Anxiolytic Research Peptides

4 research peptides demonstrate anxiolytic properties. This collection covers their mechanisms, evidence base, and research applications.

Preclinical | Nootropic / Anxiolytic

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, MW ~751.89 g/mol) developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Mechanism: Selank (C33H57N11O9, half-life ~2-10 minutes) crosses the blood-brain barrier. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, increasing GABA binding affinity without directly...

Approved (Russia Only) / Limited Data | Nootropic / Cognitive

Noopept (GVS-111, omberacetam) is a synthetic dipeptide derivative (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, MW ~318.4 g/mol) developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Mechanism: Noopept is rapidly metabolized after oral administration to its active metabolite cycloprolylglycine. It modulates AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptor function, increasing their sensitivity to glutamate...

Well-Characterized Neuropeptide / Active Drug Target | Neuropeptide / Reference

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino-acid peptide (MW ~4271.7 g/mol) that is one of the most abundant and widely distributed neuropeptides in the mammalian brain.

Mechanism: NPY signals through five receptor subtypes (Y1, Y2, Y4, Y5, Y6), all Gi/o-coupled GPCRs that inhibit adenylyl cyclase and reduce cAMP. Y1 receptors mediate anxiolytic effects and vasoconstriction.

Approved drug (limited markets) with off-label use | Reproductive / Neurological

Demoxytocin is a synthetic analog of oxytocin with a deaminated N-terminal amino group that provides improved resistance to enzymatic degradation (aminopeptidases).

Mechanism: Demoxytocin acts as an agonist at the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a Gq-coupled GPCR expressed in the uterus, mammary glands, brain, and cardiovascular system.