Overview
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Moscow. Approved in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic, it reduces anxiety and improves stress resilience without the sedation, tolerance, or withdrawal associated with benzodiazepines. It simultaneously upregulates BDNF and modulates monoamine neurotransmitter systems.
Mechanism of action
Selank modulates GABAergic tone without directly binding GABA-A receptors, instead stabilizing enkephalins by inhibiting enkephalinase enzymes that break them down. It normalizes serotonin transporter expression and increases dopamine and serotonin turnover in limbic regions. It also upregulates IL-6 and BDNF and exhibits immunomodulatory effects via tuftsin receptor engagement.
Selected literature
- [01]
Selank as an anxiolytic peptide
Semenova T.P. et al. · Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine · 2010
Selank produced anxiolytic effects comparable to diazepam in animal models without motor impairment, sedation, or tolerance development.
- [02]
Effects of Selank on serotonin metabolism
Nadorova A.V. et al. · Doklady Biochemistry and Biophysics · 2016
Selank normalized serotonin transporter gene expression and increased serotonin turnover in stressed rats.
- [03]
Immunomodulatory and nootropic properties of Selank
Zozulya A.A. et al. · CNS Drug Reviews · 2006
Selank exhibited dual anxiolytic and cognitive-enhancing properties in clinical trials, with an excellent tolerability profile and no withdrawal effects.
The information on this page is summarized from the published research literature and is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used to guide treatment decisions. Our peptides are sold for in-vitro research and laboratory use only.