Semax vs Selank
Two Russian-developed regulatory peptides: one studied for neuroprotection, the other for anxiety.
Research use only. A summary of published literature for educational reference — not medical advice and not a guide to human use.
The short version
Semax is an ACTH(4-10) analog studied for neuroprotection and attention. Selank is a tuftsin analog studied for anxiolytic and immune-modulating effects. Both are approved in Russia and unapproved elsewhere.
At a glance
Parent molecule
ACTH(4-10) fragment + Pro-Gly-Pro
Tuftsin + Pro-Gly-Pro
Research focus
Neuroprotection, BDNF expression, stroke recovery
Anxiety, GABAergic modulation, immune signalling
Approval status
Approved in Russia; not FDA/EMA
Approved in Russia; not FDA/EMA
Typical route studied
Intranasal
Intranasal
Research vial sizes
5 / 10 mg
5 / 10 mg
01How they work
Semax research reports increased BDNF and its receptor in rodent brain, and melanocortin-related signalling. Selank research reports effects on GABA-A receptor gene expression and enkephalin breakdown.
02What studies measured
Semax has been studied in stroke-recovery cohorts and animal cognition models. Selank studies compared it with benzodiazepines in generalized anxiety and reported similar anxiolytic scores without sedation in small trials.
03Reported side effects
Published reports describe both as well tolerated, but trials are small and mostly from a single country's research groups.
04Approval & evidence status
Both are on the Russian drug register. Neither has Western regulatory approval or large independent trials.
Citations
- [1]Animal study2006
Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus
Dolotov OV, et al. Brain Res, 2006.
Read paper ↗ - [2]Randomized comparative clinical trial (Russian-language)2008
Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders
Zozulia AA, et al. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova, 2008.
Read paper ↗
Research use only. A summary of published literature for educational reference — not medical advice and not a guide to human use.