Kavalactones, kawain, dihydrokawain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, yangonin, and others.

Root

Piscopo G. Kava Kava. Gift of the Islands. Alt. Med. Rev. 1997; 2(5):355-64. Voltz HP. Kieser M. Kava Kava Extract WS1490 V. PHAM-Acopsychiat. 1997; 30-25. Blumenthal, M. et al. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin. American Botanical Council; 1998: 156-7.

US FDA advises that a potential risk of rare, but severe, liver injury may be associated with kava-containing dietary supplements. Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have or have had liver problems, frequently use alcoholic beverages, or are taking any medication. Stop use and see a doctor if you develop symptoms that may signal liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and brown urine. Other nonspecific symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, unexplained tiredness, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Not for use by persons under 18 years of age, or by pregnant or breast feeding women. Not for use with alcoholic beverages. Excessive use, or use with products that cause drowsiness, may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or heavy equipment. Use only as directed on label.

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.