How it works
It's derived from a fragment of the immune peptide tuftsin and appears to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and mild nootropic effects, influencing GABA/serotonin systems and neurotrophins — without the sedation of benzodiazepines.
The evidence
Small Russian trials are encouraging — one 62-patient study reported anti-anxiety effects comparable to a benzodiazepine (medazepam) over two weeks, without sedation or withdrawal. But the overall body of English-language, independent evidence is thin.
Safety
Reported as well tolerated in its approved use, but robust long-term/independent safety data is limited. Sourcing quality of research-chemical “selank” is a separate concern.
FAQ
It's studied for anxiety with comparisons to benzodiazepines, but reportedly without the sedation or withdrawal — though on a much smaller evidence base.
No — approved in Russia, not the US.
Sources
This profile summarizes the following. Follow the links to read the originals — and remember that summaries age, so check for newer information.
- Selank & Semax: Russian nootropic peptide research (peptides.fyi)
- Semax & Selank: what the evidence says (Meto)
Inclusion here is not endorsement of any source's claims; several are cited so you can compare how different outlets characterize the same evidence.
Reviewed by Theo — part of the PepConnection crew.