Selank Review: Nootropic Benefits, Dosage, & Side Effects

Updated on August 2, 2023
 by — reviewed by Jason Williams, PhD (Contributor: George Collins / Editor: Yoko Hill)

In this Selank review, we'll discuss what Selank is, its nootropic benefits and dosage, and any potential side effects.

Selank is a synthetic nootropic based on the tetrapeptide tuftsin. It was developed in Russia and has been studied for its possible use in treating anxiety and depression.

In addition to anecdotal reports of decreased anxiety and improved cognitive function, there are now several scientific studies that provide evidence for Selank's beneficial effects on cognitive performance and mood.

Let's take a closer look at what Selank is and how it might be able to help you achieve optimal cognitive function.

Selank Review Summary

Selank is a synthetic analog of human tuftsin and has been shown to have many of the same effects. It modulates the expression of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), affects the balance of T helper cell cytokines, and influences the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters and serotonin metabolism.

Selank has also been found to rapidly elevate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in rats.

Pros:

  • Has been shown to improve cognitive performance and memory
  • Helps with anxiety and depression
  • Elevates BDNF levels

Cons:

  • Limited data on long-term effects
  • Not sold in stores

What Is Selank?

Selank is a peptide drug developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is a synthetic analog of human tuftsin and mimics many of its effects.

Selank has been found to modulate the expression of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and affects the balance of T helper cell cytokines. It has also been found to influence the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters and induce serotonin metabolism (1).

selank review

Selank has been found to rapidly elevate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of rats (2).

BDNF is a protein that helps to support the survival of existing neurons and encourages the growth and differentiation of new ones. It is found in high levels in the hippocampus, which is the region of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

Selank's ability to increase BDNF levels suggests that it may benefit cognitive function and memory. It is a heptapeptide with a molecular mass of 751.887 g·mol−1 and has the following sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (TKPRPGP).

Several animal studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of Selank on depression, anxiety, and cognition. One study found that Selank was able to decrease depression-like behavior in rats (3)

How Does Selank Work In The Brain?

Selank is a peptide drug that has various effects on nerve cells. One possible molecular mechanism by which Selank operates is by allosterically modulating the GABAergic system (4).

Selank may also act through other systems, such as the dopamine and serotonergic systems, which is why Selank has similar physiological effects as classical benzodiazepines.

Even though Selank's anxiolytic and antidepressant effects are similar to those of benzodiazepines, it does not seem to interact with the GABA receptors in the same way.

Thus, side effects such as abuse potential and tolerance, which are common with benzodiazepines, do not seem to occur with Selank.

What Are The Benefits Of Selank For Cognition?

The benefits of Selank for cognition can be attributed to its ability to increase levels of BDNF in the brain.

BDNF is a protein that helps to keep neurons alive and encourages new neuron growth. BDNF is found in high levels in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning.

The GABAergic system is also involved in cognition, and Selank has been shown to allosterically modulate this system.

Some of the other potential benefits of Selank for cognition include:

  • Enhancing learning and memory
  • Reducing anxiety and depression
  • Reducing stress levels
  • Improving attention span and focus

Where To Buy Selank Online?

If you're looking to buy Selank online, you may be wondering where the best place to purchase it is. Unfortunately, Selank is not an FDA-approved medication, so it can be difficult to find in the United States.

There are a few places you can try, but be careful, as there are many counterfeit versions of Selank available online.

Swiss Chems is a good option if you're looking for 100% original peptides at a competitive price range. They specialize in selling peptides and other research chemicals and have been in business since 2013.

If you prefer the original Russian Selank, then order from Cosmic Nootropic.

What Do People Say About Selank On Reddit?

There are many positive reviews of Selank on Reddit. People report improved sleep and crystal clear thinking after taking Selank.

Some users have experienced side effects such as anxiety and headaches, but these are typically mild and go away after a few days of taking the supplement. Let's take a look at some of the things people are saying about Selank on Reddit below:

"I am now on day 3 of using Selank, and I must say that I am really liking it so far. I stack it with Noopept and Sunifiram for an amazing cognitive boost."

"I've been using Selank for a few weeks now, and I really like it. Initially, I was a bit anxious, but that went away after the first week. I'm definitely sleeping better, and my thinking is much clearer!!!"

"I've tried a lot of nootropics, but Selank is by far my favorite. It's helped me reduce my anxiety and stress levels and improve my memory and focus..."

How Do You Take Selank For Cognitive Enhancement?

Selank is a peptide that is sprayed into the nose while in a sitting position. After application, cleaning the nasal passage before re-applicating the drug is recommended. Drops should be instilled strictly on the nasal mucosa.

Selank is best taken on an empty stomach in the morning or afternoon. It can be taken up to 3 times per day. For cognitive enhancement, Selank should be taken daily for at least two weeks for the best results.

Cycling is unnecessary, but some people may choose to do so after prolonged use.

The recommended dosage for Selank is 200-300 mcg (micrograms) 3 times per day. This can be increased to 400 mcg three times per day if needed.

Selank is typically administered as a 0.15% spray, which translates to approximately 75 μg/spray or about 149 pounds for an adult weighing 67 kg. Selank can be taken in doses of 75 μg per spray, which translates to approximately 2-3 sprays per dose spread out over up to 3 doses per day (with a maximum total of 675 μg/day).

What Are The Side Effects Of Selank?

The most common side effects of Selank include:

  • Anxiety
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

Some of the rarer side effects that have been reported include:

  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Muscle cramps
  • Joint pain

If any of these side effects persist or worsen, it is recommended to stop taking Selank and consult a doctor.

What Nootropics Are Similar To Selank?

A few other nootropics are similar to Selank in terms of their effects on the brain. These include:

Semax: Semax is a peptide that is similar to Selank in terms of its effects on cognition and mood. Semax has been shown to improve memory, attention, and learning. It can also reduce anxiety and depression.

Noopept: Noopept works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. This improves cognitive function, including memory, learning, and attention. Noopept can also reduce anxiety and depression.

Phenibut: Phenibut is a GABA agonist that can improve mood and reduce anxiety. It can also improve cognitive function, including memory and attention. Its anxiolytic effects are similar to those of Selank.

All three of these nootropics are similar to Selank in terms of their effects on the brain. They all improve cognitive function, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.

What Brain Supplements Can Selank Be Stacked With?

Selank can be stacked with a variety of different supplements for cognitive enhancement. The most popular stack is with Noopept and Sunifiram. This stack provides a powerful boost to cognitive function, memory, and focus.

Sunifiram is said to be more potent than Piracetam, and it has been shown to improve memory, attention, and learning. Noopept is a powerful nootropic that improves cognitive function, memory, and learning. It can also reduce anxiety and depression.

Another great option is to stack with a nootropic blend like NooCube, which contains a synergistic combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs that help support cognitive function. This blend can be taken daily for long-term benefits or as needed to boost mental performance.

NooCube is one of the best all-natural nootropic supplements on the market and provides various benefits that can help enhance cognitive function and overall brain health. It contains ingredients like alpha GPC, which is a choline source that helps support memory and learning. It also contains L-Theanine, which can help reduce anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your questions answered.

How Does Selank Make You Feel?

Selank makes you feel calmer and more relaxed. It does this through its effects on the neurotransmitter GABA, thus reducing anxiety. Selank's effect on GABA also explains its nootropic benefits, as it can help improve cognitive function and memory.

Is It Safe To Use Selank?

Selank is considered to be a safe anti-anxiety peptide. It has a low risk of side effects and is well-tolerated by most people. Selank is a superior anxiety treatment to benzodiazepines as it doesn't cause drowsiness or have other negative side effects on cognition. There's also no chance of developing an addiction or experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

What's The Difference Between Semax And Selank?

Selank is a peptide that is very similar to Semax, and both work to increase levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. Semax is a 29-amino acid peptide, while Selank is a 33-amino acid peptide. Both peptides have similar effects, but Semax has been found to be more potent.

How Long Does It Take For Selank To Work?

Selank is a fast-acting drug that can have an effect on the blood plasma within 30 seconds. It will last for hours, depending on the dosage. Usually, a single dose of Selank is enough to provide anxiety relief for several hours.

What's The Half-Life Of Selank?

Selank has a half-life of only 10 minutes, which means it is metabolized and eliminated from the body quickly. This is why Selank must be taken multiple times daily to maintain its effects.

Is Selank Legal?

Selank is generally considered an unscheduled drug, meaning it is legal to buy, possess, and use. In some countries, Selank may require a prescription from a doctor. Check your local laws before buying or using Selank.

Conclusion

Selank is a Russian nootropic that is used for general anxiety disorders (GAD). Numerous studies suggest that Selank can be highly effective at treating anxiety disorders and helping mice cope with stressful situations. There are also suggestions that it may enhance memory and learning, improve blood flow, strengthen the immune system, ease pain, prevent cancer, and enhance cognition.

The benefits of Selank are indeed impressive. However, because Selank is not approved by the FDA, it's important to read reviews before taking it. So far, there seems to be a lot of positive feedback in Selank reviews.

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