Anxiolytic nootropic peptide — intranasal and subcutaneous dosing, BDNF upregulation, stacking with Semax, cycling and safety. For research purposes only — not for human use.
Clean Peptides does not provide advice on dosages or usage. This guide compiles product information from Clean Peptides together with independent educational material from PeptideWiki, for research reference only. It is not medical advice and does not represent recommendations, endorsements, or instructions from Clean Peptides.
What Is Selank?
Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences — a stabilized analog of the immune-regulating tetrapeptide tuftsin. It is both anxiolytic and nootropic: it modulates GABA, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, producing anti-anxiety effects comparable to low-dose benzodiazepines but without sedation, cognitive impairment, tolerance or addiction. It also enhances BDNF expression. Selank is an approved prescription anxiolytic in Russia (0.15% nasal spray).
Dosing derives from Russian clinical data, published research and community protocols.
Key Characteristics
- Anxiolytic nootropic — anxiety reduction without sedation or addiction.
- Heptapeptide — tuftsin analog with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension.
- Multi-system modulation — GABA, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine.
- BDNF upregulation — supports neuroplasticity and memory.
- Immunomodulatory — modulates IL-6 and interferon pathways.
- No addiction or withdrawal — unlike benzodiazepines.
How Dosage Is Determined
The approved Russian product delivers ~75 mcg per spray; standard regimen 2–3 sprays per nostril 3x daily (~900–1,350 mcg/day), 14-day courses. Preclinical anxiolytic effects at 100–500 mcg/kg; BDNF upregulation after 5–7 days of repeated dosing. Strength of evidence: moderate to strong for a research peptide.
Standard Dosage Ranges
Intranasal
| Level | Dose | Frequency | Daily Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 200–250 mcg | 1–2x daily | 200–500 mcg |
| Intermediate | 250–500 mcg | 2–3x daily | 500–1,500 mcg |
| Advanced | 500 mcg | 3x daily | 1,500 mcg |
Subcutaneous
| Level | Dose | Frequency | Daily Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 100 mcg | 1x daily | 100 mcg |
| Intermediate | 200 mcg | 1–2x daily | 200–400 mcg |
| Advanced | 250–300 mcg | 1–2x daily | 250–600 mcg |
Can be taken with or without food. Morning + early afternoon preferred; space doses 4–6 h. Diminishing returns above ~500 mcg intranasal.
Intranasal vs Subcutaneous
| Parameter | Intranasal | Subcutaneous |
|---|---|---|
| Bioavailability | Moderate (nasal mucosa) | Higher (systemic) |
| CNS Access | Direct via olfactory path | Indirect (crosses BBB) |
| Onset | 10–30 min | 15–45 min |
| Typical Dose | 250–500 mcg, 1–3x daily | 100–300 mcg, 1–2x daily |
Intranasal tips: clear nasal passages, tilt head slightly forward, aim at the outer nasal wall, avoid forceful sniffing, alternate nostrils.
Reconstitution & Dosing (with the supplied 3 mL)
Figures are for subcutaneous dosing. For intranasal use, reconstitute with the 3 mL and transfer to a metered spray bottle (~0.1 mL/spray).
Every Clean Peptides vial ships with 3 mL of bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol). All figures below assume you reconstitute with the full 3 mL. On a standard U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units = 1 mL.
Quick formula: concentration = vial strength ÷ 3 mL, and units to draw = dose (mg) × 300 ÷ vial strength (mg).
How to reconstitute
- Wash your hands and lay out the vial, the 3 mL bacteriostatic water, an insulin syringe and alcohol swabs on a clean surface.
- Flip off the caps and swab both rubber stoppers with alcohol; let them air-dry 10–15 seconds.
- Draw the full 3 mL of bacteriostatic water (in three 1 mL passes with an insulin syringe, or in one pass with a 3 mL syringe).
- Add the water slowly, angling the needle so it runs down the inside glass wall — never squirt it directly onto the powder cake.
- Dissolve gently — let the vial sit 1–2 minutes, then swirl or roll it between your palms until the solution is clear. Never shake.
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Resulting concentration: 5 mg → 1.67 mg/mL; 10 mg → 3.33 mg/mL.
Storage: unreconstituted powder refrigerated (2–8 °C); reconstituted solution refrigerated and used within 28–30 days; do not freeze; protect from light and heat.
Draw volumes with 3 mL — Selank
| Vial (Clean Peptides) | Concentration | 100 mcg | 200 mcg | 300 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 1.67 mg/mL | 6 u | 12 u | 18 u |
| 10 mg | 3.33 mg/mL | 3 u | 6 u | 9 u |
Dosage by Goal
- Anxiety reduction: 250–500 mcg intranasal or 150–250 mcg SubQ, 2–3x daily; 2–4 wk on, 1–2 wk off. Acute relief within 10–30 min.
- Cognitive enhancement / BDNF: 250–400 mcg intranasal or 150–200 mcg SubQ, 2x daily; 3–4 wk on, 1–2 wk off. Stack with Semax.
- Immune modulation & recovery: 250–500 mcg intranasal or 200–300 mcg SubQ, 1–2x daily; 2–3 wk on, 1 wk off.
- Neuroprotection & brain health: 200–300 mcg intranasal or 100–200 mcg SubQ, 1–2x daily; 4 wk on, 2 wk off.
Consistency matters more than peak dose — BDNF effects are cumulative over days to weeks.
Cycling Protocols
No reported tolerance, dependence or withdrawal; cycling recommended as best practice.
| Protocol | On-Cycle | Off-Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Pharmaceutical | 14 days | 14 days off |
| Standard Research | 3–4 weeks | 1–2 weeks off |
| Extended | 6–8 weeks | 2–3 weeks off |
No taper needed when stopping.
Stacking Protocols
Selank + Semax — the Russian nootropic stack (gold standard): Selank 250–500 mcg + Semax 200–600 mcg, intranasal 2–3x daily. Selank upregulates BDNF; Semax upregulates BDNF + NGF.
Full Semax protocols: see our Semax Dosage Guide.
Other stacks: Selank + BPC-157 (neuro + gut axis); Selank + NA-Selank (rapid + extended coverage); Selank + Semax + BPC-157 (full neuropeptide stack).
Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications
One of the most favorable safety profiles of any research peptide; no tolerance, dependence or withdrawal.
Mild, infrequent: nasal irritation/burning (intranasal), mild fatigue at higher doses, occasional headache, mild taste/smell changes. Rare: injection-site irritation, mild dizziness, allergic reactions.
Contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding; known allergy to Selank/tuftsin; caution with autoimmune conditions; caution with strong GABAergic drugs; active nasal infection/severe polyps (intranasal route).
Approved in Russia; not FDA/EMA-approved; research peptide in most Western countries.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect intranasal technique (spraying at the septum, sniffing hard, blowing nose after).
- Expecting immediate long-term cognitive effects (BDNF benefits build over 1–2 weeks).
- Storing reconstituted Selank at room temperature.
- Using excessively high doses (flat dose-response above ~500 mcg intranasal).
- Confusing Selank with NA-Selank dosing.
- Not maintaining consistent daily dosing.
- Neglecting nasal hygiene for intranasal use.
Key Takeaways
- Anxiolytic nootropic — anxiety relief without sedation or addiction.
- 250–500 mcg intranasal 1–3x daily, or 100–300 mcg SubQ.
- Intranasal preferred (rapid onset, direct CNS access).
- BDNF upregulation is cumulative over 1–2 weeks.
- Gold-standard stack: Selank + Semax. No tolerance/withdrawal; approved in Russia, not FDA-approved.
Download & Related Resources
Shop Selank: Selank 10 mg · Selank 5 mg
Related guides: Semax Dosage Guide · BPC-157 Dosage Guide
References
- Seredenin SB, et al. “Anxiolytic effect of peptide preparation Selank.” Bull Exp Biol Med. 1998;126(1):643-645.
- Kozlovskaya MM, et al. “Anxiolytic-like and nootropic effects of Selank.” Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk. 2002;(8):36-40.
- Zozulya AA, et al. “Inhibitory effect of Selank on enkephalin-degrading enzymes.” Bull Exp Biol Med. 2001;131(4):315-317.
- Ershov FI, et al. “Antiviral activity of immunomodulatory peptide Selank.” Bull Exp Biol Med. 2009;148(3):426-429.
- Volkova A, et al. “Selank affects genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission.” Front Pharmacol. 2016;7:31.
For research purposes only — not for human use. Educational reference compiled from PeptideWiki (peptidewiki.co).
