Selank
Also known as: Selanc
Selank is a synthetic anxiolytic peptide derived from tuftsin, investigated in preclinical studies for its effects on anxiety, cognition, and stress-related conditions. It is strictly a research compound without FDA approval for clinical use.
What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed as a derivative of tuftsin, an endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide. Originally designed to combine anxiolytic and neuroprotective properties, Selank has been studied primarily within the context of cognitive and stress-related research. Its structure and design enable it to modulate neurochemical pathways related to anxiety and immune function.
Derived from tuftsin, which is known for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, Selank represents a novel approach to neuroactive peptides, bridging immune regulation and central nervous system activity. It was first synthesized to explore therapeutic potentials in anxiety disorders and cognitive enhancement in preclinical settings.
Currently, Selank is utilized exclusively in laboratory and preclinical research environments. It has not received regulatory approval such as from the FDA, and there are no formally established clinical protocols. Research interest in Selank revolves around its potential to influence neuroplasticity, stress response, and immune system interactions as a basis for novel cognitive therapeutics.
Its chemical identity is well characterized, with a molecular formula of C33H57N11O9 and a molecular weight of approximately 751.9 g/mol (PubChem CID 11765600). Selank continues to be investigated for its multifaceted effects in neuropharmacology and immunomodulation research.
Key Benefits & Mechanisms
- Anxiolytic and Cognitive EffectsPreclinical research indicates that Selank exhibits anxiolytic properties, reducing stress-induced behavioral disturbances in animal models. Studies suggest that it may enhance cognitive function by modulating neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitter systems, positioning it as a candidate for research into anxiety and memory disorders.
- Immunomodulatory PropertiesOriginating from the immunoregulatory peptide tuftsin, Selank has demonstrated the ability to modulate immune responses. Research has explored its potential to balance immune activity, which may contribute to its effects on stress and inflammation-related pathways in the central nervous system.
- Neuroprotective PotentialSelank has been investigated for protective effects against stress-induced cellular damage, including in hepatic tissues under chronic stress conditions. This suggests a broader systemic impact and potential utility in research focused on stress-related organ damage and neuroprotection.
- Enhancement of NeuroplasticityResearch highlights Selank’s capacity to influence neuroplasticity by affecting pathways such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This may underlie its cognitive-enhancing and anxiolytic effects observed in preclinical models, making it a compound of interest for studies on neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.
Mechanism of action
While precise molecular mechanisms of Selank remain incompletely defined, preclinical research suggests it modulates neurochemical and immunological pathways. Derived from tuftsin, Selank is thought to influence neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling, which are critical for neuroplasticity and cognitive function. Additionally, it may exert effects on neurotransmitter systems involved in anxiety regulation and stress response. Its immunomodulatory origin implies a role in balancing immune system activity, potentially contributing to its anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects observed in animal models. However, detailed mechanistic elucidation requires further investigation in controlled experimental settings.
Research Summary
Research interest in Selank spans neuroactive peptides with potential applications in anxiety, cognition, and stress-related conditions. The first study, "Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions" (2026), contextualizes Selank among neuroactive peptides that enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor and HGF/c-Met pathways, important for neuroplasticity, although clinical trials remain lacking.
The 2017 review "Tuftsin - Properties and Analogs" discusses tuftsin and its derivatives, including Selank, highlighting their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. This underscores Selank’s origin from tuftsin and its potential broad biological effects beyond neuropharmacology.
In the 2019 study "Effect of Selank on Morphological Parameters of Rat Liver in Chronic Foot-Shock Stress," Selank was shown to mitigate stress-induced liver damage in rats, reducing hepatocyte degeneration and restoring cellular morphology at specific doses. This illustrates Selank’s systemic protective effects under chronic stress conditions in preclinical models.
- Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. (2026) PubMed · PMID 41490200
- Tuftsin - Properties and Analogs. (2017) PubMed · PMID 28745220
- Effect of Selank on Morphological Parameters of Rat Liver in Chronic Foot-Shock Stress. (2019) PubMed · PMID 31243679
Dosing in Research Literature
Research on Selank dosing in preclinical models varies, with intraperitoneal administration in rodents commonly employed. For example, doses ranging from 100 to 1000 micrograms per kilogram have been investigated to evaluate stress-limiting and neuroprotective effects, with some studies indicating maximal efficacy at intermediate doses such as 300 micrograms per kilogram.
Due to limited clinical data, no standardized dosing protocols exist, and research dosing is typically tailored to specific experimental designs. Investigations often focus on acute or repeated administration schedules to assess behavioral, morphological, or biochemical outcomes in animal models. Researchers should interpret dosing information strictly within the context of preclinical experimentation.
The figures above describe doses reported in published or preclinical research, provided for context only. This is not medical advice or a dosing recommendation, and these compounds are not approved for human use.
Common Stacks
Frequently asked questions about Selank
Is Selank approved by the FDA for human use?
Selank is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other major regulatory bodies for clinical use. It is strictly a research chemical intended for laboratory investigation and preclinical studies.
What are the primary research areas for Selank?
Selank is primarily studied for its anxiolytic, cognitive-enhancing, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects in preclinical models. Research focuses on its potential to modulate neurotrophic factors, stress responses, and immune system interactions.
What is known about the mechanism of action of Selank?
While detailed mechanisms remain under investigation, Selank is believed to influence neurotrophic pathways such as BDNF and HGF/c-Met, modulate neurotransmitter systems involved in anxiety, and exert immunoregulatory effects derived from its tuftsin origin.
Can Selank be combined with other peptides in research?
Yes, Selank is often studied in combination with other neuroactive or regenerative peptides like Semax, BPC-157, and Epithalon to explore potential synergistic effects on cognition, stress resilience, and tissue protection in experimental models.
How should Selank be stored and handled in research settings?
As a synthetic peptide, Selank should be handled under laboratory conditions with appropriate measures to maintain stability, typically stored lyophilized at low temperatures and reconstituted before use. Specific protocols depend on the supplier and experimental requirements.
Legal & research status: Research use only — not approved by the FDA for human use. Sold and discussed for laboratory and research use only, not for human consumption.