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What Is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed in Russia at the Institute of Molecular Genetics. It combines the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin with a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence that enhances stability and neurological activity. Like its cousin Semax, Selank has been approved in Russia for anxiety and neurasthenic disorders.
Selank is characterized by its anxiolytic effects without the sedation, dependency, or cognitive impairment associated with benzodiazepines.
Key Characteristics
- Primary Effect: Anxiety reduction
- Unique Feature: No sedation or dependency
- Secondary Effects: Cognitive enhancement, immune modulation
- Administration: Intranasal
Tuftsin Background
Understanding Selank requires understanding tuftsin:
- Tuftsin is a naturally occurring tetrapeptide
- Derived from IgG (immunoglobulin G) cleavage
- Stimulates phagocytosis and immune function
- Selank = tuftsin + stabilizing Pro-Gly-Pro extension
- The modification adds CNS activity to immune effects
Mechanism of Action
GABAergic Effects
Selank influences GABA neurotransmission:
- Enhances GABA binding to receptors
- Increases GABA transaminase expression
- Modulates GABAergic tone without direct agonism
- Produces anxiolysis without sedation
Serotonin Modulation
- Influences serotonin metabolism
- May affect 5-HT receptors
- Could contribute to mood effects
BDNF Enhancement
- Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- Supports neuronal plasticity
- May explain cognitive benefits
Immune Modulation
From its tuftsin heritage:
- Enhances phagocyte activity
- Modulates cytokine production
- May have anti-inflammatory effects
- Immune benefits distinct from CNS effects
Research Applications
Anxiety Disorders
- Approved indication in Russia
- Comparable efficacy to benzodiazepines in some studies
- No sedation, tolerance, or withdrawal
- May be effective in generalized anxiety
Cognitive Enhancement
- Improved memory and learning in studies
- Enhanced attention and focus
- May help with stress-related cognitive impairment
Depression
- Some antidepressant effects observed
- May work via BDNF and serotonin mechanisms
- Research less extensive than for anxiety
Immune Support
- May enhance immune response
- Possible applications in immunodeficiency
- Anti-inflammatory potential
Key Published Research
| Year | Focus | Key Finding | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Anxiety | Significant anxiolytic effect | Zozulya et al. |
| 2009 | GABA | GABAergic mechanism characterized | Seredenin et al. |
| 2014 | Gene expression | Broad transcriptional effects | Kolomin et al. |
| 2017 | Immune | Immunomodulatory properties | Meshavkin et al. |
Selank vs Benzodiazepines
| Feature | Selank | Benzodiazepines |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiolytic effect | Yes | Yes (stronger) |
| Sedation | No | Yes |
| Cognitive impairment | No (may enhance) | Yes |
| Dependency risk | None reported | High |
| Tolerance | Not observed | Develops |
| Withdrawal | None | Severe possible |
Administration
- Route: Intranasal (most common)
- Russian doses: 200-600 mcg daily
- Duration: Typically 10-14 day courses
- Onset: Effects within hours
- Formulation: Usually 0.15% nasal drops
Side Effects
Generally well-tolerated:
- Nasal irritation
- Mild fatigue in some
- Rarely: headache
- No significant sedation
- No tolerance or withdrawal reported
Variants
Selank Formulations
- Selank: Standard formulation
- N-Acetyl Selank: Acetylated for enhanced effects
- N-Acetyl Selank Amidate: Further modified
Research Status
Selank is approved in Russia but not FDA-approved. Most research comes from Russian institutions and may not meet Western clinical trial standards. It is available only as a research compound in most Western countries. Effects compared to established anxiolytics have not been validated by independent trials.
Summary
Selank offers an intriguing alternative approach to anxiety treatment — providing anxiolysis without the sedation, cognitive impairment, and dependency associated with traditional options. Its dual action on both the nervous and immune systems reflects its tuftsin origins. While Russian approval and clinical use provide some validation, Western research and regulatory evaluation remain limited. For researchers interested in novel anxiolytic mechanisms, Selank presents a unique GABA-modulating peptide worth studying.