Publication Cover
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C
Environmental Carcinogenesis and Ecotoxicology Reviews
Volume 26, 2008 - Issue 1
1,262
Views
63
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Toxicity of Kava Kava

, , , &
Pages 89-112 | Published online: 05 Mar 2008
 

Abstract

Kava is a traditional beverage of various Pacific Basin countries. Kava has been introduced into the mainstream U.S. market principally as an anti-anxiety preparation. The effects of the long-term consumption of kava have not been documented adequately. Preliminary studies suggest possible serious organ system effects. The potential carcinogenicity of kava and its principal constituents are unknown. As such, kava extract was nominated for the chronic tumorigenicity bioassay conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP). At present toxicological evaluation of kava extract is being conducted by the NTP. The present review focuses on the recent findings on kava toxicity and the mechanisms by which kava induces hepatotoxicity.

This article is not an official guidance or policy statement of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or National Toxicology Program (NTP). No official support or endorsement by the U.S. FDA and NTP is intended or should be inferred.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.