Supplement Scholar
Peptide

Selank

Prescription drug or research compound. Use only under the care of a licensed prescriber. Information here is educational and not a recommendation to obtain or use it.

Selank. Russian anxiolytic peptide based on tuftsin.

How it works. Modulates GABA receptors and BDNF expression.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces anxiety without sedation (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 400–900 mcg intranasal.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Alpha-GPC or CDP-choline.

Common forms. Available as Subcutaneous injection, Oral or sublingual lozenge, Nasal spray, Compounded topical.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

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

Selank. Russian anxiolytic peptide based on tuftsin.

7-residue chainC33H57N11O9 · 751.9 g/mol

What it is

Russian anxiolytic peptide based on tuftsin.

Food sources

Synthetic peptide manufactured to pharmaceutical or research-grade puritySubcutaneous injection, sublingual, or oral preparation depending on bioavailabilityCompounded by a licensed pharmacy for clinical use

Goals

Mood & AnxietyBrain & Cognitive

How it works

Modulates GABA receptors and BDNF expression.

Pathways

  • Modulates GABA receptors
  • BDNF expression

Effects

  • ↓anxiety without sedation decreases

What the research supports

Reduces anxiety without sedationmoderate

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.

Typical dose
400–900 mcg intranasal
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the subcutaneous injection form.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Nasal irritation

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Selank use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

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

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
  • Alpha-GPC or CDP-cholineProvides choline substrate for acetylcholine synthesis.

Common forms

  • Subcutaneous injection
  • Oral or sublingual lozenge
  • Nasal spray
  • Compounded topical

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Selank — Reduces anxiety without sedation ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Selank and "Reduces anxiety without sedation". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Selank — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Selank and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Selank — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Selank and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

Loading discussion…