Kava
Kava (Piper methysticum) contains kavalactones with anxiolytic effects. Meta-analyses of randomized trials show it can reduce anxiety more than placebo in the short term. However, kava has been linked to rare but serious liver toxicity, so quality, dose, and duration matter and it should be avoided with other hepatotoxic agents or alcohol.
Too little may be associated with
Less calming benefit.
Too much may be associated with
Liver toxicity with heavy use; sedation.
Informational only — not medical advice.
Neurotransmitters
Related
Research (6)
- SLC6A1 variant pathogenicity, molecular function and phenotype: a genetic and clinical analysis Stefanski et al. (2023) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Taskforce Sarris et al. (2022) PubMed ↗
- Anti-anxiety Properties of Selected Medicinal Plants Khan et al. (2022) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence Savage et al. (2018) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Kava: a comprehensive review of efficacy, safety, and psychopharmacology Sarris et al. (2011) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
- Potential for interaction of kava and St. John's wort with drugs Singh (2005) Full text ↗ PubMed ↗
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