Selank

Overview

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the immune-modulating tetrapeptide tuftsin, developed in Russia as a peptide anxiolytic. It is proposed to influence GABAergic and monoaminergic signaling, enkephalin metabolism, and BDNF expression, with reports of anti-anxiety effects that lack the sedation or dependence associated with benzodiazepines. Small Russian clinical trials in generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia have reported benefit, but the studies are limited in size and have not been independently replicated at scale. It is approved in Russia but is NOT FDA-approved, and human evidence for its marketed uses remains limited.

Commonly Reported Uses

These are uses commonly discussed or marketed by users and vendors — not a list of proven or approved benefits, and not a recommendation.

• Anxiety reduction / generalized anxiety disorder (some Russian human trial data; evidence limited and not FDA-reviewed)
• Stress resilience and mood support (marketed claim; human evidence limited)
• Cognitive support / focus (marketed claim; not established in controlled trials)

What to Track

Data points you and your clinician might monitor. For observation only — not a diagnostic protocol.

• Subjective — daily anxiety, mood, and stress check-ins over a baseline period
• WHOOP — HRV and recovery score, which may shift with changes in stress/autonomic tone
• WHOOP — sleep quality and sleep stages
• Subjective — focus and cognition check-ins

Sources & References

1. [1]Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of the peptide anxiolytic selank in generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia — PubMed