Side-by-side · Research reference
CartalaxvsSelank
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
AAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED10/32 cited
BHuman-MechanisticAUTO-DRAFTED11/40 cited
Cartalax
Bioregulator Peptide · Khavinson School
SQ · Protocol Unspecified
Selank
Anxiolytic + Cognitive · Russian Pharma
Intranasal · 2–3×/day during stress / cognitive demand
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Cartalax
Selank
Primary target
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergoing chondrogenic differentiationLinkova 2023
Monoamine system (serotonin / GABA modulation) + immunomodulation via tuftsin domainZaderej 2014
Pathway
Modulation of WNT, ERK-p38, and Smad 1/5/8 signaling pathwaysLinkova 2023
Tuftsin-derived immune signaling + CNS monoamine modulation → reduced anxiety + improved mood / cognitionMedvedev 2007
Downstream effect
Upregulation of chondrogenic genes (COL2, SOX9, ACAN); increased bone mineral density; osteoprotective effects in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosisLinkova 2023Povorozniuk 2007
Anxiolytic + cognitive enhancement; immunomodulation via increased IL-6 + IFN-γMedvedev 2007Zaderej 2014
Origin
Derived from cartilaginous tissue extracts (Khavinson bioregulator methodology)Povorozniuk 2007
Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from human tuftsin (immune-system tetrapeptide)Zaderej 2014
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Cartalax
Selank
Animal model dose
Unspecified (cartilaginous tissue extract protocol)
Rat study; extract preparation details not indexed in available abstracts.
—
Human dosing
Not established in PubMed-indexed literature
Russian-tradition protocols exist but lack peer-reviewed Western validation.
—
Evidence basis
Animal mechanistic studies only
Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007
Frequency
—
2–3× per day during stress
Lower / starter dose
—
75 mcg / dose
Duration
—
10–14 day cycles, repeated as needed
Reconstitution
—
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water
Timing
—
Morning + early afternoon preferred
Half-life
—
Short (minutes plasma); CNS effect lasts ~3 hr
03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence
Parameter
Cartalax
Selank
Fat loss evidence
None — primary target is cartilage and bone tissue, not adipose
—
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Cartalax
Selank
Documented adverse effects
None reported in indexed animal studies
—
Human safety data
Not available in PubMed-indexed literature
—
Nasal irritation
—
Mild burning or congestion (transient)
Cognitive impairment
—
None — opposite effect (enhancement)
Allergic reaction
—
Rare hypersensitivity
Long-term safety
—
Limited Western RCT data
Pregnancy / OB
—
Avoid — insufficient data
Absolute Contraindications
Cartalax
- ·Unknown due to lack of human clinical trial data
Selank
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Hypersensitivity to peptide
Relative Contraindications
Cartalax
- ·Active malignancy (theoretical; peptide bioregulators may influence cell proliferation pathways)
Selank
- ·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Cartalax
Selank
1. Route
Subcutaneous injection typical for Khavinson bioregulators; specific protocols not detailed in indexed literature.
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
2. Frequency
Russian-tradition protocols often employ 10-day cycles; precise frequency unspecified in available abstracts.
Intranasal — 1–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.
3. Storage
Lyophilised peptide bioregulators typically stored at 2–8 °C, light-protected. Reconstitution details not indexed.
Morning + early afternoon for cognitive demand; PRN for acute anxiety.
4. Storage
—
Refrigerate after reconstitution; ≤30 days. Light-protected.
5. Caveat
—
Avoid co-administration with strong sedatives or other anxiolytics initially.