Ipamorelin vs Selank

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

IpamorelinSelank
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).
TimingBest administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach.Can be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night.
Cycle Duration12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods.
Evidence Levelmoderate_humanmoderate_human
A

Ipamorelin

Peptides

Mechanism

Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor) agonist. Unlike other GHRPs, it selectively stimulates GH release without significantly affecting ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone — even at doses 200-fold above the ED50 for GH release. This selectivity profile is comparable to GHRH itself but operates through the distinct ghrelin receptor on pituitary somatotrophs.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.

Timing

Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach.

Cycle Duration

12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.

Side Effects

  • Head rush post-injection
  • Mild hunger increase (less than GHRP-6)
  • Water retention (mild)
  • Tingling in extremities
  • Injection site irritation

Contraindications

  • Active cancer
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Best Stacking Partners

CJC-1295 (no DAC)BPC-157TB-500
B

Selank

Peptides

Mechanism

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (from IgG heavy chain) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension for metabolic stability. It allosterically modulates GABA-A receptors, enhancing GABA binding and GABAergic neurotransmission. Selank modifies mRNA levels of 84 genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission in the frontal cortex, enhances enkephalinase inhibition (increasing endogenous enkephalin levels), and modulates serotonergic and noradrenergic systems to produce anxiolytic and nootropic effects.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).

Timing

Can be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night.

Cycle Duration

14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods.

Side Effects

  • Mild nasal irritation
  • Fatigue/sedation (uncommon)
  • Mild headache

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Severe hepatic impairment

Best Stacking Partners

SemaxBPC-157Thymosin Alpha-1

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