Supplement Scholar
Nootropic / Anxiolytic

Selank

Research compound. This is not a dietary supplement. Unless it is identified as an approved prescription drug, it is not approved by the FDA for human use. This page summarizes published research for education only; we do not sell it or link to sellers.

Selank. A Russian-developed heptapeptide studied for anxiolytic and cognitive-enhancing effects without sedation.

How it works. Modulates GABA, serotonin, and BDNF systems while increasing enkephalin stability, producing calming and pro-cognitive effects.

What the research supports. 3 graded claims. Strongest: Calming without drowsiness (preclinical).

Hormonal impact. Effects on GABA tone, Enkephalins, BDNF, Cortisol response.

Side effects and interactions. 2 medication interactions listed. Serious: Limited long-term human data outside of Russian literature.

Stacking. Pairs well with Semax. Avoid combining with Pregnancy.

Common forms. Available as Intranasal spray, Subcutaneous injection.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Selank. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Selank. A Russian-developed heptapeptide studied for anxiolytic and cognitive-enhancing effects without sedation.

7-residue chainC33H57N11O9 · 751.9 g/mol

What it is

Selank is a synthetic analog of tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide. It has been studied as a non-sedating anxiolytic.

How it works

Modulates GABA, serotonin, and BDNF systems while increasing enkephalin stability, producing calming and pro-cognitive effects.

Pathways

  • GABAergic tone
  • BDNF expression
  • Enkephalin stabilization

Effects

  • ↓Anxiety and stress reactivity decreases
  • +Working memory and focus supports
  • +Mood without sedation optimizes

What the research supports

Calming without drowsinesspreclinical
Improved focus during high-stress taskspreclinical
Reported antidepressant-adjacent effects in trialspreclinical

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Hormonal impact

↑GABA toneincreases
=Enkephalinsstabilizes
↑BDNFincreases
↓Cortisol responsedecreases

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Mild nasal irritation (spray form)

Serious

  • Limited long-term human data outside of Russian literature

Medication interactions

Benzodiazepinesminor

Theoretical additive anxiolytic effect.

Opioid analgesicsmoderate

May potentiate enkephalin activity.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • SemaxCommonly paired for combined focus and calm.

Avoid combining

  • PregnancyNo safety data; avoid.

Common forms

  • Intranasal spray
  • Subcutaneous injection

Discussion

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