Selank is a synthetic peptide drug derived from the natural immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin found in the human body. It was initially developed by Russian scientists in the 1990s as a drug with anti-anxiety effects, but without the sedative, addictive, and cognitive impairment side effects commonly found in traditional benzodiazepines (such as diazepam).
Its mechanism of action is highly complex and not yet fully elucidated, but it is known to work by regulating the GABA system (the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter), influencing the release of endogenous opioid peptides, and modulating the levels of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Furthermore, Selank can increase the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is crucial for neuroplasticity and cognitive function.