Toxicity of Kava Kava

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.

Key words:

• Kava
• anti-anxiety herbal beverage
• top-selling botanical
• hepatotoxicity
• metabolism
• mechanism

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.