Selank has been considered the “anti-anxiety” peptide because it has been shown to help with mood and cognition, but it also can help with memory and metabolism as well.  

Selank is a nootropic (cognitive enhancer) peptide that was developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Selank is derived from Tuftsin – a naturally occurring peptide that has been shown to have anxiolytic effects. Our body does not store high amounts of Tuftsin, and this peptide is released to calm the body as a compensatory response to stress. Tuftsin has a very short half-life, lasting just minutes, while Selank has an additional three amino acids to lengthen its half-life.    

Brain, Mood, and Anxiety

Clinical studies have shown that Selank has strong antianxiety and neuroprotective effects like the drug class of benzodiazepines but without some of the common unwanted side effects like amnesia, withdrawal, or dependence. This can help reduce anxiety, lower stress, improve mood and improve memory.  

Furthermore, Selank can increase serotonin levels by correcting decreases in serotonin metabolism. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that carries messages between our nerve cells throughout the body and controls mood, appetite, sleep, and behavior.  

In animal studies, Selank was shown to rapidly increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which makes this peptide of interest for its nootropic effects. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF for short, is a growth factor and peptide (long-chain protein). The name comes from the Greek neuro for “nerve” and trophis “pertaining to food, nourishment, or growth.”   BDNF is the main protein associated with neuroplasticity, our innate way to protect neurons and brain cells through enhancing synaptic connections, which is essential for learning and long-term memory storage. In adults, BDNF also plays a vital role in neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons from stem cells).   Although BDNF is also found in the kidneys, blood plasma, and saliva, its most important functions take place in the brain and central nervous system. Regardless of your age, your BDNF level has a huge effect on your mental abilities, mood, and overall brain health.      Immune Response Research shows that Selank helps to increase Interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory protein that helps regulate immune response and alters expression for many other genes involved with the immune response. This helps to balance the immune system and reduce inflammation. 

 BDNF is the main protein associated with neuroplasticity, our innate way to protect neurons and brain cells through enhancing synaptic connections, which is essential for learning and long-term memory storage. In adults, BDNF also plays a vital role in neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons from stem cells).  

Although BDNF is also found in the kidneys, blood plasma, and saliva, its most important functions take place in the brain and central nervous system. Regardless of your age, your BDNF level has a huge effect on your mental abilities, mood, and overall brain health.     

Immune Response

Research shows that Selank helps to increase Interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory protein that helps regulate immune response and alters expression for many other genes involved with the immune response. This helps to balance the immune system and reduce inflammation.