Kava kava, also known by the names kawa, tonga, ava, awa, kawa and yangona, is a root that has been used by people in the Pacific Islands for hundreds of years during elaborate kava ceremonies and during less formal situations as a mild intoxicant. In the U.S, kava kava is used to create feelings of relaxation, well being and contentment, and to relieve insomnia and anxiety. Kava kava has the potential to cause severe liver damage, and thus, you should not take it without the supervision of a doctor.
How Kava Kava Works
Kavalactones, also known as kavapyrones, are the main active ingredients of kava kava and are found in the root of the plant. Dihydrokavain, one of the most active of these chemicals, has been found to produce painkilling, sedative and anticonvulsant effects. Other kavalactones, including kavain, methysticin, and dihydromethysticin, also act as sedatives.
Health Warning
Numerous case reports document severe liver injury associated with the use of kava kava. Although rare, this is a serious potential problem that has resulted in cirrhosis, hepatitis and liver failure, with some cases requiring liver transplantation. The U.S. food and Drug Administration issued a consumer advisory warning of potential liver damage associated with kava kava in 2002, and some European countries have removed it from the marketplace completely. A 2008 study from the University of Sydney supported the link between kava kava and liver damage. Researchers found evidence that kavain, one of the active ingredients of kava kava, disrupts the structure and normal function of the liver.
Precautions
Kava kava should not be used at all by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, people who drink alcohol in excess, or anyone who has liver disease. Kava kava should not be taken with alcohol or by those who are going to have surgery. Others should only use kava kava under the supervision of a physician. Because of the potential for liver damage, there is no dose that is considered safe.
Interactions
Kava kava has the potential to cause dangerous interactions with alcohol and with some medications, such as anti-anxiety agents, water pills, anti-psychotic medications, levodopa and drugs used to treat seizures. Do not take kava kava with these drugs or with any medication that can irritate the liver.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Kava Kava
- FDA; Consumer Advisory: Kava-Containing Dietary Supplements May be Associated With Severe Liver Injury; March 25, 2002
- ScienceDaily; Kava Linked To Liver Damage, New Evidence Shows; February 23, 2008
- Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation: Is Kava an Herb That is Safe to Use?
- NYU Langone Medical Center; Kava; February 2011
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