Research At a Glance
- Research Category
- Neurological & Anxiolytic Signaling Research
- Peptide Length
- 7 amino acids (tuftsin analogue)
- Purity
- ≥ 98% (HPLC)
- Published Studies
- ~135 indexed
- Storage
- Lyophilized: 2–8 °C, protected from light. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within 30 days.
Published-study figures are approximate PubMed result counts and indicate the volume of available literature only. Purity reflects third-party analytical testing on the corresponding lot; see the Quality Assurance Center for lot-matched certificates.
What Is Selank?
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide developed as an analog of tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunomodulatory tetrapeptide found in immunoglobulin G. Like Semax, Selank incorporates a Pro-Gly-Pro stabilizing sequence to resist proteolytic degradation. Researchers study Selank primarily for its distinct, GABAergic-dominant mechanism relative to Semax's dopaminergic/BDNF profile.
Why Researchers Study It
- GABA-A receptor modulation research — Selank's primary studied CNS mechanism is positive modulation of GABA-A receptor sensitivity, enhancing receptor responsiveness to endogenous GABA rather than acting as a direct agonist, distinguishing it mechanistically from benzodiazepines
- Enkephalinase inhibition research — Selank is studied for its inhibition of enkephalin-degrading aminopeptidases, extending the half-life of endogenous opioid peptides as a proposed secondary anxiolytic mechanism
- BDNF and neuroplasticity research — Selank has also been documented to increase BDNF expression, primarily in hippocampal tissue, proposed as a contributor to mood-stabilizing effects distinct from its acute GABAergic activity
- Comparative nootropic peptide research — frequently studied alongside Semax to examine complementary activating versus calming mechanisms within the same ACTH/tuftsin-derived stabilized peptide class
What the Published Literature Shows
Research characterizing Selank's mechanism has reported anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines in rodent models, achieved without the sedation, motor impairment, or tolerance development associated with direct GABA-A agonists — attributed to Selank's role in augmenting rather than replacing endogenous inhibitory GABAergic signaling. Separate research has documented Selank's inhibition of enkephalinase, the enzyme responsible for degrading endogenous enkephalins, proposed as a mechanism contributing to mood-modulating effects through extended endogenous opioid peptide activity.
Comparative literature reviewing both Selank and Semax has noted that both peptides are approved prescription medications in Russia — Selank for anxiety, Semax for stroke recovery and cognitive disorders — though neither has completed FDA or EMA regulatory approval, and research use predominates outside Russia.
Source
Review literature available via PubMed — Selank GABAergic anxiolytic research .
Compound Specifications
| Classification | Synthetic tuftsin analog heptapeptide |
|---|---|
| Format | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC-verified per lot) |
| Storage | −20°C; refrigerate 2–8°C after laboratory handling |
Certificate of Analysis
Every lot is independently tested and lot-matched. View Certificates of Analysis