Genetic polymorphisms in the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase UGT1A7 gene in patients with acute liver failure after kava-kava consumption

Kava-Kava and Liver Toxicity Concerns

How Did These Concerns Start? The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devises allegedly discovered 24 cases of liver toxicity associated with kava use. Switzerland has reported 5 cases. Diagnoses included hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Switzerland has banned products containing the kava extract, while German authorities have proposed to follow suit. Now health authorities a...

Kava lactones and the kava-kava controversy.

Kava-kava is a traditional beverage of the South Pacific islanders and has had centuries of use without major side effects. Standardised extracts of kava-kava produced in Europe have led to many serious health problems and even to death. The extraction process (aqueous vs. acetone in the two types of preparations) is responsible for the difference in toxicity as extraction of glutathione in add...

Piper methysticum (kava kava) Monograph

Description and Constituents Piper methysticum (kava kava) is a perennial plant native to the Pacific Island region, and has been used ceremonially for thousands of years. Traditionally, a beverage is prepared, then drunk before the evening meal. Indigenous methods of mastication of the kava root have given way to grinding or pounding the plant substance, which is then mixed with water or cocon...

Kava kava: examining new reports of toxicity.

Before 1998, extracts of kava kava, Piper methysticum, were considered to be very safe alternatives to anxiolytic drugs and to possibly exert a wide range of other benefits. Major reviews published through the end of 2002 continued to confirm kava's safety and efficacy. Nevertheless, by January 2003 kava extracts had been banned in the entire European Union and Canada, and were subject to cauti...

Kava tonga.