Selank: A Potential Anxiety And Brain Function Peptide

• History: It was produced in the early 1900s by the Russian Academy of Sciences and Medical
• Uses: It has been studied for its anti-anxiety effects, brain-protective effects in chronic alcohol use, pain and inflammation reduction, immune effects, and antiviral properties.

Selank’s anti-anxiety effects are related to its impact on GABA receptors and modulation of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA . Selank can potentially reduce anxiety without causing sedation or cognitive impairment, similar to benzodiazepines but without the associated side effects and addictive potential .

● In 2008, a small clinical trial with 30 patients for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) compared Selank to a benzodiazepine. Selank had similar effects but also provided cognitive enhancement .
● In 2009, Selank was approved in Russia for use in GAD.
● In 2015, a study of 70 patients treated with Selank in combination with a benzodiazepine found better efficacy and fewer side effects .

Selank has been studied for its brain-protective effects in chronic alcohol use due to its effect on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). While this has been studied in rats, it shows promise in countering the negative effects of alcohol on the brain . Cognitive and nootropic effects have also been observed in rat studies .

Selank has potential benefits in reducing inflammation and pain, as well as enhancing immune effects . It could help reduce pain and anxiety by protecting enkephalins, natural peptides that help with pain. Selank inhibits the degradation enzymes of enkephalins .

Selank acts on the immune system in various ways, including its studied antiviral properties and effects on influenza replication . It has also been shown to reduce depression in a short human trial through immune modulation.

Selank is not stable orally, so nasal spray is the preferred method of administration, allowing for rapid entry into the CNS. Clinical indications and dosing should be determined by a peptide specialist. Although Selank has limited safety data, studies have documented minimal adverse effects when administered to humans or animals. Potential side effects reported by clinicians include headaches, pain or redness at the injection site, sinus irritation following nasal administration, sore throat, and nausea.