GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Kava is a member of the pepper family. The
rhizome (underground stem) is used medicinally. Kava root is used to calm body and mind and promote restful sleep; it is also
helpful as a solution to low mood,
muscle spasms or tightness and anxiety. Kava’s relaxant properties are created by certain
oxygen containing, lipid-like compounds known as lactones or pyrones. Researchers have
identified six major kavalactones (a class of lactones) and
another dozen minor ones. Exactly how the kavalactones act
on the brain is still being determined. Like Valium and related synthetic drugs, they may influence GABA, the neurotransmitter that acts as a
brake on the central nervous system. A recent double-blind,
placebo-controlled study on subjects with anxiety found
that kava significantly reduced symptoms after one, two and four weeks of treatment, without
any adverse side effects.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
As noted above Kava is useful in combating
anxiety and stress, which are both risk factors for heart disease. An epidemiological study carried
out in 2000 uncovered a close inverse relationship between
cancer incidence and kava consumption, thus, implying
that the herb may also have anti-cancer properties.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Look for kava in capsules, liquids, and standardized
extracts; a few sources offer dried kava
in root pieces, cut and sifted and as a powder. For a mildly
relaxing, anxiety-relieving effect an average dose is 200 to
250mg of an extract standardized for 25 to 25% kavalactones.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS: IMPORTANT:
linking Kavakava to six cases of liver failure and one
death in mainland Europe products containing Kava-kava were withdrawn from sale in Spring 2002 by
a number of countries, including the UK, Germany,
Switzerland, France, and Ireland. Health Canada has advised
consumers not to use kava-kava or kava-containing
products until it has completed a safety
review of the herb. While the US’s FDA Center for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) recommends that persons
who have liver disease or liver problems, or persons
who are taking drug products that can affect the liver, should consult a physician before using
kava-containing supplements. Aside from recently reported
cases of liver toxicity, Kava-kava is associated with
few side effects. However, occasional or moderate
use of the herb may cause mild nausea and other gastrointestinal disturbances. High doses
of potent kava products, however, can reduce one’s motor
control and lead to accidents, including fatal ones if one
unwisely attempts to drive or operate heavy equipment
after taking it. Persistent heavy consumption of kava may cause diarrhea, an overall lethargy and
apathy or a scaly skin condition. Eliminating or cutting
back on kava consumption reverses these conditions. People
suffering from depression and those using drugs that act upon the central nervous system such as
alcohol, barbiturates, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotics
should avoid Kava. The herb is not recommended during
pregnancy and lactation.
