Selank (TKPRPGP)
Synthetic tuftsin-derived heptapeptide studied for reducing anxiety and sharpening cognition while sparing alertness. Multi-system profile: GABA modulation, BDNF, enkephalin preservation, and immune balancing.
⚡ Executive Summary
Selank (TKPRPGP) is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from tuftsin studied for anxiolytic and nootropic effects without sedation. In clinical studies, it matched benzodiazepine anxiolysis while adding antiasthenic/psychostimulant benefits. Mechanisms include GABA-related gene modulation, ↑BDNF, enkephalinase inhibition, and cytokine balancing. ✓ Calm Without Sedation
Jump to section
Overview
🧠 What is Selank?
Selank is a seven-amino-acid analog of the immune peptide tuftsin, engineered to provide anxiolysis without sedative trade-offs.
Features a glyproline (PGP) motif that aids stability and CNS penetration.
🎯 Key Effects
-
😌
Anxiolysis — without sedation
-
🧠
Nootropic — preserved/improved cognition
-
⚡
Antiasthenic — psychostimulant signal
Why “calm without sedation” matters: Across clinical and translational work, Selank reduces anxiety without typical benzodiazepine downsides (amnesia, withdrawal). This has been explicitly noted in mechanistic studies and patient-level data showing preserved — or improved — mental energy.
Clinical status: Selank is used clinically in Russia (including GAD contexts). Outside Russia, it’s primarily a research compound. You may see “Selanc” or “TP-7” — these refer to the same peptide.
Entity Properties
| Aliases | Selank, Selanc, TP-7, UNII: TS9JR8EP1G |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (TKPRPGP) |
| Length | 7 amino acids (heptapeptide) |
| Molecular Weight | ~751.9 Da |
| CAS Number | 129954-34-3 |
| Family | Tuftsin analog (immunomodulatory) with glyproline (PGP) motif |
| Diluent(s) | Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) or 0.9% saline |
| Concentration | 5 mg + 2 mL = 2.5 mg/mL → 0.10 mL = 250 µg (example) |
| Storage (dry) | Refrigerated or frozen; stable long-term |
| Storage (solution) | 2–8°C; minimize freeze-thaw; use relatively soon |
Mechanism of Action
🧠 Multi-System Neurochemistry
Selank influences GABA-related and monoaminergic signaling in ways that reduce anxiety while preserving cognition. Transcriptomic work shows broad regulation of GABAergic genes — indirect GABAergic modulation, not classic benzodiazepine receptor agonism.
GABA Gene Modulation
Broad regulation of GABAergic genes; indirect modulation (not classic benzo agonism) — anxiolysis without sedation
↑ BDNF (Hippocampus)
Intranasal Selank increases BDNF in vivo — key neuroplasticity factor supporting pro-cognitive effects
Enkephalinase Inhibition
IC₅₀ ~20 µM — prolongs endogenous enkephalin tone linked to stress relief and analgesia
Immune/Cytokine Balancing
As tuftsin analog: alters ~34 cytokine/chemokine genes in spleen; normalizes inflammatory signals under stress
Bonus finding: Selank demonstrated antiviral activity against influenza A/H3N2 in vitro and in vivo with strongest effect via preventive pre-exposure — hinting at innate-immunity priming. This strengthens the “stress-immune” narrative.
Research Evidence
📚 Clinical Signals
-
✓
GAD comparison: Selank’s anxiolytic effect matched medazepam (benzodiazepine) while adding antiasthenic/psychostimulant benefits
-
✓
Rapid responders: Clinical observations in GAD cohorts report rapid response within days in some patients
-
✓
No benzo downsides: Preserved — or improved — mental energy; no amnesia/withdrawal signals
-
✓
BDNF mechanism: Intranasal dosing alters hippocampal BDNF expression in vivo — substrate for cognitive/affective change
🧪 Preclinical
-
📊
GABA-related gene expression changes
-
📊
Enkephalinase inhibition IC₅₀ ~20 µM
-
📊
Cytokine gene normalization (~34 targets)
🌍 Clinical (Russia)
-
✓
Used in GAD treatment protocols
-
✓
Rapid vs slow responder phenotypes
-
✓
HAM-A / Zung scale improvements
Research Handling
Research use only. The steps below outline laboratory-style handling common in peptide research. Educational only — no medical advice.
💉 Administration Routes
Subcutaneous (SC)
Common in research for reliable bioavailability
Intranasal (IN)
Supported by BDNF data; widely used in Russian clinical practice
Plan Concentration
5 mg + 2 mL = 2.5 mg/mL (0.10 mL = 250 µg). Or 5 mg + 4 mL = 1.25 mg/mL for smaller volumes.
Reconstitute Sterile
Bac water or 0.9% saline. Clean stopper with alcohol; direct along vial wall; swirl gently.
Select Route
SC for reliable bioavailability; IN if modeling translational use (hippocampal BDNF data).
Dosing Range
Literature explores hundreds of µg/day. Some protocols use multiple daily IN. Onset can be rapid (days).
Track Outcomes
Use standardized scales (HAM-A, Zung). Log time-of-day, route, and response patterns.
Store Properly
Lyophilized: refrigerated/frozen. Solutions: 2–8°C, minimize freeze-thaw, use soon or prepare fresh.
Comparison
Selank vs Semax vs Benzodiazepines boils down to: calm-focus vs active-focus vs sedative-anxiolysis.
Selank
GABA gene modulation, ↑BDNF, enkephalinase inhibition. Matched medazepam anxiolysis without sedation.
Semax
↑BDNF/TrkB signaling; dopaminergic/serotonergic effects. Clinical use post-stroke in Russia.
Benzodiazepines
Direct GABA_A receptor boost → broad CNS depression. Effective for acute anxiety.
Best choice? Selank when anxiety + cognitive clarity are dual aims. Semax when pure cognition/neuroprotection is paramount. Benzodiazepines remain potent but sedating and potentially habit-forming.
FAQ
Bottom line: Selank’s value is its rare combination of anxiolysis without sedation plus cognitive support, underpinned by GABA/BDNF/enkephalin/immune mechanisms. Clinical data shows it matched benzodiazepine anxiolysis while preserving mental clarity — making it a compelling peptide when calm clarity is the goal.