Selank

Selank (also known as TP-7, Selanc) is a nootropic research peptide. A synthetic analog of the endogenous tetrapeptide Tuftsin. Developed by the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics. Studied for anxiolytic, nootropic, and immunomodulatory effects without sedation or dependence.

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a heptapeptide derived from the immunomodulatory peptide Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence appended to extend its half-life. Developed at the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics, it has been studied for anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation, tolerance, or withdrawal. Research indicates it increases BDNF, modulates serotonin and dopamine metabolism, enhances working memory, and exhibits immunomodulatory effects through T-helper cell regulation.

1 Mechanism of action

Modulates GABAergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic systems. Upregulates BDNF expression. Inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes. Modulates Th1/Th2 immune balance via tuftsin receptors.

Primary targets: Tuftsin receptor · GABA-A (modulatory) · BDNF pathway

2 Reported effects

Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.

2.1 Reported benefits

• Anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation
• Cognitive enhancement via BDNF upregulation
• No tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal observed in studies

2.2 Side effects

• Mild fatigue during initial dosing
• Nasal irritation with intranasal administration
• Limited human data outside Russian clinical studies

3 Chemical and physical properties

3.1 Amino acid sequence

4 Research dosages

250–750 μg intranasal 1–3 times daily in research protocols.

5 Research studies (8)

1. Selank and Its Anxiolytic Properties: Clinical and Pharmacological Study
   Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine (2008) · RCT · N=60
   Selank demonstrated anxiolytic efficacy comparable to diazepam without sedation or addiction potential in clinical and animal models.
   Key finding: Anxiolytic effect comparable to diazepam but without sedation, muscle relaxation, or withdrawal symptoms.
2. Effects of Selank on the Expression of BDNF
   Doklady Biochemistry and Biophysics (2008) · Preclinical · N=30 (rats)
   Selank upregulated BDNF mRNA in rat hippocampus, providing a mechanistic basis for its memory-enhancing and neuroprotective effects.
   Key finding: BDNF mRNA expression increased 2.3-fold in hippocampus — mechanistic basis for memory and neuroprotective effects.
3. Selank, a Peptide Analog of Tuftsin, Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in Rats
   Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine (2022) · Preclinical
   Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
4. Sedative-Hypnotic Agents That Impact Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptors: Focus on Flunitrazepam, Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid, Phenibut, and Selank
   Journal of clinical pharmacology (2021) · Preclinical
   Significant evaluation of developing agents with GABA properties should be conducted to determine abuse potential before public access ensues.
5. Morphological Changes in the Large Intestine of Rats Subjected to Chronic Restraint Stress and Treated with Selank
   Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine (2020) · Preclinical
   These effects were presumably realized due to multifunctional biological effects of Selank.
6. The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of "Social" Stress
   Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology (2021) · Preclinical
   This peptide is able to reduce the concentration of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as TGF-β1, practically reaching control values, when studying the effect of Selank on the level of cytokines under conditions of " social" stress.
7. Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects
   Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections (2020) · Preclinical
   Post hoc analysis allowed us to define both general and specific effects of Selank and Semax on FC between the right amygdala and the right temporal cortex for the first time.
8. Selank, Peptide Analogue of Tuftsin, Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Memory Impairment by Regulating of BDNF Content in the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex in Rats
   Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine (2019) · Preclinical
   These results indicate positive effects of the tuftsin analogue on age-related memory disturbances associated with chronic alcohol intoxication and confirm the involvement of the neurotrophin mechanism related to BDNF production into the effect of Selank.

6 Safety and risk profile

6.1 Regulatory status

Selank is currently classified as Investigational. It has no approved human indication in the United States; availability elsewhere does not imply demonstrated safety or efficacy.

Safety score: 50/100 — moderate concern. Derived from clinical data volume, known risks and regulatory status.

6.2 Contraindications

Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:

• Pregnancy (insufficient safety data)
• Severe liver disease (limited metabolism data)
• Known allergy to Tuftsin-related peptides

6.3 Drug interactions

6.4 Long-term risks

• Unknown effects of chronic BDNF upregulation
• GABA receptor adaptation with prolonged use not studied
• Limited long-term animal toxicity data

6.5 Research best practices

• Store at −20 °C; avoid freeze-thaw
• Intranasal delivery preferred for rapid CNS access
• Use within recommended cycles (Russian protocols: 2–4 weeks on / 1–2 weeks off)

7 Frequently asked questions

How does Selank compare to prescription anxiolytics?

Research indicates Selank produces anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines like diazepam, but without the sedation, muscle relaxation, tolerance, or addiction potential. It achieves this through GABA modulation plus additional BDNF and immune pathways not targeted by benzodiazepines.

Does Selank have nootropic effects?

Yes, studies show Selank enhances working memory, attention, and cognitive processing speed simultaneously with anxiety reduction — unlike sedating anxiolytics which impair cognition. This dual effect is mediated through BDNF upregulation in the hippocampus.

8 References

1. Selank, a Peptide Analog of Tuftsin, Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in Rats PubMed (2022). Konstantinopolsky MA, et al.. View source
2. Sedative-Hypnotic Agents That Impact Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptors: Focus on Flunitrazepam, Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid, Phenibut, and Selank PubMed (2021). Doyno CR, et al.. View source
3. Morphological Changes in the Large Intestine of Rats Subjected to Chronic Restraint Stress and Treated with Selank PubMed (2020). Mukhina AY, et al.. View source
4. The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of "Social" Stress PubMed (2021). Leonidovna YA, et al.. View source

9 See also

• Peptide encyclopedia index
• Peptide reconstitution calculator
• Glossary of peptide research terms