Harry Feldman, an anthropologist at the Australian National University, reported in a 1999 paper, that kava drinking in the Pacific island nation of Tonga can be viewed in two ways: private faikava, or kava-use, and the kalapu kava, or Tonga 'kava club.' These two uses reflect the two main effects of Tongan kava. The first involves a public, mildly intoxicating function and the second a more formal and intricate social cohesion. Kava is a "community-forming" drink. It is non-alcoholic but liver-toxic.
Liver Function
Researchers at the John A. Burns School of Medicine of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, reported in 2007 in the journal "Clinical Toxicology," that 65 percent of Tongan men who chronically drink large quantities of kava demonstrated an elevation of the liver enzyme GGT, over twice the level in non-kava drinkers. ALP, another liver enzyme, was above normal in 23 percent of kava drinkers, almost eight times that of non-users.
According to the Australian physician, Dr Sandra Cabot, author of the 1997 book "The Liver Cleansing Diet," elevated ALP, alkaline phosphatase, indicates the presence of liver disease.
Elevation of the liver enzyme GGT, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, is typical in alcohol abuse or excessive use of other liver-toxic substances.
Neuromuscular Function
Herbalists writing for "Vitamins & Health Supplements Guide," say that kava's active ingredients produce a calming or sedative effect. Muscle relaxation, relief of spasms, and prevention of convulsions have also been medically documented. Anxiety and related symptoms like restlessness, nervousness and dizziness are also alleviated.
Harry Feldman's Australian National University report attributed many of kava's social bonding effects to these psychoactive and possibly habituating aspects of its use.
Social Effects
Feldman's report describes private use of kava, the faikava, as an informal social event where anyone may join a group making and drinking kava. The mildly inebriating and calming effects nurture social bonds within the community.
The more formal kalapu kava, or Tonga 'kava club,' includes an elaborate ceremony employing special utensils, unmarried, young female "mixers" to press and strain the beverage as it is made, and other special preparations. It is often used as a courtship ritual or for religious purposes. Attendance is sometimes restricted or opened to paying participants as a commercial venture.
This effect of Tongan kava use has served to strengthen social cohesion since prehistoric times in these Pacific island people groups.
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