Side-by-side · Research reference

SelankvsSS-31

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

AHuman-MechanisticDraft11/40 cited

BPhase 3Reviewed9/43 cited

Selank

Anxiolytic + Cognitive · Russian Pharma

150–300 mcg/doseIntranasalZaderej 2014

HumanMechanisticZaderej 2014 Medvedev 2007

~30 minOnset

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

SS-31

Cardiolipin-binding · Mitochondrial protective

40 mgDaily doseSzeto 2014

Phase 3Evidence levelSzilagyi 2009 Szeto 2014

~3 hrHalf-life

SQ · Abdomen · Once daily

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Selank

SS-31

Primary target

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

Cardiolipin in inner mitochondrial membraneSzeto 2014

Pathway

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

Cardiolipin binding → cristae stabilisation → ETC integrity → reduced ROS + preserved ATP synthesisSzeto 2014 Szilagyi 2009

Downstream effect

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

Mitochondrial bioenergetic preservation; cardio-, neuro-, and reno-protective effects in animal + clinical studiesSzeto 2014

Feedback intact?

No GABA-receptor binding; no dependence reportedMedvedev 2007

—

Origin

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

Synthetic tetrapeptide D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂; cell-permeable, mitochondrial-selectiveSzeto 2014

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Selank

SS-31

Standard dose

150–300 mcg / dose intranasalZaderej 2014

40 mg / day SQ (clinical trials)Szeto 2014

Anecdotal community range 5-10 mg/day. Phase 3 trials use 40 mg.

Frequency

2–3× per day during stress

Once daily

Lower / starter dose

75 mcg / dose

5 mg / day (anecdotal)

Evidence basis

Human-mechanistic + Russian clinical trialsMedvedev 2007

Multiple Phase 3 trials (Barth, AMD, ischemia-reperfusion)Szeto 2014 Szilagyi 2009

Duration

10–14 day cycles, repeated as needed

Indefinite for mitochondrial disease; cycled for healthspan use

Reconstitution

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

Bacteriostatic water

Timing

Morning + early afternoon preferred

Morning fasted preferred; pre-workout for exercise-induced mitochondrial stress

Half-life

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

~3 h plasma; tissue uptake longer

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Selank

SS-31

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

Phase 3 data over 24+ months; no major safety signalsSzeto 2014

Pregnancy / OB

Avoid — insufficient data

Injection site reaction

—

Erythema, mild pruritus

GI symptoms

—

Nausea (uncommon)

Headache

—

Reported in some Phase 3 trials

Cardiovascular

—

Cardio-protective in studies; no signal of harm

Absolute Contraindications

Selank

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Hypersensitivity to peptide

SS-31

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Hypersensitivity to peptide

Relative Contraindications

Selank

·Active autoimmune disease (theoretical via immunomodulation)

SS-31

·None established

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Selank

SS-31

1. Form

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

Add bacteriostatic water per label. Light-protected handling.

2. Administration

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

SQ — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.

3. Timing

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

Morning fasted; pre-workout for exercise-augmented mitochondrial stress.

4. Storage

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

Lyophilised: refrigerate, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.

5. Caveat

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

29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

06Stack Synergy

Selank

— no documented stacks

SS-31

+ MOTS-c

Moderate

View MOTS-c →

SS-31 and MOTS-c address mitochondrial decline through complementary axes. SS-31 protects existing mitochondrial structure (cardiolipin binding, cristae stabilisation). MOTS-c upregulates AMPK/PGC-1α, triggering biogenesis of new mitochondria. Together they pair preservation with renewal — anecdotally favoured in healthspan and post-cardio-event recovery protocols.

SS-31: 5–10 mg SQ · daily morning
MOTS-c: 5 mg SQ · 2× per week pre-workout
Primary benefit: Mitochondrial preservation + biogenesis