--- title: "Kavain vs N-Acetyl-Selank: Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)" url: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare/kavain-vs-n-acetyl-selank description: "Compare Kavain vs N-Acetyl-Selank side by side. We earn a commission on some vendor links. Mechanism, half-life, dose range, side effects and prices." lang: en --- Skip to content Compare notes on r/BodyHackGuide (https://reddit.com/r/bodyhackguide) Compare notes with other researchers. Join r/BodyHackGuide (https://reddit.com/r/bodyhackguide) # Kavain vs N-Acetyl-Selank Side-by-side comparison of Kavain and N-Acetyl-Selank: mechanism, half-life, dose range, safety profile, and vendor pricing. Kavain: no price on file N-Acetyl-Selank from $79.99 ## Price snapshot ### Kavain Current low — 7-day low — not enough history yet 30-day low — not enough history yet 30-day change — not enough history yet ### N-Acetyl-Selank Current low $79.99 current listings 7-day low — not enough history yet 30-day low — not enough history yet 30-day change — not enough history yet ## Kavain Kavain (kawain) is the principal kavalactone in kava (Piper methysticum) and the main compound behind kava's calming, anxiolytic effect. It positively modulates GABA-A receptors outside the benzodiazepine site and… No vendor price on file. Full Kavain profile (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/kavain) ## N-Acetyl-Selank N-Acetyl-Selank is the N-terminally acetylated analog of Selank, a tuftsin-derived heptapeptide used intranasally for its reported anxiolytic and nootropic effects. The acetyl group is claimed to improve stability and… **Lowest listed price:** $79.99 across 2 listings Full N-Acetyl-Selank profile (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/n-acetyl-selank) ## Side-by-side comparison | Attribute | Kavain | N-Acetyl-Selank | | --- | --- | --- | | Category | Nootropics | Cognitive | | Research Stage | Preclinical for isolated kavain (in-vitro and animal mechanistic data). Human randomized controlled trials exist for the parent standardized kava extract, of which kavain is the principal kavalactone; the single molecule itself has not been trialed alone. | Preclinical (the N-acetyl analog has no dedicated studies); parent Selank has limited clinical use in Russia | | Mechanism of Action | Kavain is the most abundant kavalactone in kava (Piper methysticum) and the main driver of the plant's calming activity. It is a research-use-only compound; the mechanisms below come from in-vitro and animal work on isolated kavain plus human trials of the… | N-Acetyl-Selank is the N-terminally acetylated analog of Selank, a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the endogenous immunopeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tail added to slow enzymatic breakdown.… | | Half-Life | Not firmly established for isolated kavain in humans. Kavalactones are lipophilic and rapidly absorbed, with subjective effects generally lasting a few hours. Limited pharmacokinetic data preclude a precise elimination half-life. | Not established for the N-acetyl analog. Parent Selank has a very short plasma half-life (on the order of minutes, as expected for a small peptide) but produces behavioral effects lasting hours, attributed to active fragments and downstream enkephalin/GABA modulation. N-acetylation is claimed to slow N-terminal degradation and extend duration, but this is unquantified in published literature. | | Typical Dose Range | 50-250 mg | 100-900 mcg | | Dosing Frequency | 1-2 times daily, as needed; not intended for continuous long-term daily use | Once or twice daily (intranasal); some advanced users split into 2-3 doses | | Administration | — | — | | Side Effects | Commonly mild: GI upset/nausea, headache (more headaches were reported in the kava arm than placebo in a GAD trial [PMID:23635869]), daytime drowsiness, and mild dizziness. With chronic heavy use: 'kava dermopathy', a reversible dry, scaly, yellowed skin rash.… | In short Russian clinical trials, parent Selank was generally well tolerated with no serious adverse effects reported [PMID:18454096]. Reported or plausible effects (largely extrapolated to the analog): mild nasal irritation or congestion from the spray,… | | Molecular Weight | 230.26 g/mol (C14H14O3; PubChem CID 837). Naturally occurring form is the (+)-enantiomer. | ~793.9 g/mol (theoretical: Selank ~751.9 g/mol + N-terminal acetyl, ~+42). Approximate molecular formula C35H59N11O10. | | Common Vial Sizes | — | — | ## Price tracking Tracking N-Acetyl-Selank prices since September 5, 2026. Trend chart unlocks once we have price snapshots from more than one day. ### Kavain: potential benefits - Reduced anxiety and nervous tension - the parent standardized kava extract (of which kavain is the principal kavalactone) produced a moderate anxiolytic effect versus placebo in generalized anxiety disorder RCTs [PMID:23635869][PMID:19430766] - Physical and mental relaxation without the heavy sedation or dependence profile of benzodiazepines, since kavain modulates GABA-A outside the benzodiazepine site [PMID:27332705] - Calming and sleep-onset support, reported anecdotally with evening kava/kavain use (isolated-kavain benefit is extrapolated from extract data plus community use, not directly trialed) - Mild muscle relaxation and a soothing analgesic feel, consistent with kavain's effects on voltage-gated Na+ and L-type Ca2+ channels [PMID:9690349][PMID:11642654] - Sociable, clear-headed calm frequently described in traditional and community use of kava beverages ### N-Acetyl-Selank: potential benefits - Anxiolytic (calming) effects - the most-studied action of parent Selank, including a Russian clinical trial in generalized anxiety disorder [PMID:18454096] - Nootropic / cognitive support - reported attention and memory benefits in rodent models, linked to BDNF changes [PMID:31625062] - Stress resilience reported without the sedation, tolerance, or dependence typically seen with benzodiazepines (preclinical framing) [PMID:30255741] - Possible support during withdrawal states (alcohol, opioid) in animal models [PMID:24913576][PMID:36322304] - Claimed longer duration vs. plain Selank from N-terminal acetylation - a community/vendor claim not verified in published data ## Frequently asked ### What's the difference between Kavain and N-Acetyl-Selank? Kavain is a nootropics that kavain is the most abundant kavalactone in kava (piper methysticum) and the main driver of the plant's calming activity. it is a research-use-only compound; the mechanisms below…. N-Acetyl-Selank is a cognitive that n-acetyl-selank is the n-terminally acetylated analog of selank, a synthetic heptapeptide (thr-lys-pro-arg-pro-gly-pro) derived from the endogenous immunopeptide tuftsin…. The two differ in mechanism, half-life (Not firmly established for isolated kavain in humans. Kavalactones are lipophilic and rapidly absorbed, with subjective effects generally lasting a few hours. Limited pharmacokinetic data preclude a precise elimination half-life. vs Not established for the N-acetyl analog. Parent Selank has a very short plasma half-life (on the order of minutes, as expected for a small peptide) but produces behavioral effects lasting hours, attributed to active fragments and downstream enkephalin/GABA modulation. N-acetylation is claimed to slow N-terminal degradation and extend duration, but this is unquantified in published literature.), and typical dose range. ### Which has the longer half-life, Kavain or N-Acetyl-Selank? Kavain has a half-life of Not firmly established for isolated kavain in humans. Kavalactones are lipophilic and rapidly absorbed, with subjective effects generally lasting a few hours. Limited pharmacokinetic data preclude a precise elimination half-life.. N-Acetyl-Selank has a half-life of Not established for the N-acetyl analog. Parent Selank has a very short plasma half-life (on the order of minutes, as expected for a small peptide) but produces behavioral effects lasting hours, attributed to active fragments and downstream enkephalin/GABA modulation. N-acetylation is claimed to slow N-terminal degradation and extend duration, but this is unquantified in published literature.. Longer half-lives generally mean less frequent dosing but slower on/off kinetics. ### Can you stack Kavain and N-Acetyl-Selank? Stacking depends on mechanism overlap, safety profile, and goals. Kavain and N-Acetyl-Selank should only be stacked after reviewing each compound's individual protocol page, side effect profile, and any published interaction data. Use the BodyHackGuide stack builder for a structured review before combining research compounds. ## See current vendor prices Listings from the vendors we track. Prices change often, so check the vendor before you buy. Kavain prices: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/kavain?tab=prices N-Acetyl-Selank prices: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/n-acetyl-selank?tab=prices Compare all compounds: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare ### Before you buy Kavain or N-Acetyl-Selank Check the vendor trust score. Every supplier we track is rated 0-100 on COA verification, payment transparency, shipping, reviews, and listings: one published, reproducible methodology, applied to every vendor. View Vendor Scorecard (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/scorecard) ## Related comparisons N Acetyl Selank vs N Acetyl Semax: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare/n-acetyl-selank-vs-n-acetyl-semax **Research use only.** BodyHackGuide is a research and price-comparison reference. The compounds discussed on this page are not approved by the FDA for human consumption and are sold strictly for laboratory research. Prices shown are pulled from vendor listings tracked on BHG and are subject to change. Every vendor is ranked on the same public, reproducible methodology. See editorial standards (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/editorial-standards) and affiliate disclosure (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/affiliate-disclosure). BodyHackGuide (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/) Your biohacking research hub: compound pricing, brain health protocols, dosing tools, and vendor reviews. support@bodyhackguide.co Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Mhq5UdRYBA r/BodyHackGuide on Reddit: https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide **Affiliate Disclosure:** We rank every vendor on the same public, reproducible methodology (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/methodology). Full details in our affiliate disclosure (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/affiliate-disclosure). **Research Disclaimer:** All compounds listed are for laboratory and research purposes only. Not for human consumption. This site does not sell or ship any products. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional and comply with local regulations. © 2026 BodyHackGuide. 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N-Acetyl-Selank is a cognitive that n-acetyl-selank is the n-terminally acetylated analog of selank, a synthetic heptapeptide (thr-lys-pro-arg-pro-gly-pro) derived from the endogenous immunopeptide tuftsin…. The two differ in mechanism, half-life (Not firmly established for isolated kavain in humans. Kavalactones are lipophilic and rapidly absorbed, with subjective effects generally lasting a few hours. Limited pharmacokinetic data preclude a precise elimination half-life. vs Not established for the N-acetyl analog. Parent Selank has a very short plasma half-life (on the order of minutes, as expected for a small peptide) but produces behavioral effects lasting hours, attributed to active fragments and downstream enkephalin/GABA modulation. N-acetylation is claimed to slow N-terminal degradation and extend duration, but this is unquantified in published literature.), and typical dose range." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which has the longer half-life, Kavain or N-Acetyl-Selank?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Kavain has a half-life of Not firmly established for isolated kavain in humans. Kavalactones are lipophilic and rapidly absorbed, with subjective effects generally lasting a few hours. Limited pharmacokinetic data preclude a precise elimination half-life.. N-Acetyl-Selank has a half-life of Not established for the N-acetyl analog. Parent Selank has a very short plasma half-life (on the order of minutes, as expected for a small peptide) but produces behavioral effects lasting hours, attributed to active fragments and downstream enkephalin/GABA modulation. N-acetylation is claimed to slow N-terminal degradation and extend duration, but this is unquantified in published literature.. Longer half-lives generally mean less frequent dosing but slower on/off kinetics." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you stack Kavain and N-Acetyl-Selank?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Stacking depends on mechanism overlap, safety profile, and goals. Kavain and N-Acetyl-Selank should only be stacked after reviewing each compound's individual protocol page, side effect profile, and any published interaction data. Use the BodyHackGuide stack builder for a structured review before combining research compounds." } } ] } ] ```