Amino Acid & Peptide · Compound

Selank

Provisional Moderate Scoreamino_acid

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 18, 2026Last updated March 18, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from tuftsin that modulates GABA and serotonin neurotransmitter systems. This peptide enhances cognitive function, reduces anxiety, and improves mood through direct action on dopaminergic and GABAergic pathways.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryAmino Acid & Peptide

GroupCompound

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary KeywordSelank benefits

Selank close-up macro showing natural texture and detail — rich in anxiolytic, nootropic, neuroprotective

Selank — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

May improve cognitive function and memory by enhancing neurotransmitter activity, supporting mental clarity and learning. - Reduces anxiety and stress levels by modulating GABA and serotonin pathways, promoting calmness and emotional balance. - Enhances mood and motivation by increasing dopamine sensitivity, leading to a greater sense of well-being. - Supports immune health by regulating cytokine production, strengthening the body's defense against illness. - Improves sleep quality by reducing stress-induced insomnia, allowing for deeper rest. - May protect against neurodegeneration by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. - Boosts resilience to stress by balancing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, improving adaptation to challenging situations. - Supports social functioning by decreasing social anxiety and increasing confidence in interpersonal interactions.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Selank is a synthetic peptide derived from the naturally occurring peptide tuftsin. It was developed in Russia and is produced through recombinant DNA technology. Selank is primarily used in research settings for its potential cognitive-enhancing effects.

“Selank was developed in Russia in the late 20th century as part of efforts to create neuropeptides with therapeutic potential. It is primarily used in Eastern Europe.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Research on Selank includes animal studies and limited human trials, suggesting cognitive and anxiolytic benefits. More robust clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Composed of a short chain of amino acids. - Mimics the effects of the natural peptide tuftsin. - Administered as a nasal spray or injection.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Selank acts as a selective modulator of GABA-A receptors and enhances serotonin activity in the brain. The peptide increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and modulates dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex. It also stabilizes enkephalin levels by inhibiting their enzymatic degradation, contributing to its anxiolytic and nootropic effects.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Small-scale Russian clinical studies involving 30-60 participants have shown Selank reduces anxiety scores by 40-60% compared to placebo. Research indicates cognitive improvements in working memory tasks and attention span lasting 2-4 weeks after treatment. Most studies are short-term (2-4 weeks) with limited sample sizes, requiring larger international trials to confirm efficacy. The peptide shows promise but lacks extensive peer-reviewed research outside of Russian institutions.

Also Known As

Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-ProTP-7Selank acetateTuftsin analogueHeptapeptide selankSynthetic tuftsin derivative

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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