Selank Peptide: Its Benefits and Actions

Selank is a compound with the goal of treating anxiety and potentially improving certain cognitive functions, such as learning and memory. The recent boom in biotechnology has opened the door for studying new biologically active compounds, including “cognitive enhancers” or “nootropics.”

One such compound is Selank — previously known as “TP-7” — which belongs to a class of molecules called synthetic peptides, or small artificially-designed proteins. Selank has been touted as an “anti-anxiety” compound and has also been claimed to improve learning and increase energy.

Selank is small and only a fraction of the size of most naturally occurring proteins. It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences) in cooperation with the V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology (Russian Academy of Medical Sciences), along with its “cousin” drug, Semax.

Selank was derived by combining the sequence of a peptide called tuftsin with another sequence that improves its molecular stability. Tuftsin is naturally occurring and makes up one part of the natural antibody IgG.

Both tuftsin and Selank have been reported to reduce anxiety and increased serotonin levels. Selank has been approved in Russia for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and for its use as a nootropic.

Why take Selank?

Selank is one of the rising nootropics today. What is it exactly, and what are its potential benefits? Let’s find out.

The purpose of this post is to present medical studies and information in an accessible manner. Always consult a medical professional to see if these solutions may be right for you.

Selank, also known as TP-7, is a synthetic peptide derived by combining the sequence of tuftsin with another sequence to improve its stability. Tuftsin makes up one part of the IgG antibody and is naturally occurring.

Tuftsin is a peptide closely related to the immune function primarily supported by the spleen.

On top of its immunity-boosting, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and antiasthenic properties, it can also enhance memory and cognitive function. This peptide can potentially replace stimulants, tranquilizers, and antidepressants.

Antiasthenic medications are drugs that counter asthenia, a disorder characterized by an abnormal physical weakness or lack of energy

There are studies that observed the ability of Selank to stabilize blood enkephalins — natural peptides in the body that can reduce stress. Another research also reported it to have been able to change levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, the neurotransmitters involved in motivation, focus, and pleasure.

What are the potential benefits of Selank?

Given the current data on Selank, here are the potential benefits you can get from taking it.

Eliminates Anxiety

Selank can help in taming down anxious feelings. Selank is an anxiolytic peptide, which helps combat stress and anxiety. Here’s what the literature says about this:

A study with a randomized controlled trial of 62 patients found out that those who took Selank had fewer symptoms of anxiety. One promising caveat observed in the same study is the greater decrease in those participants with pre-existing anxiety disorders.

This similar effect was observed in another randomized controlled trial with 60 anxiety and phobia patients.

A study of 70 anxiety patients reported that Selank increased the effects of phenazepam, a banned anti-anxiety drug in the U.S. while reducing its side effects.

Another animal study confirmed the long-term anxiolytic effect of Selank without causing any changes in body mass.

While these findings show promising Selank benefits, it is important to remember to seek a doctor’s approval before using Selank in treating anxiety disorders. As a general rule, you should never take any peptide or medication other than what your physician prescribed.

Improves Learning Ability

A study showed Selank’s capability to improve learning ability within three days. Other effects observed were reduced anxiety.

Enhances Memory

Selank showed to have stabilized memory traces. There’s also a study that concluded it might preserve memories.

Helps with Brain Damage Recovery

Selank also improves brain activity. Researchers found Selank to restore brain activity.

Helps Strengthen Immune Function

In one study, Selank increased blood IL-6, an inflammatory protein that can help fight infection, levels of depression in patients. A different cell-based study found that Selank induced the release of the anti-viral molecules interferons.

Helps with Alcohol Withdrawal

Having a hard time quitting alcohol? Try taking Selank. One study found out that Selank decreased alcohol withdrawal-related anxiety after a 48-hour period.

Helps with Blood Pressure Management and Increases Brain Blood Flow

Selank decreased blood pressure by about 30%. It also increases the brain blood flow by about 24%.

Helps with Weight Loss and Decreases Blood Sugar

Researchers found that when treated with Selank, it is possible to gain less weight than actually by 35%. On top of that, blood sugar levels can be decreased by 23.5%.

Improves Ulcers

Selank may help with stomach ulcer problems. This is attributed to the peptide’s ability to increase lymph flow to the stomach.

Helps Reduce Stress

Stress can be caused by a lot of different things, and the body reacts to it in various ways, as well. For instance, some bodies respond to stress by increasing the production of liver enzymes. One study showed that Selank reduced liver enzyme production.

Additionally, a separate experiment found that Selank may influence the effect of benzodiazepine drugs (a type of tranquilizer). The study concluded that when combined with diazepam, it can provide a favorable effect in reducing anxiety in chronic mild stress conditions.

Helps with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by muscular rigidity, slow and imprecise movement, and tremors. Clinical trials found significant results, such as:

• improved mood;
• decreased tremors;
• better sleep quality;
• decreased tearfulness;
• lively reflexes.

Do you have any other questions about Selank or any other peptides? Let us know here and get free advice!