Depression is a common and distressing mental disorder characterized by extreme sadness, fatigue, feelings of hopeless and loss of interest in life. It affects 18 million Americans every year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, but usually can be treated successfully with antidepressant medicines and counseling. The herb kava kava also is sometimes used to treat mood disorders, including depression, despite the fact that there is little evidence to prove that it is effective. Consult your doctor before using kava kava and do not use it in place of prescription medicines.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Kava kava is a type of pepper that grows in regions of the South Pacific. It is primarily used as an alternative remedy for stress-related disorders, including insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. Kava kava is traditionally consumed as a social beverage, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, although it also is available in capsules or tablets. It contains a host of active compounds, including kavapyrones, which might affect levels of the "feel good" brain chemical, serotonin.
Effectiveness
Few clinical studies have evaluated kava kava's effectiveness as an antidepressant, but the results of a small clinical trial in patients with major depressive disorder, published in the January 2009 issue of "Human Psychopharmacology," show that it might have a small antidepressant effect. However, a review of clinical studies looking at the effects of herbs on mood disorders, published in the August 2009 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," concludes that the only herb with scientific evidence to support its use as an anti-depressant is St. John's wort. In addition, MedlinePlus warns that kava kava might even increase symptoms of depression in some people.
Safety Considerations
There are major safety concerns surrounding the use of kava kava, according to MedlinePlus. Its use has been linked with liver damage and even death, even following only short-term use. Ensure you have regular liver function tests while using this herb and use it only under medical supervision. Avoid kava kava if you have an existing liver problem, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Other Herbs
Other herbs with more substantive evidence to support their use in the treatment of depression include St. John's wort and ginkgo biloba. St. John's wort has been studied extensively as an antidepressant treatment and might work as well as prescription antidepressants, according to UMMC. Ginkgo biloba is primarily used to treat "thinking disorders" like memory loss and dementia, but might improve depression by helping the brain respond to serotonin. Get medical advice before using either of these herbs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Depression
- "Human Psychopharmacology"; St. John's Wort and Kava in Treating Major Depressive Disorder With Comorbid anxiety: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial; J. Sarris, et al.; January 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Kava
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Kava and St. John's Wort: Current Evidence for Use in Mood and Anxiety Disorders; J. Sarris and D.J. Kavanagh; August 2009
- MedlinePlus: Kava
