OVERVIEW

Selank is a synthetic analogue of tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide. Originally developed in Russia, it has been extensively studied for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), nootropic (cognitive-enhancing), and immune-boosting properties.

Research suggests that Selank may:

• Reduce anxiety without causing sedation or addiction.
• Enhance memory, learning, and cognitive function.
• Modulate immune system responses, aiding in stress-induced immune dysfunction.
• Regulate inflammatory cytokines, particularly by suppressing IL-6, a key marker of inflammation.
• Increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting neuroplasticity and brain health.

Due to its effects on the GABAergic system, Selank is considered a potential alternative to benzodiazepines for treating anxiety-related disorders—without the risk of dependence or withdrawal.

RESEARCH

Selank and Anxiety Reduction

Selank interacts with the GABAergic system, similar to benzodiazepines, but with key distinctions:

• Enhances GABA receptor sensitivity, promoting a calming effect.
• Does not cause dependence, withdrawal symptoms, or cognitive impairment, unlike traditional anxiolytics.
• Increases the effectiveness of diazepam (Valium) when combined, suggesting a synergistic mechanism.

Clinical trials conducted in Russia demonstrated that Selank:

• Significantly reduced anxiety and improved mood in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neurasthenia.

These findings highlight Selank’s potential for treating anxiety disorders without the sedation or addiction risksassociated with benzodiazepines.

Selank and Cognitive Enhancement

Selank has been shown to improve learning, memory retention, and recall through multiple mechanisms:

• Enhances hippocampal gene expression, supporting neuroplasticity.
• Increases neuropeptides that promote long-term memory formation.
• Protects against cognitive decline after brain injury or stress exposure.

Animal studies indicate that Selank enhances cognitive function even in subjects without anxiety, suggesting direct nootropic effects.

Selank and Immune System Modulation

Selank is unique among nootropic peptides due to its immune-modulating properties:

• Suppresses IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine associated with anxiety and depression.
• Regulates T-helper cell activity, helping to maintain immune balance.
• Demonstrates antiviral potential, possibly aiding recovery from respiratory infections.

These findings suggest that Selank may benefit individuals with stress-related immune suppression.

Selank and Pain Perception

Selank influences the endogenous opioid system by:

• Preventing the breakdown of enkephalins, the body’s natural pain-killing peptides.
• Reducing stress-related hyperalgesia, a condition where anxiety or chronic stress amplifies pain sensitivity.

This mechanism mirrors the effects of opioid receptor modulators and certain antidepressants, making Selank a potential alternative treatment for chronic pain conditions.

STRUCTURE

• Molecular Formula: C₃₃H₅₇N₁₁O₉
• Molecular Weight: 751.887 g/mol
• Amino Acid Sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
• CAS Registry Number: 129954-34-3
• PubChem Identifier: 11765600

CITATIONS

1. Volkova, A. et al. Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission. Front. Pharmacol. (2016).
2. Kasian, A. et al. Peptide Selank Enhances the Effect of Diazepam in Reducing Anxiety in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Conditions in Rats. Behavioural Neurology (2017).
3. Zozulya, A. A. et al. The inhibitory effect of Selank on enkephalin-degrading enzymes as a possible mechanism of its anxiolytic activity. Bull. Exp. Biol. Med. (2001).
4. Sokolov, O. Y. et al. Effects of Selank on behavioral reactions and activities of plasma enkephalin-degrading enzymes in mice with different phenotypes of emotional and stress reactions. Bull. Exp. Biol. Med. (2003).
5. Uchakina, O. N. et al. Immunomodulatory effects of Selank in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders. Zh. Nevrol. Psikhiatr. (2008).
6. Kolomin, T. et al. Expression of inflammation-related genes in mouse spleen under tuftsin analog Selank. Regul. Pept. (2011).
7. Semenova, T. et al. Effect of Selank on cognitive processes after damage inflicted to the cerebral catecholamine system during early ontogeny. Bull. Exp. Biol. Med. (2014).