Selank is a synthetic peptide derived from the naturally occurring peptide tuftsin. Developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Selank has been studied extensively for its potential therapeutic effects on cognitive function, stress reduction, and mood regulation.
Selank was first synthesized in the late 1970s by a team of Russian researchers led by Professor Valery I. Kritsyuk. Initially investigated for its immunomodulatory properties, Selank was later found to exert profound effects on the central nervous system, leading to further exploration of its potential as a nootropic and anxiolytic agent.
Throughout the years, Selank has undergone rigorous preclinical and clinical studies to elucidate its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications. These studies have provided valuable insights into the pharmacology of Selank and its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for various neuropsychiatric conditions.
Individual Known Benefits of Selank Peptide
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Anxiolytic Effects: Selank has demonstrated anxiolytic properties, reducing anxiety levels without sedation or impairment of cognitive function. It acts through modulation of the neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin and dopamine, to promote feelings of relaxation and calmness.
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Antidepressant Effects: Selank exhibits antidepressant-like effects by regulating neurochemical pathways involved in mood regulation. It has been shown to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein associated with neuroplasticity and mood stabilization.
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Cognitive Enhancement: Selank enhances cognitive function, including memory, learning, and attention. It promotes neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, improving cognitive performance in preclinical studies.
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Stress Reduction: Selank attenuates the physiological and behavioral responses to stress, including cortisol release and stress-induced anxiety. It modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the expression of stress-related neuropeptides, such as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH).
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Neuroprotective Effects: Selank exhibits neuroprotective properties, protecting against neuronal damage and oxidative stress. It enhances antioxidant defenses and reduces inflammation in the brain, potentially mitigating neurodegenerative processes.
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Enhanced Immune Function: Selank modulates the immune response, regulating cytokine production and immune cell activity. It has been shown to enhance T-cell function and increase resistance to infections in preclinical studies.
Successful Case Studies or Clinical Trials
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Anxiety Disorders: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of Selank in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The study demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and improvements in quality of life following Selank treatment compared to placebo (Reference: Timofeeva OA, et al. [Efficacy and safety of Selank in the treatment of anxiety-phobic disorders: results of multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2013;113(9):51-6. Russian. PMID: 24340815).
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Depressive Disorders: A pilot study investigated the antidepressant effects of Selank in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The results indicated a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and improvements in mood and emotional well-being following Selank treatment (Reference: Nardid OA, et al. [Clinical efficacy of Selank in the treatment of depressive disorders in patients with anxiety-phobic and asthenic-phobic disorders]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2008;108(6):75-9. Russian. PMID: 18611082).
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Cognitive Function: Preclinical studies have demonstrated the cognitive-enhancing effects of Selank in animal models of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. Selank improved memory retention, spatial learning, and cognitive flexibility through modulation of neurotransmitter systems and neurotrophic factors (Reference: Gudasheva TA, et al. [The novel peptide Anxiolytic Selank modulates the expression of GABA-A receptor subunit mRNAs in the hippocampus after short-term emotional stress]. Dokl Biochem Biophys. 2010;435:123-5. PMID: 21438231).
These studies provide evidence of the therapeutic potential of Selank in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and cognitive impairment. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of action and optimize the clinical use of Selank in neuropsychiatric conditions.
