What is Selank?

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 prohibited substances.

How does selank work?

Selank modulates IL-6 output, and influences 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 celadon we can observe:

1) potential anti-anxiety effects - In a study on 60 people with generalised anxiety syndrome using selank during therapy, medium nootropic effects and significant anti-anxiety effects were reported. In addition, another study used selank to optimise the treatment of generalised anxiety syndrome in people using fenazepam (a potent benzodiazepine drug that should not be used without the knowledge of the referring physician) and compared its effect to a group treated with fenazepam alone. Those additionally using selank had significantly fewer side effects from fenazepam and increased comfort in life.

2) possible improvement of the speed of remembering and learning - In a study on mice, it was shown that selank can improve learning speed within three days. Additionally, 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 stabilised memory pathways within 30 days of starting use.

6) can strengthen immunity - in one study increased 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 in rats in which they were given 10% ethanol solution as the sole source of water for 24 weeks, selank helped reduce alcohol withdrawal anxiety in rats within 48 h of withdrawal.

What does this look like in practice?

Users of selank may experience greater focus, calm (in the event of a stressful situation), clarity of thought, mood enhancement and in fewer cases increased motivation to act.

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/