Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
GABA wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
250-750mg
30-60 minutes before desired effect, Before bed for sleep, Before stressful events for anxiety
Capsules or powder
150-300mg kavalactones daily
Evening for relaxation, 30-60 minutes before stressful events, Before bed for sleep
Water-extracted root powder or capsules
Excessive sedation and CNS depression
Avoid combining due to additive CNS depression.
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
1-2 hours
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonists for acute stroke
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2018) · Meta analysis · n=3838
The most frequent adverse events related to chlormethiazole were somnolence (RR 4.56, 95% CI 3.50 to 5.95; two trials; 2527 participants; moderate-quality evidence) and rhinitis (RR 4.75, 95% CI 2.67 to 8.46; two trials; 2527 participants; moderate-quality evidence).
GABA Analogue HSK16149 in Chinese Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: A Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial
JAMA network open (2024) · Rct · n=393
Of 725 randomized patients in the full-analysis set (393 men [54.2%]; mean [SD] age, 58.80 [9.53] years; 700 [96.6%] of Han Chinese ethnicity), 177 received placebo; 178, HSK16149, 40 mg/d; 179, HSK16149, 80 mg/d; 66, HSK16149, 120 mg/d; 63, HSK16149, 160 mg/d; and 62, pregabalin, 300 mg/d.
Neurometabolite differences in Autism as assessed with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews (2024) · Meta analysis
Data were extracted and grouped by metabolite, brain region and several other factors before calculation of standardised effect sizes.
Azapirones for generalized anxiety disorder
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2006) · Meta analysis · n=5908
The calculated number needed to treat for azapirones using the Clinical Global Impression scale was 4.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.16 to 15.4).
Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2018) · Systematic review
Other encouraging herbal medicines with preliminary evidence include Curcuma longa (turmeric) in depression, Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) in affective disorders, and Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) as an adjunctive treatment in Schizophrenia.
GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2018) · Systematic review
An open-ended search to 5 July 2017 was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane library online databases and performed in a stepped format from preclinical to clinical investigations.
GABA has a higher evidence score (8.5/10 vs 9/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For reduce anxiety & stress, Kava has a higher relevance score (90 vs 75).
Excessive sedation and CNS depression Avoid combining due to additive CNS depression. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.