Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Kava Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by L.A. Naturals

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Kava is a dietary supplement by L.A. Naturals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for anxiety and stress, restlessness, trouble sleeping.Based on those ingredients, 1,166 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are selectively imported Vanuatu Kava. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Kava by L.A. Naturals

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.

This product contains one active ingredient: selectively imported Vanuatu kava root. Kava is a plant whose compounds, called kavalactones, are responsible for its effects on anxiety and the nervous system.

The liquid also includes grain alcohol and deionized water as inactive ingredients to deliver the kava in drinkable form.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Kava's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: relaxation and stress relief.
  • We looked for evidence on: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress, Insomnia, Menopausal symptoms, restlessness, social anxiety.
  • The closest evidence on file: Kava is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Kava is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Insomnia, Menopausal symptoms, Stress.

Kava has been studied for generalized anxiety disorder (the most researched use), but the evidence rates it as possibly ineffective for that condition. For insomnia and sexual arousal, there isn't enough reliable evidence in the data we hold to say whether it works.

The evidence for epilepsy is also insufficient to rate it.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Kava

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Kava is generally well tolerated at normal doses, though drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, and memory problems are the most common side effects. The serious concern is rare but documented liver injury — over 100 cases have been reported, usually with prolonged heavy use, though some experts question whether kava caused all of them.

Symptoms of liver trouble can appear in as little as 3–4 weeks and include yellowing of skin or eyes. Kava may also cause tremors, involuntary mouth and tongue movements, and parkinsonian-like symptoms in some people.

The safety data advises against kava during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not use this product if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Kava

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Kava.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • For scale: 1,167 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any CNS depressants (sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, sleep aids, or opioids) — kava will add to their sedative effects. Also check if you take any medications metabolized by liver enzymes CYP2C19, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1, or any drugs known to affect the liver.

Additionally, if you take haloperidol, ropinirole, or digoxin, clear it with your healthcare provider first.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Kava is marketed for anxiety, but evidence rates it as possibly ineffective for that purpose. More importantly, it interacts with a very large number of medications — especially sedatives, drugs metabolized by specific liver enzymes, and certain neurological medications — and carries a documented risk of liver injury.

If you're considering kava, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and any liver concerns before you start.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2014.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Kava, straight from the product label.

Brand L.A. Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 641356042117
Net contents 1 fl. Oz.; 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2014
DSLD ID 35088
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Kava by L.A. Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 mL
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
641356042117
IngredientAmount% DV
selectively imported Vanuatu Kava0 NP--

Other ingredients: Grain Alcohol, deionized Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

SUGGESTED USE: 30-60 drops in water or juice, 2-3 times daily, or as needed.

Shake well before using.

Precautions

WARNINGS: Do not take during pregnancy or while nursing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

General Statements

Plant # K-0001604

MADE IN THE USA

FAST ABSORPTION MEDICINAL BOTANICALS

Supports Deep Relaxation & Reduces Everyday Stress

Amount Per Serving 500 mg Herb Weight Equivalence

Herb Strength Ratio 1:2

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

L.a.(TM)

K PARVE

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Formula

SINGLE HERB IN ALCOHOL

See for yourself

Kava by L.A. Naturals label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Kava by L.A. Naturals

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Selectively imported Vanuatu Kava

Interacts with
1,166 drugs
0 NP per serving

Kava is a Pacific Island plant traditionally used to promote relaxation and ease anxiety, and some studies suggest it may help mild anxiety. However,...

Selectively imported Vanuatu Kava monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Grain Alcohol, Deionized Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Kava by L.A. Naturals Drug Interactions

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1,166Drugs
248 Major 577 Moderate 341 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Kava with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

selectively imported Vanuatu Kava12 drug types · 1,166 drugs

Cns Depressants

Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Kava has CNS depressant effects. Concomitant use of kava with other CNS depressants can increase the risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression. Clinical practice guidelines from a joint taskforce of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) recommend that CNS depressants, including alcohol and benzodiazepines, not be used with kava.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Alcohol (Ethanol)

Combining kava with alcohol may increase the risk of sedation and/or hepatotoxicity.

Kava has CNS depressant effects. Concomitant use of kava with other CNS depressants can increase the risk of drowsiness and motor reflex depression. Additionally, kava has been associated with over 100 cases of hepatotoxicity. There is some concern that kava can adversely affect the liver, especially when used in combination with hepatotoxic drugs. Clinical practice guidelines from a joint taskforce of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) recommend that alcohol not be used with kava.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, kava might increase levels of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro research shows that kava significantly inhibits CYP2C19 enzymes. This effect has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, kava might increase levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that kava significantly inhibits CYP2C9 enzymes. This effect has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Kava might increase levels of CYP2E1 substrates.
In a clinical study in healthy volunteers, taking kava 1000 mg twice daily (containing a daily dose of 138 mg kavalactones) for 28 days inhibited the metabolism of CYP2E1 substrates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Haloperidol (Haldol)

Combining kava and haloperidol might increase the risk of cardiovascular adverse effects and hypoxia.
Atrial flutter and hypoxia has been reported for a patient who received intramuscular injections of haloperidol and lorazepam after using kava orally. The side effects were attributed to kava-induced inhibition of CYP2D6, but might also have been related to additive adverse effects with the concomitant use of haloperidol, lorazepam, and kava.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, using kava with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Kava has been linked with over 100 cases of hepatotoxicity. Most cases occur with excessive and prolonged use. There is some concern that kava can adversely affect the liver, especially when used in combination with hepatotoxic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

It is unclear if kava inhibits P-glycoprotein (P-gp); research is conflicting.
In vitro research shows that kava can inhibit P-gp efflux. However, a clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that taking kava standardized to provide 225 mg kavalactones daily for 14 days does not affect the pharmacokinetics of digoxin, a P-gp substrate. It is possible that the use of other P-gp substrates or higher doses of kava might still inhibit P-gp.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ropinirole (Requip)

Taking kava with ropinirole might increase the risk for dopaminergic toxicity.
A case of visual hallucinations and paranoid delusions has been reported for a patient who used kava in combination with ropinirole. The adverse effects were attributed to kava-induced inhibition of CYP1A2, which may have reduced the metabolism of ropinirole, resulting in excessive dopaminergic stimulation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Although in vitro research and a case report suggest that kava inhibits CYP1A2, more robust clinical evidence shows that kava has no effect on CYP1A2. In a clinical study in healthy volunteers, taking kava 1000 mg twice daily (containing a daily dose of 138 mg kavalactones) for 28 days had no effect on CYP1A2 activity.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
In vitro research shows that kava extract significantly inhibits CYP2D6. However, clinical research shows that kava does not affect the metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Although in vitro research suggests that kava inhibits CYP3A4, more robust clinical evidence shows that kava has no effect on CYP3A4. In a clinical study in healthy volunteers, taking kava 1000 mg twice daily (containing a daily dose of 138 mg kavalactones) for 28 days had no effect on CYP3A4 activity.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Kava, from the product label.

L.A. Naturals

See all L.A. Naturals products
Name
Palko Services
Street Address
4991 W. US Hwy 20
City
Michigan City
State
IN
ZipCode
46360
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Kava by L.A. Naturals: Common Questions

Does Kava by L.A. Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Kava has a known interaction with 1,166 medications, including 248 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Kava contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is kava safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against kava during pregnancy, and it should be avoided while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information and kava compounds may pass to the infant. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using kava if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.
What are the most common side effects?
Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, gastrointestinal upset, and memory problems. These are usually mild when the product is used as directed, but more serious tremors and parkinsonian-like symptoms have also been reported.
Does kava actually work for anxiety?
The evidence rates kava as possibly ineffective for generalized anxiety disorder. While kava is often promoted for anxiety relief, clinical research hasn't shown it's reliable for that purpose.
What's the liver safety concern with kava?
Over 100 cases of liver injury have been reported with kava use, especially with long-term and heavy use — symptoms can show up within 3–4 weeks and include yellowing of skin or eyes. The risk is rare but serious, which is why some countries have restricted or banned it. Avoid kava if you have liver disease or take medications that can harm the liver.
Does kava interact with my medications?
Kava interacts with many medications, most seriously with sedatives and CNS depressants. It also affects how your liver breaks down certain drugs and may raise their levels in your blood. Use the search tool on this page to check your specific medications, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Kava label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Kava's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 71 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Kava 71 references
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  4. Swensen JN. Man convicted of driving under the influence of kava. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret News, 1996.
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See these in context on the Kava monograph →

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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