Kava
- Latin
- Piper methysticum
Kava is a South Pacific root beverage and supplement studied mainly for anxiety. Any possible short-term benefit sits beside a rare but serious liver-injury risk, including liver failure and transplant cases, which makes product form and concurrent medicine important.
Also Known As
Latin: Piper methysticum
Traditional Context
Kava is not a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine material. It belongs to Pacific Island ceremonial and medicinal traditions with preparation methods that differ from many commercial extracts.
Primary Actions
- Traditionally prepared as a ceremonial and social beverage
- Traditionally used for calming and relaxation
Secondary Actions
- Used in Pacific Island medicine for a range of complaints
Classical References
- Pacific Island kava traditions
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Kavalactones
- Kavain
- Dihydrokavain
- Methysticin
- Yangonin
Studied Effects
- Anxiety symptoms, with mixed evidence and limited short-term benefit
- Sedative, muscle-relaxant, and neurologic effects
- Rare but sometimes severe liver injury
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Current or prior liver disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Use with alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other sedatives
- Use before driving, surgery, or other alertness-dependent activity
Cautions
- Kava products have been linked to rare cases of severe or fatal liver injury.
- Risk may vary with cultivar, plant part, extraction method, contamination, dose, duration, and individual susceptibility.
- Long-term high-dose use can cause dry scaly skin, neurologic effects, and other toxicity.
Drug Interactions
Kava can intensify benzodiazepines, barbiturates, alcohol, and other sedatives. It may also increase acetaminophen liver toxicity and alter CYP1A2 or CYP2E1 drug handling, although enzyme findings vary by preparation.
- Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other sedatives … Additive GABA-related sedation and muscle relaxation can impair breathing, alertness, and coordination. (Major) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
- Acetaminophen and other liver-toxic medicines … Kava enhanced acetaminophen-related liver cell toxicity in laboratory research, adding concern to its independent liver risk. (Major) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
- CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 substrate medicines … Human and preclinical findings suggest altered enzyme activity, but results vary by product and clinical relevance is not fully defined. (Uncertain) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kava used for?
Kava is traditionally used to Traditionally prepared as a ceremonial and social beverage, Traditionally used for calming and relaxation. Research has investigated its effects on: Anxiety symptoms, with mixed evidence and limited short-term benefit; Sedative, muscle-relaxant, and neurologic effects.
What are other names for Kava?
Kava is also known as Kava Kava, Awa, Yaqona. In TCM: Piper methysticum.
Is Kava safe during pregnancy?
Kava is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Kava?
Kava should not be used in: Current or prior liver disease; Pregnancy or breastfeeding; Use with alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other sedatives; Use before driving, surgery, or other alertness-dependent activity. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Does Kava interact with any medications?
Kava may interact with: Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other sedatives - Additive GABA-related sedation and muscle relaxation can impair breathing, alertness, and coordination. - (Major severity); Acetaminophen and other liver-toxic medicines - Kava enhanced acetaminophen-related liver cell toxicity in laboratory research, adding concern to its independent liver risk. - (Major severity); CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 substrate medicines - Human and preclinical findings suggest altered enzyme activity, but results vary by product and clinical relevance is not fully defined. - (Uncertain severity). Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.