Head to head
Semax vs Selank
Two compounds, one grading system.
The human evidence base is comparable — the difference is in what each is studied for.
01
At a glance
SemaxEmerging
Russian nootropic peptide, clinically used there, little studied elsewhere.
331publications
2RCTs
SelankEmerging
Anxiolytic peptide from the same Russian research lineage as Semax.
82publications
2RCTs
02
Side by side
| Attribute | Semax | Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Cognition & mood | Cognition & mood |
| Evidence | Emerging | Emerging |
| Publications | 331 | 82 |
| Randomised trials | 2 | 2 |
| Sport (WADA) | — | — |
| US compounding | PCAC-voted for 503A review | — |
03
Claims vs data
Semax — claims vs data
| Used clinically in Russia for stroke and cognitive indications | supported |
| Raises BDNF and neuroplasticity | preclinical only |
| Enhances cognition in healthy adults | weak evidence |
Selank — claims vs data
| Anxiolytic effect reported in Russian clinical studies | partially true |
| A non-sedating replacement for prescribed treatment | weak evidence |