Semax vs Selank
The two Russian nootropic peptides — one studied for focus and learning, the other for anxiety — constantly compared and often stacked. Here's a neutral, sourced side-by-side — no hype, every claim links to its evidence.
Semax
ApprovedAlso: Semax + Hopantenic acid combination, Semax + Epitalon
Semax is a man-made substance that acts like a small protein in the body. It is based on a natural hormone but is changed to last longer and work better.
Selank
ApprovedAlso: TP-7, Selank Semax Peptide Stack
Selank is a small man-made substance that researchers are studying to see how it affects the brain. It is a type of compound called a peptide, which is like a very short piece of protein.
At a Glance
| Semax | Selank | |
|---|---|---|
| Research status | Approved | Approved |
| Highest-tier evidence | Peer-reviewed study | Peer-reviewed study |
| Research citations | 31 | 17 |
| Dosing routes | SubQ | SubQ |
| Receptor targets | — | — |
| Half-life | — | — |
| Known side effects | 0 | 2 |
Research Areas
Top preclinical research areas — cited studies for each.
Semax
- Inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes
- Modulation of regulatory peptides via enzyme inhibition
- Modulation of striatal serotonergic system
- Enhancement of striatal dopamine release elicited by d-amphetamine
- Stimulation of BDNF expression
Selank
- Improves learning and memorization
- Antidepressant effect
- Anxiolytic effect
- Reduces anxiety-phobic states
- Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect
How People Use It
Reported routines — research only, not medical advice.
Semax
- SubQ — Not specified in sources
- SubQ — 200-900 mcg/day
- SubQ — 3,000-9,000 mcg/day
- SubQ — 200-600 mcg daily
- SubQ — 2 to 3 drops per nostril, 2 to 3 times daily (200 to 900 mcg/day)
- SubQ — 3,000 to 9,000 mcg daily
- — 200–500 mcg once daily SC (intranasal: 600–1500 mcg/day)
Selank
- SubQ — Selank: 200–300 mcg; Semax: 200–400 mcg
The Evidence
Key studies — click through to verify each on PubMed.
Semax
31 sourced studies
- Source
Effect of semax on the temporary dynamics of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor gene expression in the rat hippocampus and frontal cortex
2008 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
A nootropic adrenocorticotropin analog 4-10-semax (l5 years experience in its design and study)
1997 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Semax and selank inhibit the enkephalin-degrading enzymes from human serum]
2001 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Neuroprotective and antiamnesic effects of Semax during experimental ischemic infarction of the cerebral cortex.
2006 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Selank
17 sourced studies
- Source
Selank | C33H57N11O9 | CID 11765600 - PubChem
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
PubChem - Compound - Selank
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Immunomodulatory effects of selank in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders
2008 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Effects of heptapeptide selank on the content of monoamines and their metabolites in the brain of BALB/C and C57Bl/6 mice: a comparative study
2008 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Decision Guide
How to Choose
Neither is a “winner” — they suit different goals. Compare the documented benefits and evidence above against what you’re actually trying to achieve, note the research status (approved vs research-stage), and read each full guide before deciding. Many people also stack peptides rather than pick one.
Source Semax
Shop SemaxSource Selank