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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Probiotics wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
4 of 7 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
18 of 26 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
150-300mg kavalactones daily
Evening for relaxation, 30-60 minutes before stressful events, Before bed for sleep
Water-extracted root powder or capsules
10-20 billion CFU
With or without food (strain-dependent), Same time daily for consistency
Capsules with multiple strains
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
1-2 hours
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
First 1-2 weeks
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.
Herbal medicine for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Sleep medicine reviews (2015) · Meta analysis · n=1602
There was no statistically significant difference between any herbal medicine and placebo, or any herbal medicine and active control, for any of the thirteen measures of clinical efficacy.
Preventive Effect of Probiotics on Oral Mucositis Induced by Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
International journal of molecular sciences (2022) · Meta analysis · n=708
Three trials using Lactobacilli-based probiotics reported that the incidence of oral mucositis in the probiotic group was significantly low (risk ratio [RR] = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77−0.93, p = 0.0004).
Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020) · Meta analysis · n=12127
Effect size was similar in the sensitivity analysis and marked heterogeneity persisted.
Probiotics for the prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in adults and children
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2017) · Meta analysis · n=9955
A complete case analysis (i.e. participants who completed the study) among trials investigating CDAD (31 trials, 8672 participants) suggests that probiotics reduce the risk of CDAD by 60%.
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing efficacy vs placebo with effect size comparable to benzodiazepines for mild-moderate anxiety. WS1490 extract showed OR=3.3 vs placebo. Effectiveness limited to 60% due to mixed results in some GAD populations and study quality limitations.
Based on meta-analyses showing benefits for IBS and digestive symptoms. Effect sizes varied considerably between studies with low to very low certainty of evidence. Initial GI symptoms common when starting but typically resolve within 1-2 weeks.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Probiotics has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 9/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For reduce anxiety & stress, Kava has a higher relevance score (90 vs 52).
No known interactions between Kava and Probiotics have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.