Selank: Mechanism, Dosage, Stacks & Research

What is Selank?

Selank is a synthetic analogue of the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) extended with a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence to enhance stability. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia, it has been studied as an anxiolytic agent that does not produce the sedation, tolerance, or dependence associated with benzodiazepines. Clinical and preclinical research has explored its role in generalized anxiety disorder, cognitive performance, and immune regulation.

Mechanism of action

Selank modulates the GABA-A receptor system (similar to, but distinct from, benzodiazepines), reduces the degradation of enkephalins, and influences serotonin and dopamine metabolism. It also upregulates expression of BDNF and IL-6 in prefrontal regions, and its tuftsin-derived sequence engages innate immune pathways via monocyte and natural killer cell activity.

Researched benefits

Significant anxiolytic effects in generalized anxiety disorder clinical studies (Russia)
Improved cognitive performance and memory consolidation in rodent models
Immunomodulatory activity including enhanced NK cell function
Reduced subjective stress and improved emotional stability without sedation
Potential antiviral activity suggested by innate immune upregulation in preclinical data

Researched dosage

Most research protocols use 250–3000 mcg administered 2× per day via nasal injection. Selank is most commonly used as an intranasal solution (0.15% concentration). Research protocols vary from 250 mcg to 3 mg per day divided into 2–3 intranasal administrations. Clinical studies in Russia used 250–900 mcg daily for anxiety disorders.

A typical cycle runs 4 weeks on, then 2 weeks off before reassessment.

Use the calculator below to convert your target Selank dose into exact insulin-syringe units.

Reconstitution & storage

A standard 0.25 mg vial reconstituted with 1 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 250 mcg/mL. Refrigerate at 2–8°C. Protect from light. The prepared intranasal solution remains stable for approximately 30 days under refrigeration.

Side effects & considerations

Mild sedation or drowsiness at higher doses in some research subjects
Nasal irritation with intranasal administration
Possible mild nausea reported in clinical trial participants

Selank stacks

Cognitive Balance Protocol — paired with Semax. Stimulatory cognitive enhancement balanced with anxiolysis. Semax and Selank are frequently studied together in cognitive research — Semax for upregulating BDNF and enhancing focus, Selank for managing the anxiety that can accompany heightened dopaminergic tone.
Immune & Cognitive Support — paired with Thymosin Alpha-1. Overlapping immunomodulatory and cognitive-support pathways. Both Selank and Thymosin Alpha-1 engage innate immune circuits; researchers have theorized synergistic effects on NK cell activity alongside Selank's anxiolytic and cognitive benefits.

Selected research

Anxiolytic and nootropic activity of Selank in experimental animals — Eksperimental'naya i Klinicheskaya Farmakologiya, 2010
Selank in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized trial — Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii, 2008
Effect of Selank on BDNF expression in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of rats — Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2014

Selank dosage calculator

Compute reconstitution, exact units to draw, and vials per cycle — pre-loaded with Selank defaults.

Peptide

Vial size (mg)Bacteriostatic water (mL)Target dose (MCG)

Doses per dayCycle length (weeks)Insulin syringe

Common research range for Selank: 250–3000 mcg, 2× daily, nasal. Cycle: 4 weeks on / 2 off.

Educational use only. This calculator performs unit math on the values you provide and is not a substitute for medical advice. Verify every calculation independently.

Result

Concentration

250 mcg / mL

Per syringe unit

2.50 mcg / unit

Draw to this mark

650.0 units (6.50 mL)

⚠ Exceeds 100 units — use less diluent or a larger syringe.

Dose, all units

1625 mcg · 1.625 mg

Doses per vial

0.2 doses

Days per vial

0.1 days

Vials needed for 4-week cycle

364 vials

Numbers are computed from your inputs. Verify all calculations independently. Educational use only.

Selank FAQ

Is Selank similar to a benzodiazepine?+

Selank interacts with the GABA-A receptor system and produces anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines in some studies, but does not bind the classical benzodiazepine binding site. Researchers report that it does not produce the sedation, cognitive impairment, or tolerance/dependence associated with benzodiazepine use.

What concentration of Selank is typically used intranasally?+

The most common research formulation is a 0.15% solution, which delivers approximately 250 mcg per drop. Some researchers use a 0.1% solution. The concentration matters for calculating doses accurately in intranasal research protocols.

Can Selank affect immune function?+

Selank is derived from tuftsin, a tetrapeptide with known immunostimulatory properties. Preclinical and early clinical data suggest it can enhance natural killer cell activity and interferon production. This dual cognitive-immune profile is a focus of ongoing Russian research.

Selank