Last Updated January 28, 2024

 January 28, 2024

Curious about Selank nasal spray?

This guide details the ins and outs of administering this versatile immune-stimulatory peptide in nasal spray format.

Selank is recognized for its purported anxiolytic, neuroprotective, and mood-regulating properties. Ongoing research reveals its possible applications as a nootropic and cognitive enhancer.

Selank has no oral bioavailability since it is rapidly digested in the stomach, so the most effective routes of administration are subcutaneously and nasal spray.

This gives rise to questions like:

  • Which is the best route for administering Selank?
  • Why would one choose a Selank nasal spray instead of injections?
  • Is there any difference between the effects of a Selank nasal spray and Selank injections?
  • What is the proper way to store Selank nasal spray?

Our team at Peptides.org has exhaustively researched these questions and others to provide a detailed guide for experimentation with this peptide, along with our most-trusted vendor for sourcing pure and potent Selank nasal spray.

Buy Selank Nasal Spray from a top-rated vendor...

Disclaimer: Peptides.org contains information about products that are intended for laboratory and research use only, unless otherwise explicitly stated. This information, including any referenced scientific or clinical research, is made available for educational purposes only. Likewise, any published information relative to the dosing and administration of reference materials is made available strictly for reference and shall not be construed to encourage the self-administration or any human use of said reference materials. Peptides.org makes every effort to ensure that any information it shares complies with national and international standards for clinical trial information and is committed to the timely disclosure of the design and results of all interventional clinical studies for innovative treatments publicly available or that may be made available. However, research is not considered conclusive. Peptides.org makes no claims that any products referenced can cure, treat or prevent any conditions, including any conditions referenced on its website or in print materials.


What is Selank?

Selank is a synthetic analog of the peptide tuftsin, an endogenous peptide that regulates the immune system [1]. Informally, it falls under the category of nootropic agents, which are substances known for their ability to improve learning, memory, and other cognitive processes.

Originally created by the Russian Academy of Sciences, Selank has primarily been studied for its anti-anxiety effects. The mechanism of action of Selank is believed to involve the modulation of various neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA [2]. By influencing these neurotransmitters, Selank can effectively reduce anxiety and induce a state of calmness without causing any sort of impairment.

Selank is also antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing [3]. Preclinical and clinical studies have displayed promising results regarding its effectiveness in treating certain psychiatric disorders, brain damage, and chronic stress.

Because of the way Selank interacts with the body’s opioid receptors and enkephalin-degrading enzymes, it has the ability to induce all the desirable effects of benzodiazepines without the risk of side effects or addiction [4].

Because Selank interacts with different bodily systems, the route by which it is administered can partially determine its effects. Selank injections, for example, increase GABA receptor binding sites without affecting NMDA receptors. By contrast, Selank nasal spray does not appear to affect GABA receptors while primarily increasing NMDA binding sites [5].

Understanding how Selank works is critical to choosing a route of administration for this peptide, which may vary depending on the desired outcome of one’s research.


Selank Nasal Spray


How Does Selank Work?

Selank is thought to work by modulating different systems. One mechanism of action involves the immune system. Selank has been shown to alter the expression of genes that cause inflammation, such as cytokines and chemokines, so that inflammation throughout the body is reduced [6].

Selank also affects different neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain. Selank administration indirectly changes GABA receptors so that GABA is uptaken more easily, which accounts for much of the peptide’s anxiolytic effect since GABA is responsible for inhibiting excitability in the nervous system [7].

Another essential action of Selank is its ability to extend the life of enkephalins, endogenous ligands that bind to the brain’s opioid receptors to decrease inflammation and block pain signals. Enkephalins are degraded by the enzyme enkephalinase, but the degradation is accelerated in individuals with certain psychiatric disorders and chronic diseases [8].

In two separate studies, one on rats and one on human serum, Selank inhibited enkephalinase and other enzymes that break down enkephalins and other regulatory peptides [8, 9]. This action likely contributes to the anxiolytic effect of Selank along with its ability to reduce certain kinds of pain.

With all these potential pathways for Selank to act within, it is no wonder that there are multiple benefits associated with this heptapeptide. We will explore some of those in the next section.


Benefits of Selank

Scientific studies on Selank have illuminated its mood-regulating, cognitive-enhancing, and stress-reducing effects. Below are summaries of these benefits and some of the research that validates them.

Selank and Mood Regulation

A 2005 study on mice discovered that Selank may indirectly regulate dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in creating feelings of pleasure and reward. Imbalances in dopamine have been linked to mood disorders and anxiety-spectrum disorders [4].

The mice in the experiment were given a substance to disturb their mood and increase their reactive behaviors, then received either Selank or a combination of Selank and naloxone (an opioid receptor antagonist). The mice who received Selank alone demonstrated reduced reactivity comparable to that induced by the antipsychotic olanzapine, while those who received naloxone along with Selank did not.

Naloxone appeared to have blocked Selank from binding to the opioid receptors necessary for mood regulation. The researchers concluded that most of the mood-regulating activity of Selank can be attributed to its activity in the opioid system, including its ability to preserve enkephalins, which indirectly modulates the dopaminergic system, as well [4].

Selank and Cognitive Enhancement

In an experiment on rats, one group was injected with Selank and the other group was injected with saline following a training session. The Selank group showed significantly greater memory trace stability than the saline group. This nootropic activity is believed to be caused by the way Selank regulates serotonin and its metabolism within the brain [10].

An experiment conducted on rats with learning disabilities demonstrated that the administration of Selank effected substantial and gradual improvements on their learning abilities, memory retention, and problem-solving skills [11].

Selank and Stress Reduction

One study examined how Selank affected the colons of rats exposed to stress, which generated stress-related inflammation and other negative biomarkers. When Selank was administered to subjects 15 minutes before stress exposure, there was a marked reduction in stress hormones and their harmful effects, and quicker adaptation to the stressor [12].

These results were reinforced in a more recent study on social stress in rats. When Selank was administered to subjects during an aggressive social interaction, all stress-induced physiological changes were significantly reduced [13].


Selank Nasal Spray | The Ultimate Guide

Not all peptides are suitable for intranasal delivery, but Selank may actually be most effective when insufflated [14].

This is our team’s ultimate guide to the advantages, disadvantages, and proper dosing of Selank nasal spray.

Advantages of Selank Nasal Spray

Selank nasal spray is fast-acting and easy to administer, potentially producing enhanced nootropic action.

Fast-Acting: Insufflation of the Selank peptide is unquestionably the fastest route to achieving its effects. Here is why this route of administration works so quickly [15]:

  • Rapid passage from the nasal mucosa into the bloodstream due to porosity of the endothelial membrane
  • No metabolization at the site of absorption
  • High blood flow at absorption site
  • Large surface area for absorption

Greater Nootropic Benefits: Selank nasal spray may exhibit greater nootropic activity than subcutaneously. Nasally administered Selank still reduces anxiety and excitation, but is better suited for research aimed at exploring the peptide’s potential cognitive benefits [16].

Selank nasal spray has been shown to regulate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of rats, which can be inhibited in subjects under stress or those suffering from anxiety. Researchers speculate that intranasal Selank primarily acts within the central nervous system to regulate protein levels and mRNA in a way that enhances cognitive functioning [17].

No Supplies Required: An aversion to injections is exceedingly common and often prevents those suffering from this fear from receiving medical interventions [18]. Fortunately, Selank can be effectively administered as a nasal spray, bypassing any obstacles related to fear of needles.

Additionally, intranasal administration obviates injection-related side effects such as infection risk, swelling, bruising, and pain [19].

Disadvantages of Selank Nasal Spray

Despite the above advantages of Selank nasal spray, intranasal delivery is associated with faster metabolization, and requires greater administration frequency at higher doses.

Fast Metabolization: Although Selank nasal spray is fast-acting, it is also metabolized quickly. In fact, Selank will not be detectable in the blood for longer than 10 minutes after it is administered, though its effects may last longer [20].

More Frequent Administration Required: Likely because of its short half-life, nasal Selank must be administered more frequently than other forms of Selank. Instead of a once-daily injection into adipose tissue, Selank nasal spray should be split into 2 to 3 doses throughout the day [21].

Subjects may experience quick results from insufflating a dose of Selank, but will need to re-dose as instructed to maximize its effectiveness. Researchers should keep in mind that nasal Selank may elicit more nootropic than anxiolytic effects.

Higher Dose Required: Again due its rapid metabolization among other factors, nasal Selank must be administered at higher doses than subcutaneous Selank. Although there are no well-documented side effects associated with Selank, the risk of adverse effects usually rises in proportion to the administered dose of a compound. Researchers should keep this in mind when choosing a route of administration.

How to Administer Selank Nasal Spray

Correct administration of Selank nasal spray is paramount to extract the maximum benefits from this route.

Most Selank nasal sprays will come in a pump bottle. Follow these steps for proper administration [22]:

  • Clear the subject’s nasal passages before using the spray.
  • Prime the bottle before the first use by pumping until a spray comes out.
  • Close one nostril while inserting the pump into the other nostril.
  • Angle the head forward while exhaling.
  • With the thumb at the bottom of the bottle and index and middle fingers on either side of the pump, squeeze the pump to dispense the Selank as the subject gently inhales.
  • Repeat for the other nostril if necessary for the required dosage.

There is some trial and error when learning a new administration method, so go slowly through each step. Subjects should avoid blowing their noses or sneezing immediately after insufflating Selank.

Selank Nasal Spray Dosage

While there have not been sufficient human studies on Selank to validate an official dosing schedule, a non-peer-reviewed book published in 2020 proposed a Selank dosing protocol [21].

This was achieved by extrapolation of trends suggested by available data, with consideration of anecdotal cases of patients on peptide therapy. Here are some notes to consider based on this work:

  • Start at the lowest effective dose of 300mcg/daily, and increase from there. It is always advisable to use the lowest effective dose and increase only as needed.
  • For nasal administration, daily doses have gone as high as 1,000mcg with no reported side effects [21].
  • Doses higher than 300mcg should be split into multiple administrations throughout the day.
  • Selank should be administered for 12 weeks followed by a break of 4 weeks.
  • This cycle can be repeated as needed.

Selank Side Effects

Any side effects reported during Selank trials have usually resulted from the chosen route of administration. For nasally administered Selank, these rare and mild side effects have been noted:

  • Sinus pain
  • Throat irritation
  • Nosebleeds

These can be minimized or avoided by following appropriate dosing and administration guidelines.

Ideally, there will be more human studies conducted in the near future to allow for sufficient data on the long-term efficacy and safety of Selank.


Selank Nasal Spray


Where to Buy Selank Nasal Spray Online? | 2024 Edition

Researchers might be hesitant to purchase Selank nasal spray online. There are plenty of reasons to be vigilant about sourcing reference materials. It’s imperative to buy only the highest quality peptides from trustworthy vendors who enrich the peptide research community.

Luckily, Peptides.org has found a reputable supplier for Selank nasal spray.

Limitless Life

They are our go-to for potent nasal N-Acetyl Selank Amidate, which is a stabilized version of Selank. This product provides 300mcg of N-Acetyl Selank Amidate per spray, which is perfect for getting started with research on this peptide.

But there are even more reasons to love Limitless, including:

  • Shipping Speed: No matter the location, Limitless will ship orders within 24 business hours of placement. International orders can take 7-30 days to arrive, depending on customs, but orders within the U.S. can be delivered in as little as 24 hours if the Express option is chosen.
  • Product Quality: This vendor’s peptides are so pure and free of fillers, some customers think their vials are empty! There is no mannitol or lactose added to any Limitless Life products, and each product page features a Certificate of Analysis from a third-party laboratory.
  • Amazing Customer Service: Most of the questions we had were covered in their FAQs, but we could not believe how responsive and helpful Limitless Life’s customer service team turned out to be. Whether contacted by phone, email, or chat, they will get back in no time and resolve the issue.

Buy Selank Nasal Spray from a top-rated vendor...


Selank Nasal Spray vs. Injectable Selank

Now that researchers understand the two preferred routes of Selank administration, which one is right for the research needs? Check this list to make a proper determination.

Choose Selank nasal spray if:

  • Researching Selank for its nootropic effects
  • An administration route that has immediate action is desired
  • The study design makes sourcing supplies difficult
  • Spending more money to accommodate the higher required dosage of Selank nasal spray is not problematic

Choose injectable Selank if:

  • Interested in the anxiolytic effects of Selank
  • Iinterested in a slower, more sustained release of Selank
  • The study design calls for maximum bioavailability
  • Desire to keep costs lower (lower dose of Selank required)

If the study would benefit from injectable Selank, our preferred source can be found here..

This company has an excellent reputation within the peptide community. They have provided >99% pure peptides, incredible customer service, and fair pricing for years now, and we could not recommend them more.


Selank Nasal Spray | Review

Selank is a well-tolerated analog of the immunopeptide tuftsin. The research peptide can enhance learning and memory, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve mood and environmental adaptation.

The intranasal delivery of Selank is an excellent route of administration and an attractive option for researchers interested in the peptide’s nootropic effects.

Selank nasal spray acts quickly, passing through the blood-brain barrier and activating the central nervous system in under 10 minutes. With few documented adverse effects, Selank is a great choice for cognitive enhancement research.


References

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 11765600, Selank. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Selank.
  2. Filatova E, Kasian A, Kolomin T, et al. GABA, Selank, and Olanzapine Affect the Expression of Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission in IMR-32 Cells. Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:89. Published 2017 Feb 28. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00089
  3. Uchakina ON, Uchakin PN, Miasoedov NF, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of selank in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2008;108(5):71-75.
  4. Meshavkin VK, Kost NV, Sokolov OY, Zolotarev YA, Myasoedov NF, Zozulya AA. Naloxone-blocked depriming effect of anxiolytic selank on apomorphine-induced behavioral manifestations of hyperfunction of dopamine system. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2006;142(5):598-600. doi:10.1007/s10517-006-0428-1
  5. Vasil'eva EV, Kondrakhin EA, Salimov RM, Kovalev GI. Comparison of pharmacological effects of heptapeptide Selank after intranasal and intraperitoneal administration to BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2016;79(9):3-11.
  6. Kolomin T, Shadrina M, Andreeva L, Slominsky P, Limborska S, Myasoedov N. Expression of inflammation-related genes in mouse spleen under tuftsin analog Selank. Regulatory Peptides. 2011;170(1-3):18-23. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regpep.2011.05.001
  7. Volkova A, Shadrina M, Kolomin T, et al. Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission. Front Pharmacol. 2016;7:31. Published 2016 Feb 18. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00031
  8. Kost NV, Sokolov OIu, Gabaeva MV, et al. Ingibiruiushchee deĭstvie semaksa i selanka na énkefalindegradiruiushchie fermenty syvorotki krovi cheloveka [Semax and selank inhibit the enkephalin-degrading enzymes from human serum]. Bioorg Khim. 2001;27(3):180-183. doi:10.1023/a:1011373002885
  9. Sokolov OY, Meshavkin VK, Kost NV, Zozulya AA. Effects of Selank on behavioral reactions and activities of plasma enkephalin-degrading enzymes in mice with different phenotypes of emotional and stress reactions. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2002;133(2):133-135. doi:10.1023/a:1015582302311
  10. Semenova TP, Kozlovskiĭ II, Zakharova NM, Kozlovskaia MM. Experimental optimization of learning and memory processes by selank. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 2010;73(8):2-5.
  11. Kozlovskii II, Danchev ND. The optimizing action of the synthetic peptide Selank on a conditioned active avoidance reflex in rats. Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2003;33(7):639-643. doi:10.1023/a:1024444321191
  12. Mukhina AY, Mishina ES, Bobyntsev II, et al. Morphological Changes in the Large Intestine of Rats Subjected to Chronic Restraint Stress and Treated with Selank. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2020;169(2):281-285. doi:10.1007/s10517-020-04868-9
  13. Yasenyavskaya A, Марина Александровна Самотруева, Myasoedov NF, Andreeva LA. The experimental study of the immunomodulating action of Semax and Selank on the model of „social” stress. 2022;69(1):54-60. doi:https://doi.org/10.2478/afpuc-2022-0004
  14. Ashmarin IP, Baglikova KE, Edeeva SE, et al. A comparative analysis of the distribution of glyprolines after their administration by different ways. 2008;34(4):415-420. doi:https://doi.org/10.1134/s1068162008040043
  15. Türker S, Onur E, Ozer Y. Nasal route and drug delivery systems. Pharm World Sci. 2004;26(3):137-142. doi:10.1023/b:phar.0000026823.82950.ff
  16. Vasileva EV, Kondrakhin EA, Abdullina AA, Salimov RM, Kovalev GI. Predominance of Nootropic or Anxiolytic Effects of Selank, Semax, and Noopept Peptides Depending on the Route of Administration to BALB/c and С57BL/6 Mice. Neurochemical Journal. 2020;14(3):268-278. doi:10.1134/S1819712420030113
  17. Inozemtseva LS, Karpenko EA, Dolotov OV, et al. Intranasal administration of the peptide Selank regulates BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus in vivo. 2008;421(1):241-243. doi:https://doi.org/10.1134/s0012496608040066
  18. McLenon J, Rogers MAM. The fear of needles: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Adv Nurs. 2019;75(1):30-42. doi:10.1111/jan.13818
  19. Kim H, Park H, Lee SJ. Effective method for drug injection into subcutaneous tissue. Sci Rep. 2017;7(1):9613. Published 2017 Aug 29. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-10110-w
  20. Boĭko SS, Zherdev VP, Dvorianinov AA, et al. Farmakokinetika i metabolizm geptapeptida–perspektivnogo sinteticheskogo analoga taftsina s psikhostimuliruiushchim deĭstviem u krys [The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of heptapeptide–a prospective synthetic analog of tuftsin with psychostimulating action in rats]. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 1998;61(5):42-45.
  21. Seeds WA. The Peptide Protocols: A Handbook for Practitioners. Spire Institute; 2020.
  22. Nasal Sprays: How to Use Them Correctly. American Family Physician. 2000;62(12):2695-2696. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/1215/p2695.html

Scientifically Fact Checked by:

David Warmflash, M.D.

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