Selank
Tuftsin analog · Neuropeptide (anxiolytic)
What it is
Semax's sibling — a Russian anxiolytic peptide nasal spray, marketed there for anxiety with claimed benzo-like calm minus sedation or dependence. Popular in the same circles for the same reason: an anti-anxiety agent that is not a controlled substance.
What human evidence shows
Same shape as Semax: Russian trials report anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines in generalized anxiety, with the same auditability problem. Animal mechanism work (GABA modulation, enkephalin degradation) is real but thin. Western replication: none of note.
Risks
Reported side effects in the Russian literature are minimal, which should be read as "minimally studied" as much as "safe". Unknown long-term profile, unregulated supply, and the specific risk of treating real anxiety with an unverified agent instead of things with actual evidence.
Legal status
US: not approved, not scheduled — grey-market "research" sales. Prescription product in Russia.
Evidence base
emerging literature
Early human evidence: at least one human trial report, and not much beyond it.
- phase 3/4
- 0
- randomised
- 2
- reviews
- 0
- human trials
- 3
Counts are of published papers, not distinct trials, and measure how much research exists — not whether this works or is safe for you.
Research (12)
- Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax EffectsDokl Biol Sci · 2020
- Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future DirectionsJ Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev · 2026
- Selank, a Peptide Analog of Tuftsin, Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in RatsBull Exp Biol Med · 2022
- Effect of Selank on Morphological Parameters of Rat Liver in Chronic Foot-Shock StressBull Exp Biol Med · 2019
- The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of "Social" StressCurr Rev Clin Exp Pharmacol · 2021
- Selank, Peptide Analogue of Tuftsin, Protects Against Ethanol-Induced Memory Impairment by Regulating of BDNF Content in the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex in RatsBull Exp Biol Med · 2019
- Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic NeurotransmissionFront Pharmacol · 2016
- GABA, Selank, and Olanzapine Affect the Expression of Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission in IMR-32 CellsFront Pharmacol · 2017
- Peptide Selank Enhances the Effect of Diazepam in Reducing Anxiety in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Conditions in RatsBehav Neurol · 2017
- Selank Inhibits Ethanol-Induced Hyperlocomotion and Manifestation of Behavioral Sensitization in DBA/2 MiceBull Exp Biol Med · 2016
- Effect of Selank on Spontaneous Synaptic Activity of Rat Hippocampal CA1 NeuronsBull Exp Biol Med · 2017
- The temporary dynamics of inflammation-related genes expression under tuftsin analog Selank actionMol Immunol · 2014
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