uchakina et al., Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii, 2008
    • Animal study: Selank (100 mcg/kg/day i.p.) under 20-day social stress reduced IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 concentrations toward control values in rats. PMID 32621722 Yasenyavskaya et al., Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, 2021
    • Selank induced IFN-α gene expression in vivo in mice without affecting IL-4, IL-10, or TNF-α; mechanism may relate to Th1/Th2/Treg cytokine equilibrium modulation. PMID 19882898 Ershov et al., Voprosy virusologii, 2009
  • Antiviral activity (influenza and other viruses) Animal studies only
    • Pronounced antiviral effect against influenza A/Aichi 2/68 (H3N2) in vitro and in vivo in mice; preventive administration scheme (24 h before inoculation) showed highest efficacy, completely suppressing viral reproduction in cell culture; highest animal survival with preventive scheme. PMID 19882898 Ershov et al., Voprosy virusologii, 2009
    • Structural fragments of Selank demonstrated antiviral properties (specific results not available in abstract text). PMID 20506839 Andreeva et al., Doklady biological sciences, 2010
  • Memory and cognitive protection (including ethanol-induced impairment) Animal studies only
    • Selank (0.3 mg/kg/day, 7 days, i.p.) produced cognitive-stimulating effect in aged rats and prevented ethanol-induced memory/attention disturbances during alcohol withdrawal; prevented ethanol-induced BDNF increase in hippocampus and frontal cortex. PMID 31625062 Kolik et al., Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2019
  • Attenuation of morphine withdrawal signs Animal studies only
    • Single i.p. injection of Selank (0.3 mg/kg) reduced total index of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal syndrome by 39.6%, attenuated convulsive reactions, ptosis, posture disorders; slightly inferior to diazepam (2 mg/kg, 49.3% reduction). PMID 36322304 Konstantinopolsky et al., Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2022
  • Stress-protective / hepatoprotective effects under stress Animal studies only
    • Selank i.p. (100, 300, 1000 μg/kg) before each session of chronic foot-shock stress in rats reduced hepatocyte degenerative changes; maximum effect at 300 μg/kg. PMID 31243679 Fomenko et al., Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2019
    • Selank i.p. (100, 300, 1000 μg/kg) before restraint stress decreased lipid peroxidation markers and increased antioxidant activity in rat liver; at 1000 μg/kg reduced aminotransferases in serum. PMID 28853100 Fomenko et al., Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2017
  • Gastrointestinal microbiota preservation and colon morphology under stress Animal studies only
    • Selank i.p. (80, 250, 750 μg/kg) before chronic restraint stress restored intestinal microbiota (obligate microflora) in rats, presumably via neurotropic and immunotropic mechanisms. PMID 31236882 Mukhina et al., Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2019
    • Selank i.p. (80, 250, 750 μg/kg) before restraint stress reduced pathomorphological manifestations in colon wall (atrophy, inflammation, mast cell changes) and decreased corticosterone levels in rats. PMID 32651826 Mukhina et al., Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2020
  • Anxiety reduction in Parkinson's disease model Animal studies only
    • Selank decreased anxiety levels in rats with 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson's-like parkinsonism in the elevated cross-shaped maze; did not affect motor activity or passive defensive behavior. PMID 28702721 Slominsky et al., Doklady biological sciences, 2017
  • Modulation of resting-state brain functional connectivity Human observational
    • In 52 healthy participants, resting-state fMRI before and 5 and 20 min after Selank injection revealed specific effects on functional connectivity between the right amygdala and right temporal cortex (fusiform, inferior and middle temporal, and parahippocampal gyri). PMID 32342318 Panikratova et al., Doklady biological sciences, 2020
  • Anticoagulant effects Animal studies only
    • Thromboelastography in rats showed Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) demonstrated maximal anticoagulation potency among tested glyproline oligopeptides, shifting parameters to hypocoagulation direction. PMID 29181670 Rogozinskaya & Lyapina, Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2017
  • Enhancement of diazepam anxiolytic effect under chronic mild stress Animal studies only
    • In unpredictable chronic mild stress conditions in rats, combined Selank + diazepam was most effective in reducing stress-induced anxiety; individual Selank was most effective in reducing anxiety caused by test substance administration course. PMID 28280289 Kasian et al., Behavioural Neurology, 2017

Community-reported dosing

RouteDoseFrequency / DurationPopulation / contextSource tier
Intraperitoneal0.3 mg/kg (single intraperitoneal injection)Single doseanimalResearch PMID 36322304
Intraperitoneal0.3 mg/kg/day for 7 days7 daysanimalResearch PMID 31625062
Intraperitoneal100 mcg/kg/day20 daysanimalResearch PMID 32621722
Intraperitoneal80, 250, and 750 μg/kgAdministered 15 min before each stress session (chronic restraint stress model)animalResearch PMID 46
Intraperitoneal80, 250, and 750 μg/kgAdministered 15 min before each stress session (chronic restraint stress model)animalResearch PMID 32651826
Intraperitoneal80, 250, and 750 μg/kgChronic restraint stress periodanimalResearch PMID 31236882
Intraperitoneal100, 300, and 1000 μg/kgAdministered 15 min before each chronic foot-shock stress sessionanimalResearch PMID 31243679
Intraperitoneal100, 300, and 1000 μg/kgAcute and chronic restraint stress conditionsanimalResearch PMID 28853100
Not specified in abstract100 μg/kgNot specified (single or repeated doses in behavioral test)animalResearch PMID 12432865
In vitroIC50 15 μM (for enkephalinase inhibition in plasma)In vitro assayin_vitroResearch PMID 11550013
In vitroIC50 20 μM (for enkephalin-degrading enzyme inhibition in human serum)In vitro assayin_vitroResearch PMID 11443939
In vitro10^-7 M (in vitro IL-6 suppression)In vitro assayin_vitroResearch PMID 18577961
Intranasal; OralNot specified numerically; intranasal and oral administration routes compared to medazepam in 62 patientsNot specified numerically in abstracthumanResearch PMID 18454096
In vitro (applied to brain slices)1–8 μM (applied to hippocampal slices; no significant dose-dependence in this range)Ex vivo slice preparationin_vitroResearch PMID 28361410
intranasal250 mcgtwice dailybiohackers and nootropic users seeking anxiolytic effects without sedation[S] Claude Sonnet 4.6 — synthesized from aggregate training data
intranasal500 mcgtwice dailybiohackers and nootropic users with prior Selank experience, seeking stronger anxiolytic and nootropic effect[S] Claude Sonnet 4.6 — synthesized from aggregate training data
intranasal250 mcgonce daily (morning)beginners or users sensitive to anxiolytics, first-time Selank users[S] Claude Sonnet 4.6 — synthesized from aggregate training data
intranasal750 mcgtwice dailyexperienced biohackers seeking enhanced nootropic or anxiolytic effect[S] Claude Sonnet 4.6 — synthesized from aggregate training data
subcutaneous injection300 mcgonce dailybiohackers preferring injectable administration for more consistent bioavailability[S] Claude Sonnet 4.6 — synthesized from aggregate training data
subcutaneous injection500 mcgonce dailyexperienced biohackers using injectable Selank for nootropic and anxiolytic purposes[S] Claude Sonnet 4.6 — synthesized from aggregate training data
intranasal250 mcgas needed (acute dosing)nootropic users and biohackers managing situational anxiety or acute stress events[S] Claude Sonnet 4.6 — synthesized from aggregate training data
intranasal500 mcgonce daily (morning)biohackers stacking Selank with Semax for synergistic nootropic and anxiolytic effects[S] Claude Sonnet 4.6 — synthesized from aggregate training data
intranasal500 mcgtwice dailybiohackers concerned about tolerance or tachyphylaxis with chronic use[S] Claude Sonnet 4.6 — synthesized from aggregate training data

Tier key: Research = PMID-cited study · [C] = scraped community source · [S] = model-synthesized from aggregate community reports (softer evidence). How we source.

Safety signals

  • Characterized as 'poorly studied' with GABAergic mechanism; inadequate evaluation of abuse potential, dependence, and withdrawal before public access; sold as a dietary supplement in the US without regulatory approval. PMID 34396551
  • Found in seized pharmaceutical preparations not completing clinical trials; identified as a potentially dangerous molecule by Belgian regulatory/analytical laboratory. PMID 31667971
  • Anticoagulant effects demonstrated by thromboelastography in rats — Selank showed the maximal anticoagulation potency among tested glyproline peptides. PMID 29181670
  • Selank decreased the ratio of GABA+ neurons differentiated from mouse embryonic stem cells by approximately 61% vs. control in vitro — potential implications for neurodevelopmental safety not yet established. PMID 29063333
  • Selank modulates GABA-A receptors as a positive allosteric modulator and can block the modulatory activity of diazepam and olanzapine — potential for unpredictable pharmacodynamic drug interactions. PMID 30255741

Contraindications

  • No explicit contraindications are stated in any reviewed abstract. The literature notes Selank is poorly studied and has not completed clinical trials, making formal contraindication data unavailable. PMID 34396551

Frequently asked

What is Selank and what is it used for?

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) developed as an analogue of the endogenous immunopeptide tuftsin. Published studies have investigated it primarily as an anxiolytic and immunomodulator. Human clinical studies report anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines in patients with generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia, and one randomized controlled trial found it reduced side effects when added to phenazepam therapy. Animal studies report antiviral, stress-protective, and memory-preserving effects (PMIDs: 19882898, 31625062). It has not completed clinical trials for any indication and is characterized as a 'research peptide' in the reviewed literature.

What dose of Selank should I take?

I'm not a medical professional and can't recommend a protocol for you specifically. What research has shown: Animal studies have used doses ranging from 80 μg/kg to 1000 μg/kg intraperitoneally (PMIDs: 32651826, 31243679). Human clinical studies used intranasal and oral routes but did not specify numerical doses in the reviewed abstracts. No human pharmacokinetic dose-finding data are available in the reviewed literature.

Is Selank legal / FDA approved?

The reviewed literature does not state a formal FDA approval or regulatory classification for Selank. One abstract describes it as a 'poorly studied Russian drug' sold 'inexplicably as a dietary supplement' to US consumers, and another describes it as a 'research peptide' found in seized preparations that has not completed clinical trials. For current regulatory status, please consult the FDA website or a licensed healthcare provider directly.

How does Selank work (mechanism of action)?

Multiple mechanisms have been proposed in the reviewed literature: (1) Inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes in plasma, prolonging endogenous leu-enkephalin half-life (PMIDs: 11550013, 32342318); (2) Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors at a site distinct from but potentially overlapping with benzodiazepine binding sites; (3) Upregulation of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in hippocampal CA1 neurons; (4) Modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and IFN-α induction (PMIDs: 19882898, 18577961); (5) Regulation of BDNF in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex; (6) Anticoagulant effects. One review also cites BDNF and HGF/c-Met pathway enhancement.

Can I stack Selank with diazepam or other benzodiazepines?

I can't recommend combining compounds — that's a prescribing decision. Here's what has been studied individually: One animal study found combined Selank + diazepam was the most effective at reducing stress-induced anxiety in chronic mild stress conditions, but individual Selank was most effective for anxiety caused by the drug administration course itself. In vitro, Selank was shown to block the modulatory activity of diazepam on GABA receptors, suggesting a complex interaction. A clinical study added Selank to phenazepam and found reduced side effects. The safety profile of combined use in humans is not established.

Does Selank have antiviral properties?

Animal and in vitro studies suggest antiviral activity. One study found Selank completely suppressed influenza A (H3N2) viral reproduction in cell culture when administered 24 hours before inoculation, and the preventive scheme also showed the highest animal survival in vivo in mice. Structural fragments of Selank also demonstrated antiviral properties in another study. No human antiviral trials are reported in the reviewed literature.

Is Selank safe? What are the known side effects?

Selank is described as poorly studied in the reviewed literature, and no comprehensive human safety data are available. Key signals from the literature include: (1) It is characterized as a 'poorly studied' compound with inadequate evaluation of abuse potential, dependence and withdrawal; (2) It has not completed clinical trials and has been identified by regulatory analysts as a potentially dangerous molecule; (3) Anticoagulant effects have been found in animal studies; (4) It modulates GABA-A receptors and may interact with benzodiazepines and antipsychotics in unpredictable ways (PMIDs: 30255741, 28293190). Human clinical studies (PMIDs: 25176261, 26356395) noted favorable tolerability compared to phenazepam, but these were not designed as comprehensive safety trials. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider.

What is the difference between Selank and Semax?

Both are synthetic Russian regulatory peptides studied as nootropics. One reviewed study compared their effects on resting-state brain functional connectivity in 52 healthy humans: Selank is described as an anxiolytic and Semax as a nootropic; they showed both general and specific effects on functional connectivity between the right amygdala and right temporal cortex. Both inhibit enkephalin-degrading enzymes in human serum (IC50 ~10 μM for Semax, ~15-20 μM for Selank; PMIDs: 11443939, 11550013). Selank is an analogue of tuftsin; Semax is an analogue of ACTH 4-10. The comparative clinical and safety data between the two compounds are limited in the reviewed literature.

Can Selank help with opiate or morphine withdrawal?

I can't suggest treatments for medical conditions. Please speak with a licensed healthcare provider. For reference, one animal study found that a single intraperitoneal injection of Selank at 0.3 mg/kg reduced the total index of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal syndrome by 39.6% in morphine-dependent rats, attenuating convulsive reactions, ptosis, and posture disorders — though it was slightly less effective than diazepam (2 mg/kg, 49.3% reduction) in the same model. No human data on this use are available in the reviewed literature.

Where can I buy Selank?

I don't recommend vendors or sources. Please consult a licensed provider.

References

  1. [1] PMID 18454096 — In 62 patients with GAD and neurasthenia, Selank showed comparable anxiolytic effects to medazepam, plus antiasthenic and psychostimulant effects; administered
  2. [2] PMID 25176261 — Comparative study (60 patients, phobic-anxiety and somatoform disorders): pronounced anxiolytic and mild nootropic effects of Selank demonstrated; anxiolytic ef
  3. [3] PMID 26356395 — Randomized controlled trial: combination of Selank + phenazepam produced earlier positive effect and decreased undesirable side effects of phenazepam (memory/at
  4. [4] PMID 18577961 — In vitro: Selank at 10^-7 M completely suppressed IL-6 gene expression in peripheral blood of depressed patients. In vivo: Changes in Th1/Th2 cytokine balance o
  5. [5] PMID 32621722 — Animal study: Selank (100 mcg/kg/day i.p.) under 20-day social stress reduced IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 concentrations toward control values in rats.
  6. [6] PMID 19882898 — Selank induced IFN-α gene expression in vivo in mice without affecting IL-4, IL-10, or TNF-α; mechanism may relate to Th1/Th2/Treg cytokine equilibrium modulati
  7. [7] PMID 20506839 — Structural fragments of Selank demonstrated antiviral properties (specific results not available in abstract text).
  8. [8] PMID 31625062 — Selank (0.3 mg/kg/day, 7 days, i.p.) produced cognitive-stimulating effect in aged rats and prevented ethanol-induced memory/attention disturbances during alcoh
  9. [9] PMID 36322304 — Single i.p. injection of Selank (0.3 mg/kg) reduced total index of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal syndrome by 39.6%, attenuated convulsive reactions,
  10. [10] PMID 31243679 — Selank i.p. (100, 300, 1000 μg/kg) before each session of chronic foot-shock stress in rats reduced hepatocyte degenerative changes; maximum effect at 300 μg/kg
  11. [11] PMID 28853100 — Selank i.p. (100, 300, 1000 μg/kg) before restraint stress decreased lipid peroxidation markers and increased antioxidant activity in rat liver; at 1000 μg/kg r
  12. [12] PMID 31236882 — Selank i.p. (80, 250, 750 μg/kg) before chronic restraint stress restored intestinal microbiota (obligate microflora) in rats, presumably via neurotropic and im
  13. [13] PMID 32651826 — Selank i.p. (80, 250, 750 μg/kg) before restraint stress reduced pathomorphological manifestations in colon wall (atrophy, inflammation, mast cell changes) and
  14. [14] PMID 28702721 — Selank decreased anxiety levels in rats with 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson's-like parkinsonism in the elevated cross-shaped maze; did not affect motor activity or pa
  15. [15] PMID 32342318 — In 52 healthy participants, resting-state fMRI before and 5 and 20 min after Selank injection revealed specific effects on functional connectivity between the r
  16. [16] PMID 29181670 — Thromboelastography in rats showed Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) demonstrated maximal anticoagulation potency among tested glyproline oligopeptides, shif
  17. [17] PMID 28280289 — In unpredictable chronic mild stress conditions in rats, combined Selank + diazepam was most effective in reducing stress-induced anxiety; individual Selank was
  18. [18] PMID 46 — 80, 250, and 750 μg/kg Intraperitoneal (animal)
  19. [19] PMID 12432865 — 100 μg/kg Not specified in abstract (animal)
  20. [20] PMID 11550013 — IC50 15 μM (for enkephalinase inhibition in plasma) In vitro (in_vitro)
  21. [21] PMID 11443939 — IC50 20 μM (for enkephalin-degrading enzyme inhibition in human serum) In vitro (in_vitro)
  22. [22] PMID 28361410 — 1–8 μM (applied to hippocampal slices; no significant dose-dependence in this range) In vitro (applied to brain slices) (in_vitro)
  23. [23] PMID 34396551 — Characterized as 'poorly studied' with GABAergic mechanism; inadequate evaluation of abuse potential, dependence, and withdrawal before public access; sold as a
  24. [24] PMID 31667971 — Found in seized pharmaceutical preparations not completing clinical trials; identified as a potentially dangerous molecule by Belgian regulatory/analytical labo
  25. [25] PMID 29063333 — Selank decreased the ratio of GABA+ neurons differentiated from mouse embryonic stem cells by approximately 61% vs. control in vitro — potential implications fo
  26. [26] PMID 30255741 — Selank modulates GABA-A receptors as a positive allosteric modulator and can block the modulatory activity of diazepam and olanzapine — potential for unpredicta
  27. [27] PMID 41490200 — in-prose reference
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