Side-by-side · Research reference

GHRP-6vsSelank

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

APhase 1Reviewed10/36 cited

BHuman-MechanisticDraft11/40 cited

GHRP-6

Hexapeptide GHRP · Strong appetite stimulant

100–200 mcgPer doseBowers 1990

Phase 1Evidence levelBowers 1990

~15 minHalf-lifeMalagón 1999

SQ · Multiple sites · 1–3×/day

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

GHRP-6

Selank

Primary target

Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a)Bowers 1990

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

Pathway

GHS-R1a → Gαq → Ca²⁺ → GH release; central appetite driveBowers 2002

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

Downstream effect

GH pulse + strong appetite stimulation; modest IGF-1 elevationBowers 2002

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 hexapeptide; first-generation GHRP from Bowers groupBowers 1990

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

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

GHRP-6

Selank

Standard dose

100–200 mcg per injectionBowers 1990

150–300 mcg / dose intranasalZaderej 2014

Frequency

1–3× per day

2–3× per day during stress

Lower / starter dose

50 mcg per dose

75 mcg / dose

Evidence basis

Phase 1 + clinical practiceBowers 1990

Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007

Duration

8–12 weeks on / 4 off

10–14 day cycles, repeated as needed

Reconstitution

Bacteriostatic water

Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water

Timing

Pre-meal preferred for appetite support

Morning + early afternoon preferred

Half-life

~15 minMalagón 1999

Short (minutes plasma); CNS effect lasts ~3 hr

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

GHRP-6

Selank

Hunger

Pronounced — defining feature vs ipamorelin

—

Cortisol elevation

Mild

—

Prolactin elevation

Mild

—

Injection site reaction

Mild

—

Cancer risk

Contraindicated in active malignancy

—

Pregnancy / OB

Avoid

Avoid — insufficient data

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

Absolute Contraindications

GHRP-6

·Active malignancy
·Pregnancy / breastfeeding

Selank

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Hypersensitivity to peptide

Relative Contraindications

GHRP-6

·Severe insulin resistance (appetite-driven caloric load)

Selank

·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

GHRP-6

Selank

1. Reconstitution

Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 5 mg vial → 2.5 mg/mL.

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

2. Injection site

SQ — abdomen. Rotate sites.

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

3. Timing

Pre-meal for appetite support; pre-sleep for GH alignment.

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

4. Storage

Lyophilised: room temp. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.

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

5. Needle

29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

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