Side-by-side · Research reference
SelankvsSemax
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
AHuman-MechanisticDraft11/40 cited
BHuman-MechanisticDraft12/39 cited
Selank
Anxiolytic + Cognitive · Russian Pharma
Intranasal · 2–3×/day during stress / cognitive demand
Semax
Cognitive enhancer · Russian Pharma
Intranasal · 2–3×/day during cognitive demand
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Selank
Semax
Primary target
Monoamine system (serotonin / GABA modulation) + immunomodulation via tuftsin domainZaderej 2014
BDNF / NGF expression + monoamine modulationKaplan 2017
Pathway
Tuftsin-derived immune signaling + CNS monoamine modulation → reduced anxiety + improved mood / cognitionMedvedev 2007
↑ BDNF + NGF synthesis + 5-HT modulation → neuroplasticity + anxiolysis + cognitive enhancementKaplan 2017
Downstream effect
Anxiolytic + cognitive enhancement; immunomodulation via increased IL-6 + IFN-γMedvedev 2007Zaderej 2014
Improved memory + attention; reduced anxiety; neuroprotection in ischemiaKaplan 2017
Origin
Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from human tuftsin (immune-system tetrapeptide)Zaderej 2014
Synthetic 7-AA peptide derived from ACTH(4-7) with C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro stabilising tailKaplan 2017
Antibody development
—
—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Selank
Semax
Frequency
2–3× per day during stress
2–3× per day during cognitive demand
Lower / starter dose
75 mcg / dose
100 mcg / dose
Evidence basis
Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007
Human-mechanistic + Russian clinicalKaplan 2017
Duration
10–14 day cycles, repeated as needed
10–14 day cycles, repeated PRN
Reconstitution
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial); research vial: bacteriostatic water
Timing
Morning + early afternoon preferred
Morning + early afternoon
Half-life
Short (minutes plasma); CNS effect lasts ~3 hr
Short plasma; CNS effect lasts ~3–6 hr
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Selank
Semax
Nasal irritation
Mild burning or congestion (transient)
Mild burning or congestion (transient)
Cognitive impairment
None — opposite effect (enhancement)
—
Allergic reaction
Rare hypersensitivity
—
Long-term safety
Limited Western RCT data
Limited Western RCT data
Pregnancy / OB
Avoid — insufficient data
Avoid
Sleep disruption
—
Late-day dosing may interfere with sleep
Headache
—
Uncommon, transient
Absolute Contraindications
Selank
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Hypersensitivity to peptide
Semax
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
Relative Contraindications
Selank
- ·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)
Semax
- ·Active psychiatric instability
- ·Concurrent strong stimulants
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Selank
Semax
1. Form
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
Pre-formulated nasal spray (commercial) or research vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
2. Administration
Intranasal — 1–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.
Intranasal — 2–3 sprays per nostril per dose. Tilt head slightly back.
3. Timing
Morning + early afternoon for cognitive demand; PRN for acute anxiety.
Morning + early afternoon. Avoid evening (sleep disruption).
4. Storage
Refrigerate after reconstitution; ≤30 days. Light-protected.
Refrigerate after reconstitution; light-protected.
5. Caveat
Avoid co-administration with strong sedatives or other anxiolytics initially.
Cycle on/off to avoid neurochemical adaptation.
06Stack Synergy
Selank
— no documented stacks
Semax
+ Selank
ModerateSemax (cognitive enhancer, BDNF/NGF) and Selank (anxiolytic + immune) form the canonical Russian "neuro stack" — both intranasal peptide bioregulators with complementary axes. Semax for cognitive demand; Selank for stress mitigation.
- Semax
- 200–600 mcg intranasal · morning + afternoon
- Selank
- 150–300 mcg intranasal · midday + early evening
- Primary benefit
- Cognitive enhancement + stress mitigation