JCP is the Journal for Clinical Pharmacology. Here is a link to the abstract. Here is a popular report of the study.
The study also found that people’s genetic differences (polymorphisms) of certain neurobiological mechanisms called GABA transporters, may modify their response to Kava. “If this finding is replicated, it may pave the way for simple genetic tests to determine which people may be likely to have a beneficial anxiety-reducing effect from taking Kava,” Dr Sarris said.
During the eight-week study, 75 patients with clinically diagnosed Generalised Anxiety Disorder were given Kava or placebo, and anxiety levels were regularly assessed. Results showed a significant reduction in anxiety for the Kava group compared to the placebo group at the end of the study.
In participants diagnosed with moderate to severe GAD, Kava had an even greater effect in reducing anxiety. Following the completion of the controlled phase, 26 per cent of the Kava group were classified as in remission from their symptoms compared to six per cent of the placebo group.
More at link including issues regarding liver toxicity and addiction/withdrawal potential which seem to have been excluded.
A blog I read also discussed the finding which is where I saw it. The author is a licensed counselor w/ an MS (in psych I assume) and provided some additional caveats.
In the process of doing your own research, turn to your physician or pharmacist for counsel. Ultimately, however, the decision is solely yours.
Liver toxicity, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure: Liver issues have been primarily attributed to pre-existing liver disease, alcohol consumption, excessive doses, using meds, herbs, or supplements that when combined with kava generate a toxic effect, and more.
Don’t take it if you have a bleeding disorder, kidney or liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, are pregnant and/or nursing, or within two weeks of a surgical procedure.
It’s not for children.
Potential side-effects: Indigestion, mouth numbness, skin rash, headache, drowsiness, and visual disturbances. Chronic or heavy use of kava has been linked to pulmonary hypertension, skin scaling, loss of muscle control, kidney damage, and blood abnormalities.
Drug interactions: Don’t take it if you’re using Parkinson’s disease medications, antipsychotics, any med that influences dopamine levels (e.g.: Wellbutrin), alcohol, benzodiazepines, monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants, drugs or herbs that impair liver function, meds that influence blood clotting, or diuretics (kava is a diuretic).
Also be aware that in the US, herbal supplements are not FDA regulated so you are relying upon the manufacturer pretty much completely to provide a product that is not only pure and free of contaminants, but is also standardized for the active ingredients - kavalactones in this case.
It’s referenced in the first quote but they don’t use the acronym so it’s not clear. Regardless, I should have put that up front - thanks. Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
This shouldn’t be news to anyone (I’m talking about the researchers, not the OP). Kava is commonly and generously consumed throughout the Pacific, and on the island of Pohnpei in Micronesia, a particularly potent version called “sakau” is a popular beverage.
It is indeed calming. Most people on Pohnpei were … rrrrreeeeelllllaaaxxxxxeeeedddd.
Yup. Here is another snippet from the blog link which I hope the author won’t object to my reproducing.
Kava – aka kava-kava – is a western Pacific tall shrub. Its binomial name is piper methysticum – “pepper” “intoxicating.” How’s that for an appropriate moniker?
Consumed throughout Pacific Ocean cultures, kava is reported to improve cognitive performance and facilitate a cheerful mood. No great surprise, kava has benzodiazepine-similar characteristics – muscle relaxant, anesthetic, anticonvulsive, and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety). Simply, it’s said to relax without disrupting mental clarity.
In Western countries, kava beverage is typically made from kava root powder added to water. Often tossed-in are lecithin to aid in emulsification, and coconut water or milk, lemongrass, cocoa, sugar, or soy milk to improve flavor. Although the root was traditionally chewed or made into a beverage, kava is now available in capsule, tablet, beverage, tea, and liquid extract forms.
Kava’s active ingredients are kavalactones. And there are 15 of them, all believed to be psychoactive.
Moved MPSIMS --> IMHO, home of medical and pharmacological threads.
