Selank

Research summary

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from tuftsin, developed in Russia as a candidate anti-anxiety compound. It's studied as a positive modulator of GABA-A receptors, enhancing GABA binding at a site distinct from the benzodiazepine binding site —the proposed basis for anxiety-reducing activity without benzodiazepine-type sedation.

A randomized trial of 62 patients with generalized anxiety disorder compared Selank to the benzodiazepine medazepam and found comparable reductions in anxiety scores without the sedation seen in the benzodiazepine group. Selank is approved for this indication in Russia; no Western randomized controlled trials have been completed, and the evidence base remains largely confined to Russian-language clinical literature.

Sources: Peptide-based Anxiolytics, PubMed 30255741; PMC5328971. Findings from published research —not a claim about this product, and not evidence of safety or effectiveness for human use.