- Kava is a popular alcohol-alternative that can improve mood and promote calmness.
- However, kava can be dangerous and has been linked to severe liver damage.
- Kava can also interact with prescription medications, including those used for anxiety.
Kava, a beverage derived from a tropical plant root, has gained popularity as a non-alcoholic option for bars aiming to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Sometimes referred to as ‘Nature’s Xanax,’ kava is believed to alleviate anxiety, induce relaxation, and improve mood. It is also commonly used as an ingredient in canned drinks and sold as a supplement.
However, aside from potential nausea, kava can be dangerous, according to Dr. Danielle Belardo, a cardiologist based in Los Angeles. Numerous cases of severe liver damage and failure associated with kava consumption have been reported in the US for decades, especially among individuals with existing liver disease or those taking specific medications.
Popularity of Kava for its Calming Effects
Kava, also known as kava kava, is derived from the root of the kava plant Piper methysticum.
Pacific Islanders have been consuming kava for centuries, and its popularity has increased in the US in recent decades.
Kava, like alcohol, acts as a depressant, slowing down brain activity and inducing a feeling of calmness.
Research suggests that kava may have therapeutic properties, such as reducing anxiety and aiding individuals with insomnia in falling asleep.
Link Between Kava and Liver Damage
Although kava may possess potential therapeutic properties, it has been associated with cases of liver damage.
In 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning about the use of kava due to reported instances of liver injury in the United States, Germany, and Switzerland. Some patients even required liver transplantation.
“These liver complications have been observed to occur between several weeks and up to two years after kava consumption, with an average duration of 4.5 months,” said Belardo.
The exact reasons why kava sometimes harms the liver remain unknown, although it is believed to be associated with compounds found in kava, such as pipermethystine or flavokavain B. Further research is needed to establish a definitive link.
A 2020 study on kava found that while liver damage is rare, the lack of standardized procedures for cultivation, harvesting, and manufacturing of kava poses a potential risk. The study also suggested that prolonged use of kava for more than two months could increase the risk of liver injury.
In the US, supplements, including kava, are not subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as medications by the Food and Drug Administration. Consequently, the actual content of kava in a product may differ from what is stated on the packaging, and undisclosed ingredients may be present, making it difficult to determine the exact composition.
Potential Interactions Between Kava and Prescription Medications
In addition to the risk of liver damage, kava can interact with prescription medications, including those used to treat anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, and alcohol.
Dr. Belardo advises weighing the potential benefits against the risks when considering any supplement, including kava. It is also essential to consult with a healthcare professional before use.
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