Selank vs Semax
How Selank and Semax differ on mechanism, dosing, and the strength of the evidence behind each.
How this is graded
Every compound below carries a REGEN research grade, from S (regulatory approval behind the use it is bought for) down to F (no clinical evidence). Ordering follows that grade rather than search volume, so the compound at the top is the one with the most evidence, not the one most often sold. Doses are those reported in published protocols and are not recommendations.
Selank
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide based on the immune-active peptide tuftsin, developed in Russia as an anxiolytic with nootropic properties. It modulates GABA and serotonergic signaling and influences BDNF, producing anti-anxiety and stabilizing effects without the sedation or dependence associated with benzodiazepines. It is usually given intranasally and is well tolerated. As with Semax, robust data outside Russian clinical use is limited.
Semax
Semax is a synthetic peptide based on a fragment of ACTH(4-10), developed in Russia and used there as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent. It is associated with increases in BDNF and NGF, improved focus, memory, and stress resilience, and has been studied in stroke recovery. It is most commonly administered intranasally for direct central effect and is well tolerated. Human data outside Russian clinical use is limited.
Evidence compared
| Selank | Semax | |
|---|---|---|
| Research grade | Cgrade | Bgrade |
| Reported dose | 250–300 mcg | 300–600 mcg |
| Frequency | 1-3x daily (intranasal) | 1-2x daily (intranasal) |
| Half-life | effects last several hours | effects last several hours |
| Routes | intranasal, subcutaneous | intranasal, subcutaneous |
| Tracked outcomes | Cognitive Function | Cognitive Function |
| Contraindications | pregnancy | pregnancy |
Which has more behind it
Semax carries the stronger evidence grade (B) against Selank at C, which means more of what is claimed for Semax has been tested in humans. Both entries link through to the full reference, where the trial list and citations for each claim are set out in full.
Full Selank reference · Full Semax reference
At a glance
| Compound | Grade | Reported dose | Half-life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selank | Cgrade | 250–300 mcg · 1-3x daily (intranasal) | effects last several hours |
| Semax | Bgrade | 300–600 mcg · 1-2x daily (intranasal) | effects last several hours |
Frequently asked questions
Selank or Semax, which has better evidence?
Semax carries the stronger evidence grade (B) against Selank at C, which means more of what is claimed for Semax has been tested in humans.
Can Selank and Semax be used together?
The catalog does not list Selank and Semax as a common pairing. Combining compounds does not combine their evidence.
What doses are reported for Selank?
Published protocols report 250–300 mcg, 1-3x daily (intranasal). This is what the literature describes, not a recommendation.
References
- Efficacy and safety of Selank in generalized anxiety disorder
- Zozulya AA, Sizov SV, Syrtsev AV. Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2008;108(4):38-48.
- [Optimization of the treatment of anxiety disorders with selank].
- Kasian A, Kolomin T, Andreeva L, et al. Peptide Selank Enhances the Effect of Diazepam in Reducing Anxiety in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Conditions in Rats. Behav Neurol. 2017;2017:5091027.
- Rapid and slow response during treatment of generalized anxiety ...
- Zozulya AA, Kost NV, Sokolov OY, et al. A comparison of the anxiolytic effect and tolerability of selank and phenazepam in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2014;114(7):17-22.
- The optimizing action of the synthetic peptide Selank on a ... - PubMed
- 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.
- Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects.
- [Experimental optimization of learning and memory processes by ...
- [Immunomodulatory effects of selank in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders].
- Kolomin T, Shadrina M, Slominsky P, et al. Expression of inflammation-related genes in mouse spleen under tuftsin analog Selank. Regul Pept. 2011;170(1-3):18-23.
- Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue, and brain BDNF expression
- Dergunova LV, Filippenkov IB, Stavchansky VV, et al. Novel insights into the protective properties of ACTH(4-7)PGP (Semax) peptide at the transcriptome level following cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion in rats. Genes (Basel). 2020;11(6):681.
- [Results of the application of complex physiotherapeutic neurostimulation in optical neuropathies of various genesis].
- The peptide semax affects the expression of genes related to the ...
- [Evaluation of therapeutic effect of new Russian drug semax in optic ...
- Shadrina MI, Dolotov OV, Grivennikov IA, et al. Comparison of the temporary dynamics of NGF and BDNF gene expression in rat hippocampus, frontal cortex, and retina under Semax action. J Mol Neurosci. 2010;41(1):30-35.
- Effects of Semax on the Default Mode Network of the Brain.
- Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression in the rat hippocampus
- Eremin KO, Kudrin VS, Saransaari P, Oja SS, Grivennikov IA, Myasoedov NF, Rayevsky KS. Semax, an ACTH(4-10) analogue with nootropic properties, activates dopaminergic and serotoninergic brain systems in rodents. Neurochem Res. 2005;30(12):1493-1500.
- Sigmoidal maximal effect modeling of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration and annual incidence of coronary heart disease events in secondary prevention trials.
- Kaplan AY, Kochetova AG, Nezavibathko VN, Rzhevskii DA, Roshchina IF, Ashmarin IP. Semax, an analogue of adrenocorticotropin (4-10), is a potential agent for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and Rett syndrome. Med Hypotheses. 2007;68(2):306-310.
- Diagnostic Value of Different 3-D Shear Wave Elastography Sections in the Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules.