Selank
TP-7 — synthetic heptapeptide (anxiolytic nootropic)
A 7-amino-acid synthetic peptide developed at the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics. Acts as a non-sedating anxiolytic with cognitive-enhancement properties — modulates GABAergic and serotonergic pathways while upregulating BDNF. Distinct from benzodiazepines: no sedation, no addiction potential, no withdrawal. Approved for medical use in Russia; off-label elsewhere.
Quick reference
How Selank works
Selank is derived from tuftsin, a natural immunomodulatory peptide. The Russian designers added a 4-amino-acid tail to extend half-life and enhance CNS penetration. The final 7-amino-acid sequence (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is what defines Selank's distinctive pharmacology.
Mechanism is multi-modal: GABAergic modulation (anxiolytic effect without benzodiazepine-style receptor binding — so no addiction or withdrawal), serotonergic modulation (modest mood-lifting effect), and BDNF upregulation (neuroplasticity / nootropic effect). The result is anxiety relief without sedation, plus mild cognitive enhancement.
Why intranasal is preferred: Selank crosses the blood-brain barrier well, but intranasal delivery achieves higher CNS concentration faster. Onset is 5-15 minutes intranasally vs 30-45 minutes subQ. For acute anxiety contexts (presentation prep, social events), intranasal is the canonical route.
In the DoseCraft framework, Selank addresses Inflammation (reduced cortisol via anxiety reduction) and indirectly supports ATP Shortage (improved cognitive efficiency via BDNF).
Reconstitution math
- Remove the flip-off cap from the 5 mg vial.
- Draw 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall.
- Swirl gently. Transfer to a nasal spray bottle (typically 10 mL) for intranasal use.
- Refrigerate the nasal bottle. Stable approximately 30 days.
Dose math
5 mg vial + 2.5 mL bac water → 2,000 mcg/mL (2 mg/mL).
Nasal sprayers typically deliver 0.1 mL per spray:
- • 1 spray ≈ 200 mcg (depends on sprayer)
- • 1-2 sprays per nostril = 400-800 mcg total
- • Standard dose: 1 spray each nostril, 2-3× daily
Safety + side-effect profile
One of the safest anxiolytic compounds in clinical literature. No documented dependency or withdrawal. Side effects are uncommon and mild.
Not documented at standard doses: hepatotoxicity, hormonal disruption, cardiovascular effects, sedation. Contraindications: active psychotic disorders (limited data), pregnancy, lactation, simultaneous use of MAOIs.
Interaction notes: stacks well with Semax (commonly co-used for combined anxiolytic + cognitive effects). Avoid stacking with benzodiazepines (mechanistically redundant; defeats Selank's non-addictive advantage). Generally tolerated with SSRIs but consider gradual introduction.
- • Mild nasal irritation with intranasal use (uncommon)
- • Occasional metallic taste at the back of the throat
- • Rare mild headache in first 2-3 days
- • No sedation, no morning grogginess (intended)
Frequently asked
What is Selank?
Selank is a 7-amino-acid synthetic peptide developed at the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics. Acts as a non-sedating anxiolytic with cognitive-enhancement properties. Approved for medical use in Russia; off-label elsewhere. Modulates GABAergic and serotonergic pathways without benzodiazepine-style addiction risk.
What is the typical Selank dose?
Standard practitioner protocol: 250-500 mcg intranasal, 2-3× daily, for 2-4 week cycles. Acute use (presentations, social anxiety): 1-2 sprays each nostril (400-800 mcg total) 30 minutes before. Chronic use: cycle 2-4 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
Is Selank addictive?
No. Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank doesn't bind benzodiazepine receptors directly. Its anxiolytic effect comes from GABAergic and serotonergic modulation that doesn't produce tolerance, dependency, or withdrawal in published studies and 30+ years of Russian clinical use.
Selank vs Semax — when to use which?
Selank: anxiety reduction, mild cognitive support, non-sedating calm. Semax: stronger cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, post-concussion recovery, ADHD-adjacent focus. Many practitioners stack them — Selank in the morning for calm focus, Semax for harder cognitive tasks.
Why intranasal instead of subcutaneous?
Intranasal delivery crosses the blood-brain barrier faster and achieves higher CNS concentration. Onset is 5-15 minutes intranasally vs 30-45 minutes subQ. SubQ is supportable but less efficient for a CNS-targeted compound.
Will Selank make me drowsy?
No. Selank's anxiolytic effect is non-sedating — this is a key differentiator from benzodiazepines. Most users describe a calm, focused state rather than drowsiness or grogginess. Daytime use is well-tolerated.
Should I cycle Selank?
Yes. Standard cycling: 2-4 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Continuous use beyond 6 weeks is less-validated in the literature, though no documented tolerance issues exist. Cycling preserves novelty of effect and aligns with how the Russian clinical research used the compound.
Are there safety concerns?
Generally very mild. Reported: mild nasal irritation (intranasal route), occasional metallic taste, rare mild headache in first 2-3 days. Not documented: sedation, addiction, dependency, withdrawal, hepatotoxicity, hormonal disruption.
Related compounds
Often researched, stacked, or compared with Selank.
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