Side-by-side · Research reference

CortagenvsSelank

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

AAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED11/35 cited

BHuman-MechanisticAUTO-DRAFTED11/40 cited

Cortagen

Bioregulatory Tetrapeptide · Khavinson-School

TetrapeptideStructure

↓ LPO productsAntioxidant effectKozina 2007

AnimalEvidence level

Injectable · Animal models

Selank

Anxiolytic + Cognitive · Russian Pharma

150–300 mcg/doseIntranasalZaderej 2014

HumanMechanisticZaderej 2014 Medvedev 2007

~30 minOnset

Intranasal · 2–3×/day during stress / cognitive demand

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Cortagen

Selank

Primary target

Cerebral cortex tissue — molecular targets under investigation

Monoamine system (serotonin / GABA modulation) + immunomodulation via tuftsin domainZaderej 2014

Pathway

Antioxidant pathway modulation — suppression of LPO cascade, reduction of protein oxidative modificationKozina 2007

Tuftsin-derived immune signaling + CNS monoamine modulation → reduced anxiety + improved mood / cognitionMedvedev 2007

Downstream effect

Decreased lipid peroxidation products, reduced oxidative protein damage, altered gene expression in cardiac tissueKozina 2007 Anisimov 2004

Anxiolytic + cognitive enhancement; immunomodulation via increased IL-6 + IFN-γMedvedev 2007 Zaderej 2014

Feedback intact?

—

No GABA-receptor binding; no dependence reportedMedvedev 2007

Origin

Synthetic tetrapeptide derived from amino acid analysis of natural brain cortex peptide preparation CortexinAnisimov 2004

Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from human tuftsin (immune-system tetrapeptide)Zaderej 2014

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Cortagen

Selank

Animal model dose (rat)

Injection protocol (dose not specified in abstracts)

Multiple injections over study period.

—

Avian model dose (chicken)

40-day injection courseKuznik 2008

Compared to epithalon in hypophysectomized and aged birds.

—

Human peripheral nerve study

Therapeutic course (protocol details not provided)

Posttraumatic recovery context — reference cited but not detailed.

—

Evidence basis

Animal mechanistic studies

Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007

Route

Injectable (inferred from animal protocols)

—

Standard dose

—

150–300 mcg / dose intranasalZaderej 2014

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

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Cortagen

Selank

Antioxidant suppression

Suppression of antioxidant activity noted alongside LPO reductionKozina 2007

Mechanism unclear — possible homeostatic adaptation.

—

Immune/hemostasis effects

No effect on immunity or hemostasis parameters in avian hypophysectomy model (unlike epithalon)Kuznik 2008

Epithalon reversed deficits; cortagen did not.

—

Human safety data

No adverse events reported in peripheral nerve recovery context

Limited detail in available abstracts.

—

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

Long-term safety

—

Limited Western RCT data

Pregnancy / OB

—

Avoid — insufficient data

Absolute Contraindications

Cortagen

—

Selank

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Hypersensitivity to peptide

Relative Contraindications

Cortagen

—

Selank

·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Cortagen

Selank

1. Preparation

Reconstitute lyophilised peptide with bacteriostatic water per supplier protocol. Exact volumes depend on concentration supplied.

Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.

2. Injection site

Subcutaneous injection typical for bioregulatory peptides — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.

Intranasal — 1–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.

3. Timing

Animal protocols used repeated dosing over weeks. Human timing not established — evening administration common in Khavinson tradition.

Morning + early afternoon for cognitive demand; PRN for acute anxiety.

4. Storage

Lyophilised: refrigerate or freeze per supplier. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within guideline window.

Refrigerate after reconstitution; ≤30 days. Light-protected.

5. Caveat

—

Avoid co-administration with strong sedatives or other anxiolytics initially.