Cortexin vs Selank
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Cortexin
Cortexin is a polypeptide complex derived from pig brain cortex, used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for neurological conditions including stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline.
Full details →Selank
Selank is a synthetic peptide derived from the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Developed in Russia for anxiety and cognitive enhancement.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cortexin | Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 10 mg–20 mg | 300 mcg–900 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 2x daily |
| Cycle Length | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Route | intramuscular | intranasal |
| Mechanism | Contains a mixture of neuropeptides and amino acids that support neuronal metabolism, provide neuroprotection, and enhance synaptic transmission. Specific mechanisms not fully characterized. | Modulates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and affects serotonin and norepinephrine systems. Has immunomodulatory and anxiolytic properties. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical protocols: 10mg intramuscularly once daily for 10-20 days. May be repeated after 3-6 month interval. | Intranasal administration: 250-500mcg 2-3 times daily. Subcutaneous: 250-500mcg daily. |
| Administration | Intramuscular injection. Comes as lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution. Treatment given in courses rather than continuously. | Most commonly administered intranasally for cognitive effects. Can also be injected subcutaneously. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions or mild allergic responses in sensitive individuals. | Generally well-tolerated. Some users report mild fatigue or nasal irritation with intranasal use. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Cortexin, Selank are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Cortexin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Cognitive Performance: Selank has stronger research support.
| Goal | Cortexin | Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Performance | medium | high |
Key Studies
Cortexin
- [Cortexin in the comprehensive therapy of alcoholic encephalopathy].
Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova, 2026
- Cortexin modulates OPG/RANK/RANKL and TRPC1 expression in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Neurological research, 2026
- Neurotropic Effects of Cortexin on Models of Mental and Physical Developmental Delay.
Biomedicines, 2025
Selank
- Selank, a Peptide Analog of Tuftsin, Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in Rats.
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2022
- The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of "Social" Stress.
Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology, 2021
- Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects.
Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections, 2020
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