Selank 5mg

Description

Selank: A History and Overview

Selank, a synthetic peptide, has gained attention in the scientific community for its potential in treating anxiety, depression, and cognitive disorders. Developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Selank is a heptapeptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro. It is closely related to the body’s naturally occurring tuftsin, a peptide that plays a crucial role in the immune response.

Selank Chemical Composition

• Chemical Structure: Selank is a synthetic analog of the human tetrapeptide tuftsin. Its sequence is Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro.
• CAS No: 129954-34-3
• Synonyms: Selank peptide;SelankAcetate;PL14736;L-threonyl-L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-arginyl-L-prolylglycyl-L-proline;L-THREONYL-L-LYSYL-L-PROLYL-L-ARGINYL-L-PROLYLGLYCYL-L-PROLINE; MONOACETATE;H-Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro-OH;SLANK;Selank peptid
• Molecular Formula: The molecular formula of Selank reflects its amino acid sequence, giving it a specific arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and possibly sulfur atoms.
• Stability: Selank exhibits a high degree of stability in both solution and lyophilized (freeze-dried) forms, maintaining its structure and activity over time.
• Solubility: It is soluble in water, which facilitates its administration through intranasal or subcutaneous routes.
• Mechanism of Action: Selank is believed to modulate the expression of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and affect the balance of T helper cell cytokines. It may influence the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters and their metabolism, contributing to its anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
• Anxiolytic Effects: Clinical trials and research studies have demonstrated Selank’s efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms without causing sedation or muscle relaxation, unlike many traditional anxiolytics.
• Nootropic Effects: Selank has been reported to improve cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and learning, possibly through its effects on neurotransmitter levels and neuronal plasticity.
• Immunomodulatory Properties: Selank may have a positive effect on the immune system by modulating the expression of certain cytokines, suggesting potential benefits in enhancing the body’s resistance to infections.
• Safety Profile: Clinical studies have generally reported a good safety profile for Selank, with minimal side effects and no significant drug dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
• Therapeutic Potential: Beyond its anxiolytic and nootropic effects, Selank has been explored for potential use in the treatment of various conditions, including depression, stress, fatigue, and immune system disorders.
• Legal Status and Availability: Selank is available in some countries as a prescription medication for anxiety and other conditions. In other regions, it may be marketed as a dietary supplement or research chemical.
• Shelf Life: 36 months
• Appearance: White lipolyzed powder puck

Mechanism of Action

Selank’s mechanism of action is multifaceted, affecting various neurotransmitter systems in the brain. It modulates the expression of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and affects the balance of T helper cell cytokines. It has also been shown to influence the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters and induce the metabolism of serotonin. This broad mechanism contributes to its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects without the sedative side-effects often associated with traditional anxiolytic drugs.

Anxiolytic and Neuroprotective Effects

Clinical trials and research studies have highlighted Selank’s efficacy in reducing anxiety and its potential as a neuroprotective agent. Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank does not cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms, making it a promising alternative for long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorders. Furthermore, its neuroprotective properties suggest it may be beneficial in treating neurodegenerative conditions, though more research is needed in this area.

Cognitive Enhancement

Apart from its anxiolytic and neuroprotective roles, Selank has been explored for its cognitive-enhancing effects. Studies suggest that Selank may improve cognitive functions, such as memory and attention, possibly by modulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that plays a key role in brain plasticity and cognitive function.

Safety and Tolerability

Selank is noted for its high safety profile and tolerability. Clinical trials have reported minimal to no side effects, with the most common being mild discomfort at the injection site. Its non-sedative nature means that it does not impair motor functions or cognitive abilities, making it suitable for individuals seeking anxiolytic effects without the drawbacks of sedation or cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Selank represents a novel approach to treating anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. Its unique mechanism of action, coupled with a favorable safety profile, positions it as a potentially valuable tool in neuropsychiatry and neurology. While promising, further research and clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its therapeutic potential and to explore its efficacy in treating a broader range of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Referenced Citations

1. Neuroprotective Properties and Enhanced Neuroplasticity: Selank has been shown to have potential neuroprotective effects, which could be crucial in protecting the brain from cognitive decline. It influences neurotrophic factors like BDNF, important for neuroplasticity, learning, and memory capabilities. (https://wholisticresearch.com/selank/)
2. Anxiolytic and Nootropic Effects: Selank acts on the central nervous system by influencing levels and activity of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, resulting in anxiolytic effects, mood improvement, and cognitive enhancement. (https://www.peptides.org/selank/)
3. Functional Connectomic Approach: A study aimed at assessing the effects of Selank on whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity in healthy participants, exploring its impact on brain regions involved in anxiety regulation. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32342318/)
4. GABAergic Neurotransmission Influence: Research investigating how Selank, GABA, and olanzapine affect the expression of genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission in nerve cells, highlighting its interaction with neurotransmitter systems. (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00089/full)
5. Inhibition of Enkephalin-Degrading Enzymes: Selank, alongside Semax, has been found to inhibit the enkephalin-degrading enzymes from human serum, suggesting a mechanism for its anxiolytic and possibly antidepressant effects. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selank)
6. Cognitive Processes Enhancement: Studies have indicated that Selank may improve cognitive processes after damage to the cerebral catecholamine system during early ontogeny, suggesting its potential for treating cognitive disorders. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18683497/)
7. Semax and Selank Study: This research demonstrates Selank’s ability to inhibit enkephalin-degrading enzymes, indicating its potential role in modulating the endogenous opioid system. (https://wholisticresearch.com/selank/)
8. Selank and Diazepam Combination for Anxiety: A study explored the combined use of Selank and Diazepam in reducing anxiety more effectively than either compound alone, without increasing motor activity levels. (https://www.peptides.org/selank/)
9. Gene Expression in GABAergic Neurotransmission: Selank administration was studied for its effects on gene expression involved in GABAergic neurotransmission, providing insight into its anxiolytic mechanism of action. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32342318/)
10. Impact on Learning and Memory: Research focusing on Selank’s effect on learning, memory, and attention, particularly after damage inflicted to the cerebral catecholamine system, underscores its potential for enhancing cognitive functions. (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00089/full)