Follistatin vs Semax & Selank
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →Semax & Selank
A nootropic combination pairing two Russian-developed peptides for cognitive enhancement. Semax provides stimulating focus and neuroprotection while Selank offers anxiolytic and mood-stabilizing effects, creating a balanced cognitive enhancement stack.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | Semax & Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. | Semax enhances BDNF expression and modulates dopamine and serotonin systems for improved focus, memory, and neuroprotection. Selank affects BDNF and GABA systems, providing anxiolytic effects and immune modulation. Together they support cognitive function while managing stress and anxiety. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Semax: 200-600mcg intranasally 2-3 times daily. Selank: 250-500mcg intranasally 2-3 times daily. Can be used together or alternated based on needs. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Primarily administered intranasally for rapid brain uptake. N-Acetyl versions (NA-Semax, NA-Selank) offer enhanced stability and potency. Can also be injected subcutaneously. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Semax may cause mild irritability or hair shedding. Selank may cause mild fatigue or nasal irritation. Both are generally well-tolerated. |
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