Selank, which is a heptapeptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, is a synthetic anlaog of tufisin with many potentially beneficial properties.
Selank is closely related to another nootropic agent, Semaxem , developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics in Russia. This substance is now available in Russian and Ukrainian pharmacies. In addition, does not appear on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) lists of banned agents.
How does selank work?
Selank modulates IL-6 shedding, and affects T-type cytokine levels, regulates serotonin and other monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism, and increases BDNF factor in the hippocampus.
Drawing on more than 20 years of research history on the seltzer we can observe:
1) potential anti-anxiety effects - A study of 60 people with generalized anxiety syndrome using selank during therapy reported medium nootropic effects and significant anti-anxiety effects. In addition, another study used selank to optimize the treatment of generalized anxiety syndrome in people using fenazepam (a powerful drug of the benzodiazepine genus that should not be used without the knowledge of the referring physician) and compared its effect to a group that was treated with fenazepam alone. Those additionally using selank experienced significantly fewer side effects from fenazepam and increased comfort in life.
2) possible improvement in the speed of remembering and learning - In a study on mice, it was shown that selank can improve learning speed within 3 days. In addition, mice consuming selank showed fewer signs of stress and moved faster.
3) Can help in the treatment of neurodegeneration of the brain -. in a study on mice with impaired brain function by administering 6-hydroxydopamine (a neurotoxin that selectively loads the catecholaminergic system) for the first three days after birth. Selank restored cognitive function to the brains of the mice to which it was administered.
4) Can protect the liver - In a study on chronically stressed mice, selank increased antioxidant activity in the liver and restored its normal function.
5) can improve memory - In studies in mice and monkeys, selank stabilized memory pathways within 30 days of starting use.
6) can strengthen immunity - in one study boosted IL-6 production in depressed patients, which may translate into better immunity, but in another, despite similar findings, showed no improvement against viral infection.
7) may help in people with withdrawal syndrome - In a study on rats in which they were given 10% ethanol solution as their sole source of water for 24 weeks, selank helped reduce alcohol withdrawal anxiety in rats within 48 h of withdrawal.
What does it look like in practice?
Users of selank may experience greater focus, calm (in case of a stressful situation), clarity of thought, mood enhancement and in a smaller number of cases increased motivation to take action.
1 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25176261/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30335073/
2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14552529/
3 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18683497
4 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28853100/
5 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20919548/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18727417/
6 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18577961/
7- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24913576/
