Adverse-effect profile of kava.

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Herbal Medicine

Background:

• Alternative therapies, including phytomedicines like kava (Piper methysticum), are increasingly used for chronic conditions such as anxiety.
• Kava exhibits anxiolytic activity and offers potential advantages over conventional treatments, including better tolerability and no dependence or withdrawal.
• Limited regulatory oversight and safety data for phytomedicines in the U.S. raise concerns about their safety profile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety profile of kava in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.
• To assess adverse events, withdrawal symptoms, and physiological effects of kava compared to placebo.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted to assess the safety of kava in generalized anxiety disorder.
• Safety parameters included adverse events, withdrawal symptoms, heart rate, blood pressure, laboratory tests, and sexual function.
• Kava was administered at 280 mg kava lactones/day for 4 weeks, with comparisons to a placebo group.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed between the kava and placebo groups across all assessed safety parameters.
• Specifically, no differences were found in adverse events, withdrawal symptoms, heart rate, blood pressure, laboratory assessments, or sexual function.
• The findings indicate that kava is safe under the studied conditions.

Conclusions:

• The data support the safety of using kava for treating anxiety at a dosage of 280 mg kava lactones/day for 4 weeks.
• Kava appears to be a safe phytomedicine option for anxiety management, with a safety profile comparable to placebo.
• Further research may be warranted, but current findings suggest kava is a safe alternative for anxiety.