Piper methysticum
(Kava kava)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Able to maintain cognitive effects unlike most drugs given as a sedative or hypnotic
• Acts primarily on the limbic system
• Analgesic
• Anticonvulsant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Hypnotic
• Improves memory
• Muscle relaxant
• Protects against brain damage due to ischemia
• Sedative

Clinical Indications:

• Asthma
• Attention deficit disorder (and hyperactivity syndrome)
• Bipolar disorder
• Cholecystitis, acute
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Headache, tension
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Interstitial cystitis, pain and spasms
• Muscle spasms, pain and inflammation
• Stroke recovery
• Ureter spasms

Contraindications:

• Driving an automobile after excessive intake
• Pregnancy or nursing

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Can enhance CNS depressants like alprazolan and pentobarbital
• Can enhance the hypnotic effect of alcohol
• Decreases efficacy of levadopa

Chemical Constituents:

• Kavalactones
• Minerals, especially potassium
• Pipermethysticine, a piperidine alkaloid
• Proteins
• Pyrone derivatives:
  
  Dihydrokawain
  Dihydromethysticin
  Kawain
  Yangonin
• Simple sugars
• Starch

Toxicity:

• Long term consumption of large doses can cause:
  
  Dry, pigmented, scaly skin, especially on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, forearms, back and shins
  Goes away when kava is discontinued
• More than 9 grams per day can elevate GGT, but is reversible with discontinuation

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).