Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Below is a curated selection of peer-reviewed studies investigating its properties.
2022
Immunomodulating Action of Semax and Selank on the Model of Social Stress
European Pharmaceutical Journal
This study examined Selank’s ability to correct stress-induced immune dysfunction in rats subjected to social stress. Stress produced immune imbalance characterised by hyperactivation of some immunity components and suppression of others. Selank administration restored healthy immune function, supporting its role as a neuropeptide with immunomodulatory as well as anxiolytic properties.
View Paper →2020
Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects in Healthy Participants
Frontiers in Pharmacology (PubMed)
This human neuroimaging study assessed the effects of Selank and Semax on whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity via fMRI in 52 healthy participants. Selank produced measurable changes in connectivity patterns centred around the amygdala, providing the first objective neuroimaging evidence for Selank’s anxiolytic mechanism in the human brain.
View Paper →2017
GABA, Selank, and Olanzapine Affect Expression of Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission
Frontiers in Pharmacology (Open Access)
This study compared how Selank, GABA, and olanzapine affect gene expression in mouse brain tissue. Selank produced a distinct and targeted transcriptional response compared to other GABAergic compounds, suggesting a more precise interaction with inhibitory neurotransmission pathways.
View Paper →2017
Peptide Selank Enhances the Effect of Diazepam in Reducing Anxiety
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine (PMC / NIH)
This preclinical study demonstrated a potentiating effect when Selank and diazepam were combined at sub-therapeutic doses. Selank was confirmed to modulate GABAergic activity in a manner comparable to benzodiazepine drugs, without the undesirable side effects of sedation, muscle relaxation, and dependency risk.
View Paper →2016
Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission
Frontiers in Pharmacology (PMC / Open Access)
This molecular study examined how Selank alters gene expression in the frontal cortex, finding dramatic changes in GABA receptor subunit expression — including approximately 20-fold decreases in Gabre and Gabrq subunits at 1 hour post-administration. The findings reveal that Selank’s anxiolytic mechanism parallels that of classical benzodiazepines at a genomic level.
View Paper →2008
Efficacy and Mechanisms of Action of Selank in Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Eksperimental’naya i Klinicheskaya Farmakologiya (PubMed / NIH)
This human clinical trial involved 62 patients with generalised anxiety disorder and neurasthenia. Intranasal Selank produced anxiolytic effects comparable to the benzodiazepine medazepam, but additionally demonstrated antiasthenic and psychostimulant effects without sedation, muscle relaxation, tolerance, or withdrawal.
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