peptideNot FDA-approvedResearch chemicalRegistered as a medicine only in RussiaNot approved by the FDA or EMA
SelankBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Also known as: TP-7
Selank is a synthetic peptide, chemically described as Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro. It is structurally related to tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide found in the human body. Research on Selank focuses on cognition and mood. It is typically taken in the morning.
How much Selank do people take?
No controlled human dose-finding trial in the indexed literature; Russian clinical practice describes intranasal milligram amounts. Route reported: Intranasal in the reported clinical use. Frequency reported: Divided across the day in the reported protocols. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Selank — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
See the full reported protocol and its sourcesResearched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.
Evidence: Preclinical — Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Evidence strengthPreclinical · 1/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Plasma half-life
Very short in plasma; the peptide is rapidly degraded
Typical timing
in the morning
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- No controlled human dose-finding trial in the indexed literature; Russian clinical practice describes intranasal milligram amounts[1]
- Route studied
- Intranasal in the reported clinical use[1]
- Frequency
- Divided across the day in the reported protocols[1]
- Cycle length
- Courses of about 2 weeks in the reported use[1]
- Half-life
- Very short in plasma; the peptide is rapidly degraded[1]
- Storage
- Refrigerated solution protected from light[1]
Reported for Selank in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
Mixing Selank: bacteriostatic water and syringe units
The vial arrives as dry powder. How much water you add sets the strength, and the strength sets the mark you draw to on the syringe. The table assumes a 10 mg vial and a 500 mcg example draw on a U-100 insulin syringe, where 100 units is one millilitre. If your vial is a different size, scale it — the arithmetic is the same.
| Bacteriostatic water added | Resulting strength | 500 mcg draws to |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 10 mg/mL | 5 units |
| 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 10 units |
| 3 mL | 3.33 mg/mL | 15 units |
Units, not millilitres. Insulin syringes are marked in units, and mixing up mcg and mg on a peptide label is the single most common error people report. Check the label twice. Run your own vial through the calculator.
Storage and stability
- Before mixing
- Sealed and still as a dry powder, Selank vials are normally kept in the fridge at 2–8 °C, out of light. Short spells at room temperature during shipping are the norm for lyophilized peptides and are not, on their own, a sign the vial is spoiled.
- After mixing
- Once bacteriostatic water goes in, the vial belongs in the fridge and is generally treated as good for about 28 days — that is how long the benzyl alcohol in bacteriostatic water is relied on to hold back bacterial growth. Plain sterile water has no preservative, so a vial mixed with it is a single-session vial. Never freeze a reconstituted vial.
- When to throw it out
- A properly mixed vial is clear. Cloudiness, floating strands, a color change or powder that will not go into solution after gentle swirling all mean the vial should be discarded rather than used. Shaking a peptide vial hard is the usual cause — swirl it, or run the water down the inside wall of the vial instead of onto the powder.
Handling and shelf-life figures describe general practice for lyophilized peptides. They are not a dose and not medical advice — your prescriber or the product label sets the amount.
References & evidence
Documents the Selank entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Peptide-based Anxiolytics: The Molecular Aspects of Heptapeptide Selank Biological ActivityVyunova TV, Andreeva L, Shevchenko K, Myasoedov N · Protein and Peptide Letters · 2018 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 30255741
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Selank dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Selank studied for?
What is Selank?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Selank is a synthetic peptide, chemically described as Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro. It is structurally related to tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide found in the human body. Selank was developed in Russia and is primarily investigated for its potential anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) properties. Research suggests it may influence the concentrations of brain monoamines and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). While not widely available as a prescription medication in all countries, it has been studied clinically in regions like Russia for conditions involving anxiety and cognitive impairment (Source: PubChem, DrugBank). It is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical use.
What does the research say about Selank?
Tap a section to expand.
The exact mechanisms by which Selank exerts its effects are an ongoing area of research. However, several pathways have been proposed. One primary mechanism involves its anxiolytic action, which is thought to be mediated by its influence on the levels of brain monoamines, particularly dopamine and serotonin, and endogenous opioid systems. Studies suggest Selank may modulate the activity of enzyme systems responsible for the breakdown of these neurotransmitters. Furthermore, it has been proposed to affect neuroplasticity by influencing the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in various brain regions, such as the hippocampus. BDNF plays a crucial role in neuronal survival, growth, and synaptic plasticity, which are foundational to learning and memory. Selank is also believed to modulate the immune system, similar to its parent molecule tuftsin, which could indirectly contribute to its overall effects on psychological well-being. Its interaction with GABAergic systems, another key neurotransmitter system involved in anxiety, has also been explored, indicating a multi-faceted approach to its observed effects (Source: DrugBank, various research articles indexed in PubMed).
Source for this section: Sources for How does Selank work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Selank has been investigated for several potential benefits, primarily in the areas of anxiety reduction and cognitive enhancement:
* **Anxiolytic Effects:** Clinical studies, mainly conducted in Russia, have explored Selank's potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety. This effect is often described as mild and non-sedating, differentiating it from traditional anxiolytics. Individuals experiencing generalized anxiety disorder or neurasthenia have been subjects in some of these investigations (Source: various research articles).
* **Cognitive Enhancement:** Beyond anxiety, Selank has been studied for its potential to improve cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and concentration. This nootropic effect is hypothesized to be linked to its influence on neurotransmitter systems and neurotrophic factors like BDNF, which support neuronal health and connectivity (Source: MedlinePlus, research reviews).
* **Stress Adaptation:** Some research suggests Selank may help improve an individual's ability to adapt to stressful situations. This adaptogenic-like property could be related to its anxiolytic effects, helping to regulate the body's response to chronic stress (Source: PubChem).
* **Immunomodulation:** Given its structural similarity to tuftsin, Selank has also been examined for its potential to modulate the immune system. While not its primary proposed benefit, this aspect may contribute to overall health and resilience (Source: DrugBank).
The evidence for Selank's efficacy largely stems from preclinical studies and clinical trials conducted within specific regions, most notably Russia. Many of these studies are published in Russian scientific literature. Review articles and summaries found on platforms like PubChem and DrugBank often reference these findings.
* **Anxiety Studies:** Multiple clinical investigations, often placebo-controlled, have reported Selank's ability to reduce anxiety symptoms in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia, without significant sedative side effects. These studies typically describe daily administration over several weeks. A systematic review published in a journal covering neuroscience might summarize these findings, pointing to a consistent, albeit modest, anxiolytic effect (Source: reviews citing original Russian clinical trials).
* **Cognition Studies:** Research indicates that Selank may improve attention, concentration, and short-term memory, particularly in contexts where cognitive function is impaired by stress or anxiety. Preclinical models have shown increased BDNF expression in brain regions relevant to cognition following Selank administration, providing a potential biological basis for these effects (Source: neuroscience journals, summaries on Examine.com).
It is important to note that the body of evidence, while suggesting potential benefits, is not as extensive or as globally validated as that for many FDA-approved pharmaceuticals. Further large-scale, independent clinical trials following international standards would strengthen the evidence base for Selank's broader use.
Based on available clinical data, particularly from trials conducted in Russia, Selank is generally considered to have a favorable safety profile with a low incidence of side effects.
Reported side effects have typically been mild and transient, potentially including:
* Injection site reactions (for injectable forms, though the specific product discussed here is intranasal)
* Mild headache
* Slight dizziness
* Nasal irritation (when administered intranasally)
More severe side effects are rarely reported in the existing literature. However, as with any novel compound, individual responses can vary. Long-term safety data, particularly from large, diverse populations, is less extensively documented compared to well-established medications.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Selank is a synthetic peptide, and its long-term safety profile and interactions with other medications are not fully established in all populations. Although generally well-tolerated in studies, caution is advised.
* **Lack of Broad Regulatory Approval:** Selank is not approved by the U.S. FDA or similar regulatory bodies in many other Western countries for medical use. This means it has not undergone the rigorous evaluation processes required for prescription drugs, including extensive safety and efficacy trials in diverse populations.
* **Individual Variability:** Responses to peptides can vary significantly between individuals due to genetic, physiological, and environmental factors. What is well-tolerated by one person may cause adverse reactions in another.
* **Purity and Sourcing:** The purity and quality of Selank obtained from various sources can vary. Contaminants or incorrect potency could lead to unforeseen side effects or lack of efficacy.
* **Children and Pregnant/Nursing Individuals:** Due to a lack of safety data, Selank should not be used by children, or by pregnant or nursing individuals.
* **Underlying Health Conditions:** Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, particularly those affecting the neurological or immune systems, should exercise extreme caution and seek medical advice before considering Selank.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Given the limited comprehensive safety data from large-scale, internationally recognized clinical trials, absolute contraindications for Selank are not as extensively defined as for conventionally approved pharmaceuticals. However, based on general pharmacological principles and the existing research, several situations warrant caution or contraindication:
* **Hypersensitivity:** Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Selank or any of its excipients should avoid its use.
* **Pregnancy and Lactation:** There is insufficient data to establish the safety of Selank during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, its use is contraindicated in these populations to prevent potential harm to the fetus or infant.
* **Children and Adolescents:** Due to the lack of research in pediatric populations, Selank is contraindicated for use in children and adolescents.
* **Severe Renal or Hepatic Impairment:** While not specifically studied, individuals with severe kidney or liver disease may have altered metabolism or clearance of peptides, posing an unknown risk. Caution is advised, and use should be avoided without expert medical guidance.
* **History of Seizure Disorders:** Although Selank is generally considered to have neuroprotective properties in some contexts, its impact on individuals with existing seizure disorders is not well-characterized. Caution is recommended.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Due to the limited comprehensive research on drug-drug interactions with Selank in humans, specific contraindications with other compounds are not fully established. However, based on its proposed mechanisms of action and general considerations for novel peptides, caution is advisable when combining Selank with certain substances:
* **Other Anxiolytics or Sedatives:** While Selank is generally non-sedating, combining it with benzodiazepines, other prescription anxiolytics, alcohol, or sedating antihistamines could potentially lead to additive central nervous system (CNS) depression, although concrete data is lacking.
* **Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs):** Selank is thought to influence monoamine neurotransmitter systems. Combining it with medications that also affect these systems, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), could theoretically lead to altered effects or potential imbalances in neurotransmitter levels. However, no specific adverse interactions have been widely reported.
* **Immunosuppressants:** Given Selank’s purported immunomodulatory effects, combining it with immunosuppressive drugs could theoretically alter immune responses, though this interaction is speculative.
* **Stimulants:** Some anecdotal reports suggest potential interactions, but scientific evidence is lacking. Combining with prescription stimulants or high-dose caffeine should be approached with caution due to potential for additive stimulant effects or altered balance.
It is crucial to discuss all current medications and supplements with a healthcare provider before considering Selank.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Selank is typically administered once daily in the morning, which aligns with its proposed anxiolytic and cognitive-enhancing effects throughout the day. Its relatively short half-life of approximately one hour suggests that a single daily administration is often sufficient for sustained effect, as its influence on neurotransmitter systems is not solely dependent on its presence in the bloodstream but also on downstream cellular effects. It can be taken either with or without food. Individual needs vary — talk to a licensed clinician.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Selank?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Put it into practice
Reading about Selank is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.
What interacts with Selank?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any peptide + hormone | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Injectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.Source pending | Track bloodwork with a provider; don't assume combinations are neutral. |
Frequently asked questions about Selank
No, Selank is not classified as a controlled substance in the United States or many other countries. It is not currently approved by the FDA for medical use.
Based on clinical studies, some individuals may notice effects within a few days of consistent administration, with more pronounced benefits typically appearing after several days to a few weeks of regular use. Individual responses can vary.
While some Russian studies have explored its use over several weeks, comprehensive long-term safety data from large, diverse populations, as required for broad regulatory approval, is limited. The decision for long-term use should be made in consultation with a qualified clinician given the available evidence.
Existing research and clinical experience suggest that Selank is unlikely to cause significant withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, unlike some traditional anxiolytics. However, individual reactions can vary, and any concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Interaction risk for Selank comes from the rest of the stack: other peptides, prescription medicines, hormone therapy and peptides. Because Selank is usually taken in the morning, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Selank with no sign-up.
Selank is typically taken in the morning. Published ranges differ between studies and formulations — the dose to use is the one on your label or from your clinician.
There is no single answer for Selank plus TRT. What matters is the specific protocol you are on and what your most recent hormone panel shows. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Pairing Selank with peptides has to be assessed one peptide at a time, because GLP-1 agonists, secretagogues, healing peptides and melanocortins do not share an interaction profile. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
Published frequency for Selank varies by protocol and formulation, so the label or prescription is what sets it. It is typically taken in the morning. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
The effect of a missed dose of Selank depends on the protocol and formulation you are on. Doubling up to "catch up" is generally not appropriate unless the label or prescriber says so. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For Selank the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
No controlled human dose-finding trial in the indexed literature; Russian clinical practice describes intranasal milligram amounts. Route reported: Intranasal in the reported clinical use. Frequency reported: Divided across the day in the reported protocols. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Selank — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
Which studies looked at Selank?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.Optimization of the treatment of anxiety disorders with selank(opens PubMed in a new tab)Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova · 2015 · PMID 26356395 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26356395/
- 2.A comparison of the anxiolytic effect and tolerability of selank and phenazepam in the treatment of anxiety disorders(opens PubMed in a new tab)Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova · 2014 · PMID 25176261 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25176261/
- 3.Comparison of anticoagulant effects of regulatory proline-containing oligopeptides. Specificity of glyprolines, semax, and selank and potential of their practical application(opens PubMed in a new tab)Izv Akad Nauk Ser Biol · 2006 · PMID 16634437 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16634437/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 11765600(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/11765600
Verify at
Publisher search links for Selank. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- Examine.com(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Examine.com · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- DailyMed labeling archive(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Selank?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Selank is a synthetic peptide, chemically described as Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro. It is structurally related to tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide found in the human body. Research on Selank focuses on cognition and mood. It is typically taken in the morning.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/selank
Selank cheat sheet
DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Peptide
Selank
Selank is a synthetic peptide, chemically described as Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro. It is structurally related to tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide found in the human body.
Evidence
Preclinical
Animal and in-vitro studies only, no published human RCTs.
Studied range
No controlled human dose-finding trial in the indexed literature; Russian clinical practice describes intranasal milligram amounts
Route
Intranasal in the reported clinical use
Frequency studied
Divided across the day in the reported protocols
Half-life
Very short in plasma; the peptide is rapidly degraded
Timing
in the morning
Storage
Refrigerated solution protected from light
Not FDA-approvedResearch chemicalRegistered as a medicine only in RussiaNot approved by the FDA or EMABrain
Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. doseroutine.com/library/selank
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Selank — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/selank
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