Comparison

Semax vs Selank

The two Russian-developed nootropic peptides: one for focus, one for anxiety.

Semax

Preclinical

Synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog developed in Russia for stroke rehabilitation and cognitive enhancement.

Full Semax profile

Selank

Preclinical

Synthetic tuftsin analog with anxiolytic and immunomodulatory effects, developed as a non-benzodiazepine alternative.

Full Selank profile

Attribute	Semax	Selank
Category	Cognitive & Nootropic	Cognitive & Nootropic
Evidence tier	Preclinical	Preclinical
FDA status	Not FDA-approved.	Not FDA-approved.
Mechanism	Semax upregulates BDNF and NGF expression, enhances dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling, and modulates enkephalin degradation. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and has well-documented nootropic effects in Russian clinical use.	Selank modulates GABAergic tone, expression of BDNF, and enkephalin metabolism. It produces anxiolytic effects without sedation or dependence in animal and early human studies.
Key benefits	Improved focus and mental clarity Reduced mental fatigue under stress Neuroprotective effects after ischemia (preclinical) Adjunct in stroke rehabilitation (Russia)	Anxiety reduction without sedation Improved stress resilience Modest nootropic effects
Dosage range	250 – 1000 mcg per dose	250 – 900 mcg per dose
Frequency	Daily or 2x per week	Daily
Route	Intranasal	Intranasal
Common side effects	Mild headache, Irritation at intranasal application	Mild nasal irritation

Educational reference only, not medical advice. Data reflects each compound’s profile page; see individual profiles for references and full safety information.

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