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Kava for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Review of Current Evidence
Soo Liang Ooi1, Penny Henderson2, Sok Cheon Pak2
11 Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine , Singapore, Singapore .
Summary
Kava (Piper methysticum) shows potential for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) but current evidence is insufficient to confirm effects beyond placebo. Further research is ongoing to clarify Kava
Area of Science:
- Phytotherapy
- Psychiatry
- Evidence-based Medicine
Background:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition with limited treatment efficacy and side effects from conventional therapies.
- Kava (Piper methysticum) is explored as a phytotherapeutic alternative for GAD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing evidence on Kava's efficacy in treating GAD.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of English-language clinical trials on Kava for GAD was conducted across major databases.
Main Results:
- Twelve articles were reviewed; some trials suggested Kava's effectiveness, while one showed no difference from placebo.
- Meta-analyses of three placebo-controlled trials (n=130) favored Kava (SMD 0.59-0.99) but lacked statistical significance.
- Kava is safe for short-term use (4-8 weeks) at 120-280 mg/day of Kavalactones, appealing to patients seeking natural remedies.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence for Kava in GAD treatment is promising but insufficient to confirm efficacy beyond placebo.
- A large, multisite trial is ongoing, which is expected to provide new evidence.
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