Kava Kava Piper Methysticum
- Monica Freeman
- Aug 19, 2024
- 2 min read
Kava Piper methysticum is a traditional Pacific Islands crop used to make a sedative and anesthetic drink from its roots (Hussein, 2015). In recent years, kava has gained popularity outside of the Pacific Islands, particularly in the US and Europe, as an alternative treatment for anxiety and stress (Hussein, 2015). However, the safety of kava has sparked debates due to differing regulatory stances.
In the US, Kava is classified as a dietary supplement (Hussein, 2015). While warnings have been issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding potential liver injury associated with its use, they have not banned its sale or distribution (Hussein, 2015). The FDA attributes the risk of liver toxicity to excessive use or possible contamination rather than kava itself (Food and Drug Administration, 2002).
On the other hand, several European countries, including Germany and France, have banned the sale of kava following reported cases of hepatotoxicity (Hussein, 2015). The German regulatory agency determined that the risks outweighed the benefits (Hussein, 2015). However, this decision was later overturned in 2014 by the German Federal Administrative Court, which stated that the evidence of hepatotoxicity was insufficient, considering the therapeutic benefits of Kava (Schmidt, 2014). Per Teschke (2010), data suggests that hepatotoxicity may be due to poor quality of material, prolonged treatment, medication, or overdose (p. 251).
However, in vitro, animal, and randomized controlled studies suggest that kava is safe when used correctly (Soares et al., 2022). Given the inconclusive research on kava's safety, further investigation is necessary. However, despite differing regulatory stances in the US and Europe, there is a leaning towards accepting kava, provided it is used responsibly and appropriately recommended. Ongoing monitoring and regulation are emphasized to ensure its safe use.
References
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2002). Consumer Advisory: Kava-containing dietary supplements may be associated with severe liver injury. Retrieved from https://wayback.archive-it.org/7993/20170722144010/https:/www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/SafetyAlertsAdvisories/ucm085482.htm
Hussein, A. (2015). A closer look at the risks vs. benefits of kava (Piper methysticum). Student Research (4)2, 69-72.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (2020). Kava. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/kava
Schmidt, M. (2014). German court ruling reverses kava ban; German regulatory authority appeals decision. HerbalGram 103, 38-43. Retrieved from
Singh, Y. N. (1992). Kava: An overview. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 37(1), 13-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(92)90003-A
Soares, R. B., Dinis-Oliveira, R. J., & Oliveira, N. G. (2022). An updated review on the psychoactive, toxic and anticancer properties of kava. Journal of clinical medicine, 11(14), 4039. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/11/14/4039/pdf
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