Selank
Synthetic Tuftsin Analog
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences and approved in Russia for anxiety and cognitive enhancement. Its mechanism — modulating GABAergic signaling without benzodiazepine-like sedation or dependency — has made it one of the most studied anxiolytic peptides in the world. Researchers value Selank for its clean anxiolytic profile with simultaneous nootropic effects.
Aliases: Tuftsin analog, Anxiolytic peptide
- Research score
- 7/10
- Reality tier
- established
Key fact
Tuftsin-based heptapeptide with benzodiazepine-like anxiolytic effect via GABA-A modulation — without addiction, sedation, or withdrawal
Mechanism
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), the immunomodulatory fragment of IgG heavy chain, extended with Pro-Gly-Pro at the C-terminus for metabolic stability. Developed at the V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology (Russia). Its anxiolytic mechanism involves concentration-dependent allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors (comparable to benzodiazepines), modulation of GABAergic gene expression (GABA transaminase, GAD, GABA-A receptor subunits), enhancement of enkephalin-degrading enzyme activity, and immunomodulatory effects via tuftsin-like NK cell and phagocyte activation.
Evidence note
Emerging — Approved in Russia with clinical data for GAD. Mechanism well-characterized in peer-reviewed journals. Limited Western clinical trial data. The GABA-A modulation mechanism is well-understood and comparable to established anxiolytic pathways.
Studies
Selank anxiolytic activity
Demonstrated anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation or dependence in clinical studies.
Open source · PMID 18577767Selank and GABA modulation
Increased GABA-A receptor expression and modulated inhibitory neurotransmission.
Open source · PMID 19306040Selank effects on expression of genes encoding GABAergic neurotransmission system
Selank modulates expression of 45 genes related to GABAergic neurotransmission, including GABA transporter, receptor subunits, and synthesis enzymes, confirming its mechanism of anxiolytic action.
Open source · PMID 24129675
FAQ
How does Selank's mechanism differ from benzodiazepines?
Both Selank and benzodiazepines modulate GABA-A receptors, but through different allosteric sites. Selank also modulates expression of 45+ GABAergic genes (transporter, synthesis, receptor subunits), providing a broader, more physiological regulation. Critically, Selank shows no evidence of tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal syndrome — the major limitations of benzodiazepines.
Can it be used with Semax?
Yes. Semax and Selank are frequently studied together as complementary nootropics — Semax for focus/energy, Selank for calm/anxiety reduction.
Is Selank addictive?
Research indicates Selank does not produce tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal effects — unlike benzodiazepines.
For research and educational use only. This content is not medical advice.