Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| MOTS-c | Selank | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 5-10 mg administered 3-5 times per week via subcutaneous injection. | Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril). |
| Timing | Morning administration preferred. Can be dosed pre-workout for enhanced exercise performance. | Can be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night. |
| Cycle Duration | 8-16 week cycles. | 14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods. |
| Evidence Level | Emerging (strong preclinical) | moderate_human |
MOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded by the 12S rRNA gene of the mitochondrial genome. It primarily acts through the folate-AICAR-AMPK pathway: by regulating the folate cycle and de novo purine biosynthesis, it increases AICAR accumulation, which phosphorylates and activates AMPK. This enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and mimics exercise-mediated physiological responses. Skeletal muscle MOTS-c levels increase 11.9-fold in response to acute exercise in young men.
Research indicates 5-10 mg administered 3-5 times per week via subcutaneous injection.
Morning administration preferred. Can be dosed pre-workout for enhanced exercise performance.
8-16 week cycles.
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.
Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).
Can be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night.
14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods.
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