--- title: "Kavain vs Selank: Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)" url: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare/kavain-vs-selank description: "Compare Kavain vs Selank side by side. We earn a commission on some vendor links. Mechanism, half-life, dose range, side effects and prices. Selank from $25.00." 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 Selank Side-by-side comparison of Kavain and Selank: mechanism, half-life, dose range, safety profile, and vendor pricing. Kavain: no price on file Selank from $25.00 ## 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 ### Selank Current low $25.00 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) ## Selank Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, 750 Da molecular weight) developed in the 1990s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences as a synthetic analog of tuftsin… **Lowest listed price:** $25.00 across 6 listings Full Selank profile (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/selank) ## Side-by-side comparison | Attribute | Kavain | Selank | | --- | --- | --- | | Category | Nootropics | Nootropics | | 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. | Approved (Russia, as anxiolytic and nootropic medication) | | 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… | Primary Mechanism: Multi-System Neurochemical Modulation Selank does not have a single clean receptor-binding mechanism. Unlike benzodiazepines (GABA-A positive allosteric modulators), SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibition), or buspirone (5-HT1A partial… | | 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. | ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional anxiolytic and nootropic effects persist 12-24 hours due to gene expression and neurotransmitter modulation) | | Typical Dose Range | 50-250 mg | 250-750 mcg intranasal daily (0.15% solution: 2-3 drops per nostril 2-3x daily); typical course is 14-21 days | | Dosing Frequency | 1-2 times daily, as needed; not intended for continuous long-term daily use | Intranasal 1–3 times daily | | Administration | — | Intranasal | | 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.… | Overall Safety Profile Selank has one of the best safety profiles in the anxiolytic space. Over 15+ years of Russian clinical use and research, the compound has been associated with essentially no serious adverse events at therapeutic doses. This compares… | | Molecular Weight | 230.26 g/mol (C14H14O3; PubChem CID 837). Naturally occurring form is the (+)-enantiomer. | 751.9 Da | | Common Vial Sizes | — | 5mg, 10mg | ## Price History 5 data points - OF - Half Nattys - Ion Peptide - BHG Labs ### 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 ### Selank: potential benefits - Anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation or dependence in Russian clinical trials (PMID: 18454096) - Positive allosteric modulation of brain GABA receptors through a non-benzodiazepine binding site (PMID: 30255741) - Immunomodulation via Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and IL-6 regulation in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders (PMID: 18577961) - Cognitive and memory support linked to BDNF upregulation in the hippocampus in preclinical models (PMID: 18841804) - Modulation of the endogenous enkephalin-opioid system supporting mood and stress tolerance (PMID: 22550852) - Anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic effects through normalization of stress-induced cytokine dysregulation - Non-addictive anxiolytic profile - no tolerance, withdrawal, or dependence reported across years of Russian clinical use ## Frequently asked ### What's the difference between Kavain and 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…. Selank is a nootropics that primary mechanism: multi-system neurochemical modulation selank does not have a single clean receptor-binding mechanism. unlike benzodiazepines (gaba-a positive allosteric…. 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 ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional anxiolytic and nootropic effects persist 12-24 hours due to gene expression and neurotransmitter modulation)), and typical dose range. ### Which has the longer half-life, Kavain or 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.. Selank has a half-life of ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional anxiolytic and nootropic effects persist 12-24 hours due to gene expression and neurotransmitter modulation). Longer half-lives generally mean less frequent dosing but slower on/off kinetics. ### Can you stack Kavain and Selank? Stacking depends on mechanism overlap, safety profile, and goals. Kavain and 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 Selank prices: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/selank?tab=prices Compare all compounds: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare ### Before you buy Kavain or 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 Selank vs Semax: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare/selank-vs-semax Selank vs Phenibut: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare/selank-vs-phenibut **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. All rights reserved. - Terms: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/terms - Privacy: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/privacy ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Compare", "item": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Kavain vs Selank" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebPage", "name": "Kavain vs Selank: Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)", "description": "Compare Kavain vs Selank side by side. We earn a commission on some vendor links. Mechanism, half-life, dose range, side effects and prices. 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Selank is a nootropics that primary mechanism: multi-system neurochemical modulation selank does not have a single clean receptor-binding mechanism. unlike benzodiazepines (gaba-a positive allosteric…. 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 ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional anxiolytic and nootropic effects persist 12-24 hours due to gene expression and neurotransmitter modulation)), and typical dose range." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which has the longer half-life, Kavain or 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.. Selank has a half-life of ~2-3 minutes plasma half-life (functional anxiolytic and nootropic effects persist 12-24 hours due to gene expression and neurotransmitter modulation). Longer half-lives generally mean less frequent dosing but slower on/off kinetics." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you stack Kavain and Selank?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Stacking depends on mechanism overlap, safety profile, and goals. Kavain and 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." } } ] } ] ```