The Calming Nootropic Peptide: The Ultimate Guide to Selank
Overview of Selank:
Selank is a nootropic peptide known for its cognitive enhancement, anxiolytic, anti-depressant, and immunomodulatory properties, as well as its high safety profile and lack of side effects. It’s derived from Tuftsin, a natural peptide produced in the human body that regulates immune system activity.
Tuftsin is composed of four amino acids: threonine, lysine, proline, and alanine, while selank is made from Threonine, Lysine, Proline, Arginine, Proline, Glycine, Proline.
Selank emerged during the 90s when Russian scientists were focused on uncovering the therapeutic applications of peptides.
The aim was to create a compound that could address anxiety without the cognitive or motor function impairment associated with existing medications, like benzodiazepines.
As the decades unfolded, Selank evolved from a scientific experiment to a prescribed pharmaceutical product used by thousands of patients. In Russia it is an approved treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder as well as a variety of conditions that impair cognitive function. While it’s not approved by the FDA, alternative medicine practitioners prescribe it as an anxiolytic, nootropic, and antidepressant through compounding pharmacies.
Pharmacology/Effects of Selank:
Understanding Selank's pharmacological actions provides insights into its potential benefits. This peptide primarily interacts with the central nervous system, modulating neurotransmitter activity and influencing the release of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Selank produces its calming and nootropic effect through its action on a variety of neurotransmitters. Selank’s calming effect seems to be primarily mediated through GABA and endorphins. By inhibiting the enzymes that degrade enkephalins ( a type of endorphin) serum concentrations increase. Selank also acts as a positive allosteric modulator at the GABA A receptor. This means it attaches to GABA A receptors and changes their shape in a way that makes GABA bind to them easier, resulting in more inhibitory action in the brain and less anxiety. Cognitive enhancing properties
In addition to its anxiolytic effects, Selank's cognitive-enhancing properties have piqued scientific interest.
Studies suggest that the peptide supports cognitive function, including improvements in memory and learning. The intricate interplay between neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitter systems underscores Selank's potential to optimize mental performance.
Selank has been associated with the increase in the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is necessary for neuronal growth, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation. Higher BDNF levels = improved cognitive function and strengthened learning and memory.
By increasing BDNF production and promoting synaptic plasticity, Selank may enable the emergence and consolidation of memories, leading to improvements in both short-term and long-term memories.
To further this, Selank’s cognitive enhancements on short and long-term memory suggest an increase in cognitive performance meaning faster learning and better memory retention.
Selank has a more intricate role in modulating dopamine and serotonin. In rodent studies, it appears to increase serotonin metabolism in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, while increasing dopamine concentrations in these areas. While we aren’t able to mash up human brains to test the neurotransmitter levels in different regions, one could assume this is partially responsible for the increase in focus and motivation reported by patients prescribed selank.
What the Research Says About Selank:
Selank's versatility is reflected in its diverse range of potential applications.
In the realm of cognitive enhancement, Selank has become a focal point for those aiming to optimize mental faculties. We now know that increased BDNF levels, which is possible through Selank, mean our cognitive performance can also strengthen. A 2008 study highlights these points:
Selank doesn't slightly, but significantly increase the concentration of BDNF mRNA in the hippocampus of rats
The intranasal administration of Selank led to a 30% increase in BDNF production compared to the control group (the group that was not administered any Selank)
This increase in BDNF levels was found in the rat hippocampus 24 hours after the peptide administration at a dose of 250 or 500μg/kg body weight
The peptide's ability to enhance cognitive function without significant side effects positions it as a promising option for individuals striving for mental acuity. A study titled Peptide-based Anxiolytics looked at the prolonged anti-anxiety and nootropic properties Selank is said to have. A summary of the overall conclusions looks like this:
Selank has anti-anxiety effects
Selank works by positively influencing a brain receptor called GABA, which is associated with anxiety
When Selank is combined with certain medications (such as benzodiazepines), Selank has a specific and unique impact on GABA receptors, different from what the medications do alone
The study suggests that Selank’s ability to regulate GABA receptors may be the reason behind its anti-anxiety effects
Beyond anxiety and cognitive enhancement, Selank's immunomodulatory properties have sparked exploration into its potential role in addressing conditions related to immune system dysregulation.
Ongoing research investigates how Selank may support immune function, offering potential interventions for autoimmune conditions.
Check out this study which highlights how Selank may support immune function:
Selank, when given during stress, lowered the levels of inflammation-related substances
Selank helped to bring back the normal levels of a specific substance called IL-4, which is an immune substance that plays a role in controlling inflammation and maintaining balance in the body’s immune response
Selank can protect against the negative effects of stress by controlling the body’s immune response
It showered potential as a substance that could help the body deal with stress.
Safety Data/Risks of Selank:
While Selank has demonstrated a promising safety profile in preclinical and early clinical studies, it's imperative to approach its usage with a nuanced understanding of potential risks. Limited human trials and anecdotal reports suggest that Selank is generally well-tolerated, with mild and transient side effects.
Common side effects include mild irritation at the injection site, headaches, and, in some instances, drowsiness. However, individual responses can vary, necessitating careful consideration of potential side effects.
At high doses, Selank can have a paradoxical effect of increasing anxiety/irritability, which could be due to an increase in dopamine/norepinephrine in conjunction with a decrease in serotonin, which is known for promoting a calm state of consciousness.
Comprehensive safety data, particularly regarding long-term use and potential interactions with other substances or medications, remains an area that requires further investigation, although it has been explored.
Those interested in using Selank should consult a medical professional. Other medications being taken, as well as pre-existing health conditions, need to be taken into account in every selank protocol.
5) Dosing & Protocols for Selank:
Determining the optimal dosage and administration protocol for Selank is a dynamic aspect of ongoing research.
Typically administered through subcutaneous injection or nasal spray, Selank dosages can range from micrograms to milligrams.
Most selank protocols call for starting with lower doses and gradually titrating upwards while monitoring for any adverse effects.
The frequency of administration may vary based on the intended use, with some users opting for daily dosing while others adhere to intermittent schedulesProtocols for Selank usage may also depend on specific goals. For individuals seeking acute anxiolytic effects, dosing before anticipated stressful situations may be preferred, while cognitive enhancement protocols may require daily dosing.
As research progresses, refined dosing guidelines may emerge, providing users with insights into optimizing the benefits of Selank while minimizing potential risks. The Difference Between Selank, NA Selank, and Amidate
NA Selank (N-Acetyl Selank) is a modified form of Selank with an N-acetyl group added. The addition of the N-acetyl group can increase the peptide's stability and bioavailability. NA Selank is believed to retain the anxiolytic properties of Selank, while more readily. Crossing the blood-brain barrier for increased potency. NA Selank is my personal favorite.
NA Selank Amidate is another modified form of Selank, where an amide group is added to the C-terminus of the N-acetylated Selank. This modification is thought to further increase its stability and bioavailability. The amidation may enhance its pharmacokinetic properties, leading to stronger and longer-lasting effects compared to Selank and NA Selank. Users typically report only needing one to two sprays per day, with more causing potential side effects that may last the whole day.
Sample Selank Cycle
The following sample cycle is not medical advice and should be viewed as educational content only. Do not take Selank without the supervision and prescription of a licensed physician.
Selank: 150-600 mcg once daily (injectable) 600-1200mcg twice daily (nasal spray)
NA Selank: 150-300 mcg once daily (injection) 300-1200mcg twice daily (nasal spray)
NA Selank Amidate: 300-900mcg once daily (nasal spray)
Time on: 4 weeks
Time off: 2-4 weeks
Where to Buy Selank (For Research)
Limitless Life Nootropics is my go-to supplier for Selank Nasal Spray. Every batch is 3rd party HPLC tested to ensure purity, shipping is Amazon-tier fast, and their customer service is great. They are truly the best in the game. If you are interested in Selank for your research, you can use the links below and coupon code “BOWTIED” for 15% off.
N-Acetyl Selank:
https://limitlesslifenootropics.com/product/n-acetyl-selank-nasal-spray-10ml-30mg/?ref=nwm2njl
N- Acetyl Selank Amidate:
https://limitlesslifenootropics.com/product/n-acetyl-selank-amidate-10ml-spray-30mg/?ref=nwm2njl
Selank & Semax Amidate Combo Spray:
Could you possibly elaborate on details of what you mean here in this phrase " offering potential interventions for autoimmune conditions"?
I have a common and not terrible autoimmune disorder and have seen another substack mention that a possible side effect of Selank could be "Concerns with certain autoimmune disorders". I also found a lone comment on some Nootropic reddit space where someone seemed to state definitively that Selank and Semax would trigguer autoimmune disorders.
I can't be certain but in a very brief period it seems like Selank may be triggering mine sadly. Of not that may not be of any use is that Kratom seems to be a trigger for mine too.
EDIT:
I found some things saying it upregulates IL-6 which would be the potential trigger. Well, hopefully Bromante is nice and not problematic unless there's anything you could suggest?
How does it compare to Phenibut, in effects and biochemically?