In plain English
Selank is a short peptide based on tuftsin, a natural immune peptide, with a stabilizing tail added. Taken as a nasal spray, it is used to ease anxiety and stress while keeping the mind clear rather than sleepy. It is prescribed in Russia for anxiety.
What it's used for
- Anxiety and everyday stress
- Calm focus and mental clarity
- Mood balance
- Immune support
Benefits
Selank has been studied in Russian clinical trials and animal studies. These have shown:
- Reduced anxiety in people with generalized anxiety, with effects comparable to some anti-anxiety medicines but without sedation or dependence
- Better attention and memory under stress
- Effects on GABA, serotonin and enkephalin signalling
- Immune-balancing effects inherited from tuftsin
Users report feeling calmer and more even, with a clear head, usually within 15–30 minutes.
How it works
In simple terms: Selank takes the edge off stress without sedating you.
It is based on tuftsin, an immune peptide, extended with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail for stability. Studies link it to enhanced GABA activity (the brain’s main calming system), slower breakdown of enkephalins (natural calming and pain-relieving peptides), changes in serotonin, and increased BDNF. It also affects immune signalling molecules.
Development history
- 1990s–2000s: Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the same institute behind Semax.
- 2009: Registered in Russia as a nasal medicine for anxiety.
- Today: Widely used worldwide as a calming nootropic, often with Semax.
Typical protocols
These ranges are what users commonly report.
| Route | Daily amount | How it is split | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasal spray | 250–750 mcg | 1–3 doses through the day, or as needed for stress | 2–4 weeks, then a break |
| Subcutaneous injection | 250–500 mcg | Once daily | 2–4 weeks |
Cycling
Commonly used for 2–4 weeks followed by a break, or as needed during stressful periods.
Administration options
- Nasal spray: the main route, mixed into a nasal spray bottle.
- Subcutaneous injection: used by some.
Reconstitution and dosing calculator
For a nasal spray, divide the vial amount by the spray bottle volume to find the dose per spray (most pumps deliver about 0.1 mL). For injection, use the calculator below.
Draw your syringe to
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This tool does arithmetic only. It does not choose a dose or confirm that any substance is right for you. Double-check every result against your syringe and your clinician’s instructions.
Side effects and safety
- Users report that Selank is generally well tolerated. Occasional effects include nasal irritation, mild tiredness and headache.
- It is not known to cause dependence or withdrawal, based on Russian clinical use.
- Long-term effects outside Russian clinical use have not been well studied.
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common stacks
- Semax: the classic pairing for calm, focused energy.
- Users report combining it with DSIP or GH peptides for sleep.
Storage
Powder: refrigerate, dry and away from light.
Mixed nasal spray or vial: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within about 2–4 weeks.
Compare with
- Semax: stimulating and focus-oriented, from the same institute.
- N-Acetyl Selank Amidate: a modified version marketed as stronger and longer-lasting.
Frequently asked questions
Will Selank make me sleepy?
Users generally describe it as calming without sedation.
Can it be used as needed?
Yes. Many users take a nasal dose before stressful situations, as well as in daily courses.
Is it habit-forming?
Russian clinical experience has not shown dependence or withdrawal.
Can I use it with Semax?
Yes, the two are commonly combined.
References
- Zozulya AA, et al. The efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic Selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2008;108(4):38-48.
- Kasian A, et al. Peptide Selank enhances the effect of diazepam in reducing anxiety in unpredictable chronic mild stress conditions in rats. Behav Neurol. 2017;2017:5091027.