Peer-Reviewed Research
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from tuftsin. Published research has examined anxiety-related behavior, cognition, GABAergic signaling, gene expression, immune regulation, and functional brain connectivity. Recent Selank-specific publications are limited, so this page includes the strongest available human, laboratory, and preclinical studies.
Human Research
Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects
Published: 2020
Study Type: Human functional MRI study
Summary
This study evaluated resting-state functional connectivity in 52 healthy participants after administration of Selank or Semax. Researchers examined connectivity involving the amygdala and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, brain regions associated with anxiety regulation and executive function. The study investigated short-term brain-network effects rather than clinical treatment outcomes.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32342318/
[A comparison of the anxiolytic effect and tolerability of selank and phenazepam in the treatment of anxiety disorders]
Published: 2014
Study Type: Comparative human clinical study
Summary
Researchers compared Selank with phenazepam in patients with anxiety disorders. Both treatments were associated with reductions in anxiety symptoms, while the Selank group showed reported differences in tolerability and quality-of-life outcomes. The study was published in Russian and should be interpreted within the limitations of its design and reporting.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25176261/
[Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia]
Published: 2008
Study Type: Human clinical and mechanistic study
Summary
This study evaluated Selank in patients with generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia. Researchers reported changes in anxiety-related symptoms and examined enkephalin metabolism as a possible mechanism of action. This remains one of the principal published human studies on Selank, although it is older and was published in Russian.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18454096/
[Immunomodulatory effects of selank in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders]
Published: 2008
Study Type: Human clinical and immune-signaling study
Summary
Researchers examined cytokine-related immune markers in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders receiving Selank. The findings suggested changes in cytokine regulation during treatment. This study evaluated immunological measures alongside clinical symptoms but was not a large modern randomized trial.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18577961/
Original Laboratory and Preclinical Research
Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission
Journal: Frontiers in Pharmacology
Published: 2016
Study Type: Original laboratory research
Summary
Researchers studied gene-expression changes in neuronal cells after exposure to Selank. The results showed alterations in genes involved in neurotransmission and supported the hypothesis that Selank may influence the GABAergic system through complex regulatory mechanisms.
Read Full Text:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4757669/
GABA, Selank, and Olanzapine Affect the Expression of Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission in IMR-32 Cells
Published: 2017
Study Type: Original laboratory research
Summary
This study compared gene-expression effects associated with GABA, Selank, and olanzapine in cultured neuronal cells. Selank altered the expression of several genes connected to GABAergic signaling and neurotransmission. The work was mechanistic and did not evaluate clinical outcomes.
Read Full Text:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5328971/
Peptide Selank Enhances the Effect of Diazepam in Reducing Anxiety in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Conditions in Rats
Published: 2017
Study Type: Original preclinical animal research
Summary
Researchers evaluated Selank alone and in combination with diazepam in rat models involving experimentally induced anxiety and chronic mild stress. Selank reduced anxiety-related behavior, while the combination produced additional effects under some study conditions. These findings were preclinical.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28280289/
Read Full Text:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5322660/
Review Articles
The Molecular Aspects of Heptapeptide Selank Biological Activity
Published: 2018
Study Type: Scientific review
Summary
This review summarizes research on Selank’s proposed molecular effects, including GABAergic signaling, neurotransmitter regulation, gene expression, immune activity, and neurotrophic pathways. It is a review of existing evidence rather than a new clinical trial.
View on PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30255741/
Additional Selank Publications
Browse current PubMed research:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Selank
Research Disclaimer
The information presented in this Research Library is provided for educational and scientific reference purposes only and is based on published peer-reviewed research. Research findings continue to evolve, and investigational compounds may not be approved for clinical use. All Pearland Peptides products are supplied For Research Use Only and are not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease.