Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences, it is studied as an anxiolytic and nootropic that reduces anxiety without the sedation, tolerance, or dependence associated with benzodiazepines.
Standard Research Dosage
The most commonly studied range is 250–500 mcg per day. Intranasal administration — the preferred research route — is typically split into 2–3 applications, while subcutaneous protocols use 250–300 mcg per injection. A 0.15% nasal solution delivering roughly 50 mcg per drop is standard.
Administration and Timing
Intranasal delivery allows absorption across the nasal mucosa and direct olfactory-pathway access to the CNS, giving Selank rapid onset. Doses are commonly split between morning and afternoon; because Selank is calming rather than stimulating, an evening dose is well tolerated and sometimes included for sleep-related research.
Mechanism of Action
Selank modulates GABAergic and serotonergic signaling, upregulates BDNF, and stabilizes enkephalins by inhibiting their enzymatic degradation. This combination underlies its anxiolytic and cognitive effects without the receptor desensitization seen with GABA-A agonists.
Cycle Length
Research protocols typically run 2–4 weeks for acute anxiolytic studies and up to 8 weeks for cognitive and neuroprotective research. Because Selank does not produce tolerance or a withdrawal syndrome, both continuous and cyclic (5 days on, 2 days off) protocols are used.