Selank
Also referenced as: tuftsin analogue, TP-7 analogue
A tuftsin-derived peptide studied for anxiety in Russian clinical research.
- Evidence grade
- EExperimental / Limited Evidence
Experimental / Limited Evidence
- Regulatory status
- Not FDA Approved
- Human data
- Limited
No registered clinical trials identified
- Last reviewed
- September 1, 2026
Overview
Selank is a synthetic analogue of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed alongside Semax at the same Russian institute.
Reported anxiolytic effects without sedation or dependence are the main interest. The supporting evidence is thin by international standards.
Why It's Being Studied
- Generalised anxiety and adjustment disorders.
- Interaction between immune signalling and mood.
- GABAergic and serotonergic modulation.
Mechanism of Action
It appears to calm anxiety-related signalling in the brain, apparently through immune and neurotransmitter pathways rather than sedation.
Selank is reported to modulate GABA-ergic transmission, alter serotonin metabolism and influence enkephalin degradation by inhibiting enkephalin-degrading enzymes. Immunomodulatory effects on interleukin expression have also been described in rodent and human cell work.
A simplified neuro-signalling pathway
Tap each stage to see what happens.
Background: Cognitive & Neurological Research
Neuro-peptide research explores signals that affect stress response, neurotrophic factors such as BDNF, and neurotransmitter balance.
Much of the human data comes from small studies in a limited number of countries, often with subjective outcome measures. Independent replication is scarce.
Research Areas & Routes Studied
- Anxiety
- Cognition
- Immune signalling
- Intranasal
Evidence Summary
Small Russian studies in anxiety disorders with limited methodological transparency; no independent international trials.
Higher tiers carry more weight. Filled tiers have evidence for Selank; tap to read it.
- Small Russian trials in anxiety disorders report effects comparable to benzodiazepine comparators.
1 cited sources.
- Clinical trial1
Human clinical evidence
- Small Russian trials in anxiety disorders report effects comparable to benzodiazepine comparators.
Animal studies
- Rodent anxiety models and neurotransmitter studies.
Anecdotal / community information
- Nootropic community reports of reduced anxiety; uncontrolled.
Reported Adverse Events in Research
- Nasal irritation reported; no systematic international safety data.
Limitations of Current Evidence
- Very limited, regionally concentrated evidence.
- No established international dosing protocol.
How to Read This Research
- Were outcomes objective tests or self-reported questionnaires?
- Was the study blinded against placebo?
- Has it been replicated outside the originating institution?
- Expectation effects are large in cognition and mood research.
- Animal behaviour tests (mazes, swim tests) map poorly onto human cognition.
- BDNF
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, supports neuron growth and survival.
- Intranasal
- Delivered through the nose, partly bypassing the bloodstream.
- Anxiolytic
- Reducing anxiety.
Compare With Other Compounds
| Selank | Semax | |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence grade | E — Experimental / Limited Evidence | E — Experimental / Limited Evidence |
| Regulatory status | Not FDA Approved | Not FDA Approved |
| Human data | Limited | Limited |
| Clinical trials | None identified | None identified |
| Research routes | Intranasal | Intranasal, Intravenous (Russian clinical use) |
| Cited sources | 1 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why It Is Used
- Cognitive
Focus, Mood and Cognitive Load
Two Russian-developed peptides used together for the same reason people pair a stimulant with an anxiolytic: attention without the edge.
Read the case study
Research References
- Clinical trial
Selank anxiolytic activity: published research