PHYSICIAN NU-NEWS

Editor: David Martin, Pharm.D., FACN, CNS

 

DESCRIPTION: Kava Kava is a natural medicine from the Piper methysticum Forst (Piperaceae) plant found primarily in the South Pacific. The plant belongs to the pepper family, which smells like pepper and garlic and has a mild pepper-nutmeg taste.

At least 7 active kava pyrones, commonly known as kava lactones have been identified. Kawain, dihydrokawain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, 7,8-dihyroyagonin and yangonin are the most active constituents.

Kava Kava is classified as an herbal depressant that causes tranquil intoxication in which thoughts and memory remain clear.

 

INDICATION: Anxiety of non-psychotic origin; adjunct to smoking cessation.

 

DOSAGE: Kava Kava is available as capsules of the whole herb, standardized extract, and liquid drinks. NOTE: labeled contents are unreliable – use only products from quality manufacturers.

Whole Herb: 450 – 500 mg tid

Std Herb 250 mg tid (30% kava lactone 75 mg)

No known side effects

 

ADVERSE REACTIONS: The following have been reported in heavy users:

Sebotropic drug reaction (ichthyosiform kava dermapathy)

Coma – Kava & alprazolam (Xanax)

Alcohol – Kava potentiation (abuse increasing)

 

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Kava Kava pyrones have been found to inhibit the uptake of [3H]-monoamine (noradrenaline) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The limbic structures and, in particular, the amygdalar complex represent the preferential site of action.