Kava
Background
Kava is native to the islands of the South Pacific and is a member of
the pepper family.
Pacific islanders have used kava in ceremonies to bring about a state
of relaxation.
Today, people use kava as a dietary supplement for anxiety.
The
root and underground stem (fresh or dried) are used to prepare drinks;
they are also made into extracts, capsules, and tablets.
How Much Do We Know?
There is a fair amount of clinical research on kava.
What Have We Learned?
Kava supplements may have a small effect on reducing anxiety, but they
have been linked to a risk of severe liver disease.
Differences
in dosages used, preparation methods, and study designs have resulted
in mixed conclusions about kava’s usefulness.
What Do We Know About Safety?
In
March 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned health care
providers and the public about the risk of liver damage associated
with kava.
Combining kava with alcohol may increase the risk of
liver damage.
Long-term use of high doses of kava has been associated with dry, scaly
skin or yellowing of the skin.
Heavy consumption of kava has been associated with heart problems and
eye irritation.
Keep in Mind
Tell
all your health care providers about any complementary or integrative
health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to
manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and
safe care.
Key References
- Chiappedi
M, de Vincenzi S, Bejor M. Nutraceuticals
in psychiatric practice.Recent
Patents on CNS Drug Discovery. 2012;7(2):163-172.
- Feucht
C, Patel DR. Herbal
medicines in pediatric neuropsychiatry. Pediatric Clinics of North
America. 2011;58(1):33-54.
- Kava.
Natural Medicines Database Web site. Accessed at
naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com on April 8, 2015.
[Database subscription].
- Pittler
MH, Ernst E. Kava extract versus placebo for treating anxiety. Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews. 2003;(1):CD003383
[edited 2010]. Accessed at http://www.thecochranelibrary.com(link
is external) on
April 30, 2015.
- U.S.
Food and Drug Administration. Consumer Advisory:
Kava-Containing Dietary Supplements May Be Associated With Severe Liver
Injury. U.S.
Food and Drug Administration Web site. Accessed at http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm085482.htm on
April 30, 2015.
-NIH
