General Description
A member of the pepper family, kava kava is a perennial shrub native
to many Pacific islands. Growing up to 20 feet in height, kava kava
has thin, heart-shaped leaves, which are 4 to 10 inches long and
roughly equal in width. The plant has a thick, knotty root, which
is used for medicinal purposes.
Health applications
History and traditional use
Pacific islanders' use of kava kava in traditional ceremonies dates
back several centuries, predating all written historical records
of the region. Europeans were introduced to the herb when British
explorer Captain James Cook visited the region on his 1768-1771
voyage aboard the Endeavor. Traditionally, kava root was chewed
thoroughly and spat into a bowl, where it was mixed with coconut
milk, then strained. For most modern kava kava ceremonies, the herb
is pounded or grated (for obvious, sanitary reasons). The kava kava
beverage is poured into a cup by a designated person who then serves
it to the honored guest. The guest drinks the beverage straight
down without stopping, whereupon the audience claps three times
and shouts "maca," which means "it is empty." The rest of the ceremony
participants are then served.
Chemical composition
The active components in kava kava root are unique, fat-soluble
compounds called kavalactones (also known as kava pyrones). These
compounds have exhibited sedative, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic,
and muscular relaxant effects in animal studies.1
Anti-anxiety
activity
In recent years, kava kava has gained popularity around the world
as a natural relaxant. Kava users claim that it relaxes the body
while promoting a sense of emotional well-being, a kind of "natural
high." Kava kava root and kava extracts have been approved by
Germany's Commission E for treatment of nervous anxiety, stress,
and restlessness.1 Placebo-controlled studies
have shown kava kava root extracts to be effective against anxiety,
without the tolerance problems associated with many conventional
anti-anxiety medications.2,3 Another study
indicates kava kava can help ease depression and promote a sense
of well-being in menopausal women.4 What is
particularly unique about kava kava is that it doesn't impair
mental function the way other relaxants often do. The herb actually
appeared to improve concentration in some studies.5,6
Dosage/toxicity
Germany's Commission E recommends a daily dose providing 60 to
120 mg of kavalactones, but some herbalists recommend doses up
to 210 mg per day. A cup of traditionally prepared kava drink
contains approximately 250 mg of kavalactones, and several cups
are often consumed in one sitting.7 Kava appears
to be safe and free of side effects at the recommended dosage
range. Heavy consumption over an extended period can cause drying
and yellowing of the skin, lesions, intense itching, redness of
the eyes, and loss of appetite.8 Because kava
kava may potentiate the effects of some drugs such Zanax¬ and
some barbituates, it should not be used with these substances.9
People on prescription medications should consult their doctor
before taking kava kava. |
