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Related Experiment Videos

Liver function test abnormalities in users of aqueous kava extracts.

Alan R Clough1, Ross S Bailie, Bart Currie

  • 1Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, NT, Australia. alan.clough@nt.gov.au

Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|December 18, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Aqueous kava extract use in Indigenous Australians showed reversible liver function changes. Abstinence for 1-2 weeks normalized liver enzymes, indicating no permanent damage from moderate consumption.

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Area of Science:

  • Ethnobotany
  • Hepatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Manufactured kava products linked to liver toxicity in Western countries.
  • Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander populations using aqueous kava extracts show no evidence of serious liver damage.
  • This study investigates liver function changes in Indigenous Australians using aqueous kava extracts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the reversibility of liver function changes associated with aqueous kava extract consumption.
  • To compare liver function tests between kava users and non-users in an Indigenous Australian community.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 98 participants (36 non-users, 62 users).
  • Kava users categorized by recent consumption (within 24 hours, 1-2 weeks, 1-2 months, or discontinued >1 year).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Liver function tests (GGT, ALP, ALT, bilirubin) analyzed, controlling for age, sex, and alcohol/substance use.

    • Main Results:

    • Moderate kava consumption (118 g/week, median 12 years use) was observed.
    • Recent kava use (within 24 hours) correlated with elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
    • Elevated liver enzymes normalized after 1-2 weeks of abstinence, with no significant changes in ALT or bilirubin.

    Conclusions:

    • Liver function changes associated with moderate aqueous kava extract use are reversible.
    • Abstinence from kava for 1-2 weeks allows liver enzymes to return to baseline levels.
    • No evidence of irreversible liver damage was found in this study population.