Selank

Selank is a small peptide based on tuftsin, a naturally occurring peptide that plays a role in the immune system. Its molecular weight is approximately 751.87 g/mol. Thanks to modifications, Selank is more stable than natural tuftsin.

Mechanism of action under investigation

Research is being conducted into Selank’s role in the regulation of stress and anxiety — it is therefore often referred to as an anxiolytic peptide. Its role in neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and in immune modulation are also areas of research. Unlike traditional sedatives, research suggests it does not cause the typical sedative side effects associated with them.

This description relates to the mechanism of action as studied in research and does not constitute evidence of efficacy in humans.

A distinctive feature of Selank is its relationship to tuftsin, an endogenous peptide found in the immune system. As a result, it is not only studied in the context of stress and anxiety research, but also relates to immune-related topics. Its small, well-defined structure makes it highly reproducible in the laboratory. This versatility explains the enduring scientific interest in Selank.

Selank was developed in Russia and is studied there within the field of neuroscience. It is a widely used model molecule in research into the regulation of anxiety and stress.

• Research focus: anxiolytic (anxiety-regulating) pathways (preclinical).
• Research focus: modulation of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF.
• Research focus: immune modulation via the tuftsin family.

Status and context

Selank is registered in Russia as an anxiolytic, but is not authorised as a medicinal product in the European Union or the United States. It is supplied here exclusively as research material, for laboratory and research purposes. When conducting research, always document the purity and batch number.

As with Semax, a large proportion of the research on Selank originates from Russia, which calls for critical evaluation and, where possible, cross-referencing with independent sources. Pure starting material, documented on a batch-by-batch basis, and a controlled research design form the basis for reliable work. This ensures that the distinction between regional registration and ‘research-only’ status remains clear.

Selank is supplied as a lyophilised powder and is reconstituted in the laboratory using bacteriostatic water. The steps below describe only the laboratory procedures for research purposes.

1. 1Allow the vial and the bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature.
2. 2Wipe the rubber stoppers of both vials with an alcohol wipe.
3. 3Allow the bacteriostatic water to run slowly down the side of the vial; do not direct it straight onto the powder.
4. 4Gently swirl the vial until everything has dissolved; do not shake.
5. 5Store the solution in the fridge and label it with the date and batch number.

You can find supplies such as bacteriostatic water, insulin syringes and alcohol wipes under ‘Lab & Accessories’. This is a laboratory instruction and does not constitute dosage advice for consumption.

Combining approaches in research

In the field of cognition and stress research, Selank is often considered alongside Semax, which is more focused on concentration. Document each peptide separately, specifying its purity and batch number, so that observations remain traceable.

Prepare only the amount you need in the short term and store the rest in the fridge straight away; make a note of the preparation date for each experiment. Work quickly to minimise the breakdown of the peptide.

Store Selank in its lyophilised (powder) form in a cool, dark place to ensure maximum stability.

Practical storage tips

• Powder form: freezer (-20 °C) for long-term storage; fridge (2–8 °C) for short-term storage.
• After reconstitution: store refrigerated (2–8 °C) and use within a few weeks.
• Avoid direct light, heat and repeated temperature changes.
• Write the reconstitution date and batch number on the vial.

Consistent, cold and dark storage ensures reliable, reproducible measurement results.

Consistent, cool and dark storage ensures reliable, reproducible measurement results. Check the solution for clarity before use.