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Semax vs Selank

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The key difference

Both are synthetic peptides developed in Russia and usually given intranasally. Semax is derived from a fragment of ACTH and is studied for cognition and stroke recovery. Selank is derived from tuftsin, an immune peptide, and is studied mainly for anxiety.

Side by side

What it is
SemaxA synthetic peptide derived from ACTH(4-10) developed in Russia and used there for cognitive enhancement, stroke recovery, and neuroprotection. Often used intranasally.
SelankA synthetic analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin developed in Russia for anxiety reduction and cognitive support without the sedation or dependence of benzodiazepines.
Research status
SemaxResearch chemical
SelankResearch chemical
Category
SemaxCognitive & Nootropic
SelankCognitive & Nootropic
Half-life
SemaxShort in plasma (minutes), but central effects last several hours
SelankShort in plasma; central effects persist several hours
Routes
Semaxintranasal, subcutaneous
Selankintranasal, subcutaneous
Reported dosing
SemaxResearch and Russian clinical references cite ~200-600 mcg per day intranasally, sometimes divided. Educational range only, not advice.
SelankResearch and Russian clinical references cite ~250-900 mcg per day intranasally, often divided. Educational range only.
Studied for
Semax
  • Increases BDNF and supports neuroplasticity
  • May enhance focus, memory, and learning
  • Neuroprotective effects studied in stroke and ischemia
  • Used in Russia for cognitive and neurological indications
Selank
  • Anxiolytic effects without sedation or dependence
  • May improve focus and mental clarity
  • Increases BDNF and supports neuroplasticity
  • Immunomodulatory activity
Side effects
Semax
  • Mild nasal irritation with intranasal use
  • Occasional overstimulation or restlessness
  • Headache (uncommon)
  • Limited Western clinical data
Selank
  • Mild nasal irritation (intranasal use)
  • Occasional fatigue or lightheadedness
  • Limited Western clinical data
  • Rare paradoxical restlessness
Cited studies
Semax4 on its page
Selank4 on its page

How Semax works

Semax is a heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-10) that lacks corticotropic activity but exerts strong neurotropic effects. It increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, and influences the expression of genes related to neuroplasticity. It also inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes, raising endogenous regulatory peptide levels.

Full Semax profile →

How Selank works

Selank is a heptapeptide derived from tuftsin that modulates the balance of monoamines and increases expression of BDNF in the hippocampus. It influences GABAergic and serotonergic signaling, producing anxiolytic effects without sedation, and stabilizes enkephalins by inhibiting their breakdown. It also has documented immunomodulatory activity, reflecting its tuftsin origin.

Full Selank profile →

Dosing shown is what research and community sources report, not a recommendation. For educational and research purposes only; not medical advice. How we source this

PeptideChat is for educational and research purposes only. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. PeptideChat is an independent educational resource — not a pharmacy, compounding, or 503A/503B outsourcing facility — and does not sell products or provide medical advice.