Claimed effect · Selank

Does Selank help with anxiety?

D
Grade D — no human evidenceSmall Russian studies · effect size: not measurable
Short answerNo human evidence. As of 2 September 2026, only small Russian studies exist for Selank for anxiety. Reports of anxiety reduction in generalised anxiety disorder, some comparing against benzodiazepines. Small, from the originating institutes, not independently replicated.

What the studies show

Reports of anxiety reduction in generalised anxiety disorder, some comparing against benzodiazepines. Small, from the originating institutes, not independently replicated.

Animal studies, cell studies, or anecdotes only. This is where almost every viral peptide sits. Promising and proven are different words for a reason.

  1. 1
    Searches of PubMed and trial registries for Selank human trials outside Russia.LYO literature search, September 2026No independently replicated randomised trials identified.

In context

Selank is a synthetic analogue of tuftsin, an immune-signalling peptide, developed in Russia alongside Semax and registered there as an anxiolytic. Small Russian studies report anxiety reduction comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation; none has been replicated internationally or published to standards that allow the claim to be checked. It is not approved in the EU, US or UK.

Selank is not approved (outside russia). Legal status differs by country — see the regulation section or the jurisdiction pages.

Questions

Is Selank proven to help with anxiety?
No. There is no human evidence for it (Small Russian studies); the claim rests on animal or cell studies and LYO grades it D.
What studies are behind the grade?
Reports of anxiety reduction in generalised anxiety disorder, some comparing against benzodiazepines. Small, from the originating institutes, not independently replicated.
Is Selank approved for this?
No. Selank is not approved (outside Russia); it is not an approved medicine for any indication in the jurisdictions LYO covers.

Other outcomes for Selank

Reviewed 2 September 2026. Grades count human evidence only; see how LYO grades. Not medical advice. Correct this page →