Selank is a research compound studied for its role in cognitive & nootropic research. This page covers mechanism of action, published studies, preclinical protocols, and analytical specifications.
Quick Reference: Selank
CAS Number
129954-34-3
Molecular Formula
C33H57N11O9
Molecular Weight
751.9 g/mol
Sequence / Structure
Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (heptapeptide, analog of immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg)
Physical Form
Lyophilized powder
Purity (QSC)
≥99%
Storage
Store lyophilized at -20°C. Reconstituted: 4°C, use within 14–21 days. Light-sensitive.
Reconstitution
Add 1–2ml bacteriostatic water per vial. Swirl gently. Protect from light.
Mechanism of Action
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, designed as a metabolically stable analog of the endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg). A tripeptide extension (Pro-Gly-Pro) was added to improve plasma stability and CNS penetration. Selank has been granted drug status in Russia under the name Selank, where it is used as an anxiolytic and nootropic.
GABAergic Modulation: Selank’s primary anxiolytic mechanism is proposed to involve positive modulation of GABA-A receptor function — specifically enhancing the sensitivity of GABA-A receptors to endogenous GABA rather than acting as a direct agonist. This mechanism is mechanistically distinct from benzodiazepines (which also modulate GABA-A) and is proposed to explain Selank’s anxiolytic effects without the sedation, tolerance, or dependence associated with benzodiazepines.
BDNF Upregulation: Research has documented Selank’s ability to increase BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) expression in hippocampal and cortical tissue. BDNF is a key neurotrophin supporting synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival, and long-term potentiation (LTP) — the cellular basis for learning and memory. BDNF upregulation is proposed to contribute to Selank’s nootropic and mood-stabilising effects.
Enkephalinase Inhibition: Selank has been reported to inhibit enkephalinase — the enzyme responsible for degrading endogenous enkephalins (endogenous opioid peptides involved in pain modulation and mood regulation). By extending enkephalin half-life, Selank may enhance endogenous opioid signalling without the receptor-level side effects of exogenous opioids.
Immunomodulatory Activity: Derived from tuftsin — an immunostimulatory peptide — Selank retains immunomodulatory properties in addition to its CNS effects. Research has documented effects on cytokine balance (IL-6 reduction, IL-10 upregulation) in stress and inflammatory models, though whether this reflects direct immune effects or is secondary to stress-axis modulation is an ongoing research question.
Research Applications
Anxiolytic Mechanism Research: Selank is used as a research tool in anxiety models to study GABAergic modulation without the confounds of benzodiazepine-like sedation or receptor downregulation. Elevated plus maze, open field, and social interaction paradigms are standard.
BDNF/Neurotrophin Research: Selank’s BDNF upregulation in hippocampal models makes it relevant in neuroplasticity, cognitive enhancement, and depression research.
Stress and HPA Axis Research: Selank has been studied in chronic stress models examining HPA axis modulation, corticosterone suppression, and resilience to stress-induced behavioural changes.
Cognitive Enhancement Models: Memory and learning paradigms (Morris water maze, novel object recognition) are used to study Selank’s nootropic claims in rodent models.
Comparison with Benzodiazepines: Research comparing Selank to diazepam in equivalent anxiety models provides data on the relative anxiolytic efficacy with and without sedation, motor impairment, and tolerance development.
Key Published Research
Primary publications relevant to Selank research. Full citations available via PubMed. QSC does not endorse or make claims based on this research.
Kozlovskaya et al. (2002)
“Selank Peptide Effects on GABA-A Receptor-Mediated Processes” — Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry
Characterises Selank’s modulation of GABA-A receptor sensitivity and documents its anxiolytic profile vs control and diazepam in rodent models.
Semenova et al. (2010)
“Selank Peptide Influence on BDNF Content and TrkB Receptor mRNA in Rat Brain” — Doklady Biochemistry and Biophysics
Documents Selank-induced BDNF upregulation in hippocampus and cortex — the primary molecular substrate for its proposed nootropic activity.
Narkevich et al. (2008)
“Effects of Selank on the Content of Monoamines and Their Metabolites in Brain Structures” — Experimental Biology and Medicine
Examines Selank’s effects on dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline systems in rat brain regions relevant to anxiety and mood.
Research Protocol Reference
Model / Context
Dose Range
Route
Protocol Notes
Rodent Anxiety Model (EPM)
0.1–1 mg/kg
Intranasal or intraperitoneal injection
15–30 min pre-test; elevated plus maze or open field; compare open/closed arm time and locomotion
24–48h; RT-qPCR and ELISA for BDNF, TrkB phosphorylation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide anxiolytic and nootropic developed in Russia as a stable analog of the immunopeptide tuftsin. It modulates GABA-A receptor sensitivity, upregulates BDNF, and inhibits enkephalinase. It has drug approval in Russia as an anxiolytic and is studied for cognitive enhancement without sedation or dependence.
Does Selank cause sedation like benzodiazepines?
Published research documents Selank’s anxiolytic activity without the sedation, motor impairment, or tolerance development associated with benzodiazepines. The proposed mechanism — positive GABA-A modulation rather than direct agonism — is proposed to explain this selectivity, though the molecular distinction requires further characterisation.
What is the difference between Selank and Semax?
Both are Russian-developed nootropic peptides but with different origins and mechanisms. Selank is derived from tuftsin with GABAergic anxiolytic activity. Semax is derived from ACTH(4-7) with BDNF/NGF-upregulating and dopaminergic activity. They are often studied in combination (Semax + Selank Blend) for potentially complementary nootropic effects.
What is NA-Selank Amidate?
NA-Selank Amidate (N-Acetyl Selank Amidate) is a modified form of Selank with N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amide modification, designed to improve bioavailability and extend plasma half-life for improved CNS penetration in research contexts.
What purity is QSC Selank?
≥99% by HPLC and mass spectrometry. COA on product page, Janoshik-verified.
Research Use Only: All products sold on qsc-usa.com are intended strictly for laboratory research purposes only. They are not approved for human consumption, veterinary use, or any other application. Researchers are responsible for understanding and complying with local regulations in their jurisdiction.
