Kava Kava

Kava Kava Kava Kava

(Piper methysticum)

Anxiety, sedative, skeletal muscle relaxation, postischemic episodes. It has been shown to have antipsychotic properties and may be useful in lessening spinal seizures as well as providing a degree of control in epileptic patients. Other claims include treatment of depression, asthma, pain, insomnia, muscle spasm and promotion of wound healing.

Davies, 1992, Singh, 1992, Volz, 1997

Standardized: 30% standardized extract containing Kavalactones 75mg
1 capsule at mealtimes        2-3 x daily

Whole Herb: (Root powder) 300mg
1 capsule at mealtimes         2-3 x daily

Summary:

Kava kava has gained popularity as an anxiolytic and sleep aid. It appears to act through a unique mechanism, and is claimed to induce relaxation without impairment in memory or motor function. In fact, cognitive function improvement and sharpened awareness have been claimed to accompany relaxation induced by this product.

Pharmacology:

Kava kava appears to act on amygdala complex in the limbic system (which moderates many emotional processes). In contrast to benzodiazepines and barbiturates, it is not believed to exhibit significant binding or influence on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Kava kava is claimed to protect against CNS ischemia. Tolerance to the effects of kava kava has not been described.

Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications:

Use of kava kava is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. Due to the potential of dopamine antagonism, use is also contraindicated in Parkinson's disease. Use may potentiate the effects of concurrent ethanol. Use with caution in individuals receiving antianxiety agents (i.e., alprazolam, temazepam, diazepam), antidepressants, antipsychotics, or other agents which cause CNS depression such as sedatives and /or hypnotics. May cause drowsiness or sedation in higher doses therefore caution must be exercised when performing tasks that require alertness (driving or operating heavy machinery). Long-term use of high doses may cause rash, discolored skin and reddened eyes and may contribute to general poor health including low weight and reduced protein levels. Use with certain types of depression may increase risk of suicide.

Theoretical Interactions:

Ethanol, CNS depressants (including alprazolam and other benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and sedative-hypnotics), antipsychotics, levodopa. Heightened effectiveness is possible for substances acting on the central nervous system, such as alcohol, barbiturates, and psychopharmacological agents.

References:

Almeida JC, Grimsley EW. Coma from the health food store: interaction between kava and alprozolam [letter]. Ann Intern Med. 1996; 125(11): 940.

Brinker JJ. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 2nd ed. Sandy (OR): Eclectic Medical Publications; 1998.

Davies LP, Drew CA, Duffield P, et al, "Kava Pyrones and Resin: Studies on GABAA, GABAB and Benzodiazepine Binding Sites in Rodent Brains," Pharmacol Toxicol, 1992, 71(2): 120-6.

Schelosky L, Raffauf C, Jendroska K, et al. Kava and Dopamine Antagonism. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1995; 58(5): 639-640.

Singh YN, "Kava: An Overview," J Ethnopharmacol, 1992, 37(1): 13-45.

Volz, H.P., et al. "Kava-kava Extract WS-1490 versus Placebo in Anxiety Disorders-A Randomized Placebo Controlled 25-week Outpatient Trial," Pharmacopsychiatry 30:1-5, 1997.

Ernst, E. "Harmless Herbs? A Review of the Recent Literature" American Journal of Medicine, vol. 104, 1998, pp.170-8.

Klepser, T.B. and Klepser, M.E. "Unsafe and Potentially Safe Herbal Therapies." American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, vol. 56, 1999, pp.125-38.

Miller, L.G. "Herbal Medicinals: Selected Clinical Considerations Focusing on Known or Poetential Drug-Herb Interactions." Archives of Internal Medicine, vol. 158, 1998, pp. 2200-11.

Zink, T. and Chaffin, J. "Healthy 'Health' Products: What Family Physicians Need To Know." American Family Physician, vol 58, 1998, pp. 1133-1140.

Short, R. (ed.), "Clinical Considerations for Specific Herb-Drug Interactions & Potential Adverse Effects of Herbs", Facts and Comparisons The Review of Natural Products, St. Louis (Mo), 1998 Dec; 1-8.

Fetrow, C.W., Avila, J. R., Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Springhouse, PA, 1999.

LaValle, J.B., Krinsky, D.L., Hawkins, E.B, et. al., Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, Lexi-Comp, USA, 2000.

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, C., PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed., Medical Economics Company, NJ, 2000.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.) The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Material herein is derived from journals, textbooks, news releases, reference guides, etc. Graham Development, Inc. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information contained in any reference noted herein or for the misuse of information or any adverse effects by use of any stated materials presented. ©2000 Scientific Herbals-unauthorized reproduction of this document is prohibited.

Kava Kava Standardized Herbal Supplement 23.79

Kava Kava Herbal Supplement 300 mg 10.99

*Questions you should ask before purchasing any herbal supplement

7 Essentials to Health
Health

CONTENTS:

Questions-Click here

7 Essentials to Health Sitemap