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Kava (WS-1490)

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Kava (WS-1490). Standardized kavalactone extract for anxiety.

How it works. Kavalactones potentiate GABA-A and inhibit reuptake of noradrenaline.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Comparable to oxazepam for GAD (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 100–250 mg kavalactones.

Side effects and interactions. 2 medication interactions listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Magnesium glycinate, L-theanine.

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Kava (WS-1490). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Kava (WS-1490). Standardized kavalactone extract for anxiety.

Key compound: kavainC14H14O3 · 230.26 g/mol

What it is

Standardized kavalactone extract for anxiety.

Food sources

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

Goals

Mood & AnxietySleep & Recovery

How it works

Kavalactones potentiate GABA-A and inhibit reuptake of noradrenaline.

Pathways

  • Kavalactones potentiate GABA-A
  • inhibit reuptake of noradrenaline

Effects

  • +Comparable to oxazepam for GAD supports

What the research supports

Comparable to oxazepam for GADstrong

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
100–250 mg kavalactones
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith food
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset
  • Drowsiness

Medication interactions

CYP-metabolized drugsmoderate

Inhibits multiple CYP isoforms.

Hepatotoxic drugssevere

Avoid combination.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Kava (WS-1490) — Comparable to oxazepam for GAD ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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 ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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 ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kava (WS-1490) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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