Overview
Standardized kavalactone extract for anxiety.
- Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)
- Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)
- Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice
- Standardized extract capsule
- Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
- Powdered whole herb
- Traditional decoction or tea
Forms & variants of Kava
Different chemical forms of Kava behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.
Mechanism of action
Kavalactones potentiate GABA-A and inhibit reuptake of noradrenaline.
- · Kavalactones potentiate GABA-A
- · inhibit reuptake of noradrenaline
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Kava (WS-1490) modulates monoaminergic and GABAergic tone relevant to mood and anxiety regulation.
Evidence-based benefits
Comparable to oxazepam for GAD
Strong evidencePotential side effects
- · GI upset
- · Drowsiness
- · Hepatotoxicity (especially with stems/leaves)
Drug interactions
Safety & non-supplemental interactions
Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.
- ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
- ·Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sedating antihistamines (additive CNS depression)
Supplement interactions
- Magnesium glycinateComplementary GABAergic calming and improved sleep architecture.
- L-theanineReduces sleep latency without sedation.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.
Third-party testedIndependently verified Kava (WS-1490) — look for USP, NSF, or Informed Sport seals on the label for purity and dose accuracy.Kava (WS-1490) third party tested NSF
CapsulesPre-measured Kava (WS-1490) capsules — easiest for travel and consistent daily dosing without scoops or scales.Kava (WS-1490) capsules
PowderBulk unflavored Kava (WS-1490) powder — best cost-per-gram and flexible dosing for stacking or mixing into drinks.Kava (WS-1490) powder unflavored
Best sellersMost-purchased Kava (WS-1490) products on Amazon — a quick way to see what's reviewed widely before you commit.Kava (WS-1490) best sellerScientific evidence8Show studiesHide studies
WS-1490 vs placebo in anxiety
Volz HP, Kieser M
24-week DB-RCT in 101 anxiety patients.
Significantly superior to placebo on HAM-A.
PubMed: Kava (WS-1490) — Comparable to oxazepam for GAD
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Kava (WS-1490) Comparable to oxazepam for GAD" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kava (WS-1490) and "Comparable to oxazepam for GAD". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Kava (WS-1490) — randomized controlled trial
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Kava (WS-1490) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kava (WS-1490) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Kava (WS-1490) — meta-analysis
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Kava (WS-1490) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kava (WS-1490) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Kava (WS-1490) — pharmacokinetics
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Kava (WS-1490) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kava (WS-1490) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Kava (WS-1490) — safety adverse events
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Kava (WS-1490) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kava (WS-1490) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Kava (WS-1490) — dose response
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Kava (WS-1490) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kava (WS-1490) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Google Scholar: Kava (WS-1490) — clinical evidence
Live Scholar search
Cross-database citation index for Kava (WS-1490) as it relates to "clinical evidence".
Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.