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evidence · mechanism · dose
Experimental/AnxiolyticResearch peptide

N-Acetyl Selank

aka NA-Selank

Acetylated Selank variant with extended anxiolytic and immunomodulatory activity.

Educational explainer of a research peptide. Profiles in this section deliberately omit clinical-trial citations, dosing protocols, and purchase links. Not FDA-approved as a supplement; not a recommendation to use.

Overview

An acetylated form of Selank, a Tuftsin-derived heptapeptide originally developed in Russia for generalized anxiety.

Source
  • Synthesized in research settings
Forms
  • Intranasal
  • Subcutaneous

Mechanism of action

Modulates GABAergic and serotonergic tone, increases BDNF, and inhibits enkephalin degradation, producing anxiolysis without sedation.

Pathways
  • · GABA-A allosteric modulation
  • · Enkephalinase inhibition
  • · BDNF induction
Neurotransmitters
  • · GABA
  • · Serotonin
  • · Enkephalins

How it acts on the body

Selank's lineage from Tuftsin gives it immunomodulatory properties on top of its anxiolytic effect — peripheral and central immune signaling normalize alongside reductions in anxiety. The acetylated form prolongs that activity.

Unlike benzodiazepines, the GABAergic effect is allosteric and indirect, so there is no tolerance, no sedation, and no withdrawal observed in available human and animal data.

Hormonal & endocrine impact

How this peptide is reported to shift specific hormones and signaling molecules. Directionality reflects research literature and preclinical models, not clinical prescribing data.

Projected hormonal trajectory
Illustrative curves derived from reported direction of effect. Not measured patient data.

Curves are schematic shapes (sigmoid for increases/decreases, damped oscillation for modulation/stabilization) anchored to a 100% baseline. They communicate direction and tempo of change reported in research literature — not absolute hormone concentrations.

GABA toneIncreases
Allosteric, not direct agonism — no sedation.
BDNFIncreases
Central trophic support.
Cortisol responseDecreases
HPA-axis stabilization in stress models.

Effects on the body

Decreases
Generalized anxiety symptoms
Supports
Sleep quality without sedation

Organ system effects

Brain & CNS

Limbic system and cortex.

Immune System

Tuftsin-derived immunomodulation.

Reported effects

Drawn from preclinical research, anecdote, and small-scale clinical observation. No evidence grades are assigned — most peptides on this page lack rigorous human trials.

  • Non-sedating anxiolysis
  • No tolerance or withdrawal reported

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Mild nasal irritation with intranasal use
Rare
  • · Drowsiness at high doses
Serious
  • · None well-documented

Drug interactions

Benzodiazepines
Theoretical additive GABAergic effect.
moderate

Pairing context

Often combined with
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
    Anxiolysis improves engagement with skills practice.
Avoid combining with
  • Severe depression with suicidality requiring urgent care
    Should not delay evidence-based treatment.
Important. Research peptides described here are not FDA-approved supplements. Supplement Scholar does not endorse, recommend, or link to any source for purchase. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any peptide therapy.