Side-by-side · Research reference
PinealonvsSelank
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
AHuman-MechanisticDraft12/36 cited
BHuman-MechanisticDraft11/40 cited
Pinealon
Pineal-derived · Neuroprotective
SQ or IM · Daily for 10 days · 1-2×/year
Selank
Anxiolytic + Cognitive · Russian Pharma
Intranasal · 2–3×/day during stress / cognitive demand
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Pinealon
Selank
Primary target
Antioxidant defense + neuronal gene expression (proposed)Khavinson 2014
Monoamine system (serotonin / GABA modulation) + immunomodulation via tuftsin domainZaderej 2014
Pathway
Modulation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase) + neurotrophic factor expressionKhavinson 2014
Tuftsin-derived immune signaling + CNS monoamine modulation → reduced anxiety + improved mood / cognitionMedvedev 2007
Downstream effect
Reduced oxidative stress in neurons; improved cognitive function in age-related declineKhavinson 2014
Anxiolytic + cognitive enhancement; immunomodulation via increased IL-6 + IFN-γMedvedev 2007Zaderej 2014
Origin
Synthetic 4-AA peptide derived from pineal gland extractKhavinson 2014
Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from human tuftsin (immune-system tetrapeptide)Zaderej 2014
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Pinealon
Selank
Frequency
Once daily during cycle
2–3× per day during stress
Lower / starter dose
2.5 mg / day
75 mcg / dose
Evidence basis
Russian clinical trials + in vitroKhavinson 2014
Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007
Duration
10-day cycles, 1–2× per year
10–14 day cycles, repeated as needed
Reconstitution
Bacteriostatic water
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water
Timing
No specific time
Morning + early afternoon preferred
Half-life
Hours
Short (minutes plasma); CNS effect lasts ~3 hr
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Pinealon
Selank
Injection site reaction
Mild irritation
—
Long-term safety
Limited Western data
Limited Western RCT data
Pregnancy / OB
Avoid
Avoid — insufficient data
Nasal irritation
—
Mild burning or congestion (transient)
Cognitive impairment
—
None — opposite effect (enhancement)
Allergic reaction
—
Rare hypersensitivity
Absolute Contraindications
Pinealon
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
Selank
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Hypersensitivity to peptide
Relative Contraindications
Pinealon
- ·Active malignancy (theoretical via gene expression modulation)
Selank
- ·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Pinealon
Selank
1. Reconstitution
Add 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water to 10 mg vial.
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
2. Injection site
SQ — abdomen preferred.
Intranasal — 1–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.
3. Timing
Daily during cycle, any time.
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.
06Stack Synergy
Pinealon
+ Epitalon
ModeratePinealon (neuroprotection) + Epitalon (telomerase activation) form the canonical Khavinson "longevity stack" — both pineal-derived bioregulators with complementary axes. Pinealon supports neuronal antioxidant defense; Epitalon supports telomere maintenance. Anecdotally cycled together 1–2× per year.
- Pinealon
- 5–10 mg SQ · daily × 10 days
- Epitalon
- 5–10 mg SQ · daily × 10 days (overlap or alternate)
- Primary benefit
- Neuroprotection + telomere preservation
Selank
— no documented stacks