Selank is a anxiolytic peptide, analogue of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. It was developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Due to its anxiolytic effect, it is useful for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression.

Since Selank is an analogue of tetrapeptide tuftsin, it mimics some of its effects. Tuftsin binds to specific leukocytes stimulating their migration, phagocytic, bacticidal and tomuricidal activity while promotes antibody formation. Due to its perishable condition, Selank has been classified as a lipophilized peptide (a substance that has been dehydrated to increase its preservation). Selank stimulates the release of endorphins in the human system as well as dopamine and serotonin.

Selank influences the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters that are involved in the regulation of emotions, arousals and memory. This chemical maintains neuron integrity in some psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

Anxiety, also called “the feeling of fear to fear” is defined as an emotion of an unpleasant state of inner turmoil that can be accompanied by nervous behavior. People having anxiety can experience muscular tension, restlessness, fatigue and difficulties over concentration. Selank induces the metabolism of endorphins to treat anxiety. It has some advantages over typical benzodiazepines such the lack of sedating effects and the lack of cognitive side effects. It even does not raise addiction.

People with depression commonly show a deficiency of serotonin (a monoamine neurotransmitter that enhances appetite, supports a positive mood and regulates the sleep and wake cycle). Selank has shown antidepressant effects on clinical trials due to its relation in the increase of both serotonin and dopamine. People who have used Selank have noted an initial effect of calm and an increased motivation. Some users also have reported an increase in its ability to learn, memorize new data and dig up old memories, such as the enhancement of analytical skills; facts that can be attributed to the increase of serotonin. On the other hand, depression is also related to low levels of dopamine that has implications in reward-motivated behavior and motor control.

Selank affects the balance of T helper cell cytokines, through modulation of the expression of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), which acts as a pro-inflammatory cytokine as well as an anti-inflammatory myokine; it stimulates immune response during infections and trauma. This cytokine also stimulates osteoclast formation that maintains, repair and remodels bones of the vertebral skeleton.

It has been observed both neuroprotective as neuroregenerative properties are present in the use of Selank. Neuroprotection is related to the preservation of neuronal integrity (in structure and function), which is an important support in the treatment of central nervous system disorders. On another side, neuroregeneration properties of Selank allow the regrowth or repair of nervous tissues, cells or cell products.

Selank can be administered at a daily dose of around 250 mcg to 3 mg. Its lowest effective dose is about 100 mcg. It is advisable to contact a specialist that can determine an adequate dose for every individual.