Side-by-side · Research reference

DermorphinvsSelank

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

AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED20/47 cited

BHuman-MechanisticAUTO-DRAFTED11/40 cited

Dermorphin

Opioid Peptide · μ-Receptor Agonist · Research Only

~30×Morphine potency

μ-selectiveReceptor typeNegri 1992

D-Ala²Unique featureAmiche 1998

Research only · ICV / SC (animal models)

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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

Dermorphin

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Primary target

μ-opioid receptors (central and peripheral)Negri 1992 Steel 2014

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

Pathway

μ-receptor activation → G-protein coupling → adenylyl cyclase inhibition → neuronal hyperpolarization

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

Downstream effect

Potent analgesia, reduced nociceptive signaling, opioid-mediated CNS and peripheral effects

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

Feedback intact?

N/A — exogenous opioid agonist

No GABA-receptor binding; no dependence reportedMedvedev 2007

Origin

Phyllomedusa sauvagei and P. bicolor frog skin — gene-encoded with natural D-amino acid incorporationAmiche 1998 Mignogna 1992

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

Antibody development

Site-directed antibodies produced for detection and purificationCucumel 1996

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02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Dermorphin

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Legal status

Controlled substance in many jurisdictions · Research only

Not approved for human use.

—

Animal research (ICV)

Low nanomolar to picomolar range

Intracerebroventricular administration in rodent models.

—

Detection limit (doping)

5 pg/mL in equine plasma/urineSteel 2014

High-throughput LC-MS/MS screen developed for racing industry.

—

Duration of action

10–120 minutes (dose-dependent, intrathecal)

—

Evidence basis

Animal studies · In vitro assays

Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007

Human toxicity

Kambô ritual (P. bicolor skin) — violent emesis, vasodilation, fluid shifts, ADH dysregulationTran 2025

—

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

Dermorphin

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Opioid effects

Respiratory depression, sedation, euphoria, tolerance, dependence risk

—

CNS effects

Analgesia (high-affinity sites), catalepsy (low-affinity sites)Negri 1992

—

Kambô ritual toxicity

Violent emesis, vasodilation, profound fluid shifts, hyponatremia, ADH dysregulation, brain death (case report)Tran 2025

—

Peripheral effects

GI motility inhibition (ileum > vas deferens in vitro)Negri 1992

—

Receptor selectivity caveat

Two μ-receptor subtypes — differential behavioral effects (analgesia vs. catalepsy)Negri 1992

—

Proteolytic stability

Tyr³-Pro⁶ bond relatively unstable; endogenous enzymes may produce tetrapeptide fragmentsCucumel 1996

—

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

Dermorphin

·Human use — not approved by any regulatory authority
·Controlled substance status — possession illegal in many jurisdictions
·Known opioid hypersensitivity or respiratory compromise

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·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Hypersensitivity to peptide

Relative Contraindications

Dermorphin

·Any context outside approved animal research protocols
·CNS depressant co-administration

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·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Dermorphin

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1. Legal and ethical framework

Dermorphin is a controlled substance in many jurisdictions and is not approved for human use. Possession, synthesis, or distribution may be illegal. Use is restricted to licensed research settings under institutional review.

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

2. Animal research protocols

In rodent models, intracerebroventricular (ICV) or intrathecal injection is used at nanomolar to picomolar concentrations. Subcutaneous administration also documented. All protocols require IACUC approval.

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

3. Analytical detection

High-throughput LC-MS/MS screens developed for anti-doping programs detect dermorphin and 17 related peptides in equine and human urine/plasma at limits as low as 5 pg/mL.Steel 2014

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

4. Kambô ritual (traditional use)

Application of Phyllomedusa bicolor skin secretions to superficial burns. Not recommended — associated with severe toxicity including violent emesis, hyponatremia, and documented case of brain death.Tran 2025

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

5. Caveat

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