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Specimen Atlas of Research Peptides30 plates · MIT
Side-by-side · Research reference

5-Amino-1MQvsSelank

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-StrongDraft8/38 cited
BHuman-MechanisticDraft11/40 cited
5-Amino-1MQ
NNMT inhibitor · Methylation / SAM modulation
100–200 mgDaily dose (oral)Neelakantan 2018
AnimalEvidence levelNeelakantan 2018
HoursHalf-life (est)
Oral · Once daily fasted
Selank
Anxiolytic + Cognitive · Russian Pharma
150–300 mcg/doseIntranasalZaderej 2014
~30 minOnset
Intranasal · 2–3×/day during stress / cognitive demand

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter
5-Amino-1MQ
Selank
Primary target
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)Neelakantan 2018
Monoamine system (serotonin / GABA modulation) + immunomodulation via tuftsin domainZaderej 2014
Pathway
NNMT inhibition → preserved cellular SAM + NAD⁺ → restored methylation balance + ↑ thermogenic gene expressionNeelakantan 2018
Tuftsin-derived immune signaling + CNS monoamine modulation → reduced anxiety + improved mood / cognitionMedvedev 2007
Downstream effect
Reversal of HFD-induced obesity in murine models; improved metabolic profileNeelakantan 2018
Anxiolytic + cognitive enhancement; immunomodulation via increased IL-6 + IFN-γMedvedev 2007Zaderej 2014
Feedback intact?
No GABA-receptor binding; no dependence reportedMedvedev 2007
Origin
Selective small-molecule inhibitor designed in academic medicinal chemistry programsNeelakantan 2018
Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from human tuftsin (immune-system tetrapeptide)Zaderej 2014
Antibody development

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter
5-Amino-1MQ
Selank
Standard dose
100–200 mg / day oralNeelakantan 2018
Anecdotal community range; murine doses scaled.
150–300 mcg / dose intranasalZaderej 2014
Frequency
Once daily, fasted
2–3× per day during stress
Lower / starter dose
50 mg / day
75 mcg / dose
Evidence basis
Animal-strong; no human RCT dataNeelakantan 2018
Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007
Duration
8–12 weeks per cycle
10–14 day cycles, repeated as needed
Form
Oral capsule
Timing
Morning fasted preferred
Morning + early afternoon preferred
Half-life
Hours (estimated; no human PK published)
Short (minutes plasma); CNS effect lasts ~3 hr
Reconstitution
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter
5-Amino-1MQ
Selank
GI symptoms
Mild nausea (anecdotal)
Methylation disruption
Theoretical risk if NNMT is over-inhibited (B vitamin metabolism)
Long-term safety
Unknown — no human trials
Limited Western RCT data
Cancer risk
Unclear — NNMT also studied in oncology contexts
Pregnancy / OB
Avoid
Avoid — insufficient data
Drug interactions
Theoretical with niacin / B-vitamin supplements
Nasal irritation
Mild burning or congestion (transient)
Sedation
None — distinct from benzodiazepinesMedvedev 2007
Dependence / withdrawal
None reported in clinical useZaderej 2014
Cognitive impairment
None — opposite effect (enhancement)
Allergic reaction
Rare hypersensitivity
Absolute Contraindications
5-Amino-1MQ
  • ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
  • ·Active malignancy
Selank
  • ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
  • ·Hypersensitivity to peptide
Relative Contraindications
5-Amino-1MQ
  • ·Methylation-sensitive conditions (MTHFR mutation)
  • ·Concurrent niacin / NAD+ precursor supplementation (theoretical interference)
Selank
  • ·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter
5-Amino-1MQ
Selank
1. Form
Oral capsule. No injection.
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
2. Administration
Take with water, fasted preferred.
Intranasal — 1–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.
3. Timing
Morning fasted.
Morning + early afternoon for cognitive demand; PRN for acute anxiety.
4. Storage
Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.
Refrigerate after reconstitution; ≤30 days. Light-protected.
5. Caveat
Monitor B-vitamin status with chronic use.
Avoid co-administration with strong sedatives or other anxiolytics initially.