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

Kava Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Thymely Solutions

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

Kava is a dietary supplement by Thymely Solutions 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 Thymely Solutions

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

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Thymely Solutions Kava contains one active ingredient: selectively imported Vanuatu kava. The product comes as a liquid with grain alcohol and deionized water as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Leans against
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
Leans against

The strongest graded evidence we hold for the stated purpose leans against a benefit.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Anxiety, stress, and sleep support.
  • 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.

The evidence on kava's effectiveness is mixed and often insufficient. For generalized anxiety disorder, the data suggests it may be ineffective.

For insomnia and sexual arousal, we don't have enough reliable evidence to rate whether it works. For epilepsy, the same applies—the evidence is too limited to say.

If you're considering kava for anxiety, have that conversation with your doctor, since the research doesn't consistently back its use.

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 when taken by mouth, but it carries real safety concerns. The most serious is liver injury—over 100 cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported worldwide, especially with heavy, long-term use; in vulnerable people, damage can show up within 3 to 4 weeks.

Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, memory problems, and tremor. In one trial, people taking kava had a 3.2-fold higher risk of tremors compared to placebo.

Kava is not safe during pregnancy and should be avoided. While breastfeeding, it should also be avoided because of the lack of safety data and the possibility it could pass to your infant.

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 kava product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on CNS depressants (sedatives, sleeping pills, anxiety medications, opioids)—the combination raises the risk of dangerous drowsiness. Also double-check any medications broken down by liver enzymes CYP2C19, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1, as kava can raise their levels.

Finally, ask about any drugs that interact with haloperidol or ropinirole, and any medicines that rely on P-glycoprotein transport, since kava may affect how those work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Kava may appeal to someone looking for anxiety relief, but the liver injury risk and broad medication interactions make it a supplement you need to discuss carefully with your doctor or pharmacist first. If you take any prescription medication, CNS depressants, or drugs that go through your liver, you'll want to check your specific medications before considering kava.

This isn't something to start on your own—get personalized advice from your healthcare provider.

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 Dec 22, 2019.

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 Thymely Solutions
Barcode (UPC) 788332042119
Net contents 1 fl. Oz.; 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 22, 2019
DSLD ID 211661
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 Thymely Solutions, 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:
1 mL
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
788332042119
IngredientAmount% DV
selectively imported Vanuatu Kava500 mg--

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 drops in water or juice, 1-3 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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

K Parve K-1604

Formula

K Parve K-1604

See for yourself

Kava by Thymely Solutions label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Kava by Thymely Solutions

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
500 mg 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 Thymely Solutions Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Kava?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
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.

Thymely Solutions

See all Thymely Solutions products
Name
Thymely Solutions
Street Address
104 N Court St.
City
Fairfield
State
IA
ZipCode
52556
Phone Number
(641) 472-9815
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Kava by Thymely Solutions: Common Questions

Does Kava by Thymely Solutions 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.
Will kava help my anxiety?
The data suggests kava may be ineffective for generalized anxiety disorder, so it's not a reliable choice for that. If anxiety is something you're managing, talk with your doctor about options with stronger evidence behind them.
Is kava safe if I take other medications?
Not without checking first. Kava interacts with many drugs—it can amplify the effects of sedatives and sleeping pills and can raise levels of medications metabolized by your liver. Before you start, use the interaction tool on this page with your exact prescriptions and confirm with your doctor or pharmacist that it's safe for you.
What are the common side effects?
Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, memory problems, and tremor are the most common. In one trial, people taking kava had a noticeably higher risk of tremors than those on placebo.
Can I take kava while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Kava is not safe during pregnancy and should be avoided. While breastfeeding, it should also be avoided because there isn't enough safety data and it may pass to your infant.
Is the liver damage from kava common?
Serious liver injury is rare but has been reported over 100 times worldwide, mostly with heavy or prolonged use. In vulnerable people, it can show up after just 3 to 4 weeks. That's why it's important to know the risk before you start.

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

Not sure if Kava is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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
  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  2. Strahl S, Ehret V, Dahm HH, Maier KP. [Necrotizing hepatitis after taking herbal medication]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1998;123:1410-4.
  3. Spillane PK, et al. Neurological manifestations of kava intoxication. Med J Aust 1997;167:172-3. PubMed
  4. Swensen JN. Man convicted of driving under the influence of kava. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret News, 1996.
  5. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Efficacy of kava extract for treating anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2000;20:84-9. PubMed
  6. Volz HP, Kieser M. Kava-kava extract WS 1490 versus placebo in anxiety disorders--a randomized placebo-controlled 25-week outpatient trial. Pharmacopsychiatry 1997;30:1-5. PubMed
  7. Heinze HJ, Munthe TF, Steitz J, Matzke M. Pharmacopsychological effects of oxazepam and kava-extract in a visual search paradigm assessed with event-related potentials. Pharmacopsychiatry 1994;27:224-30. PubMed
  8. Munte TF, Heinze HJ, Matzke M, Steitz J. Effects of oxazepam and an extract of kava roots (Piper methysticum) on event-related potentials in a word recognition task. Neuropsychobiology 1993;27:46-53.
  9. Wheatley D. Stress-induced insomnia treated with kava and valerian: singly and in combination. Hum Psychopharmacol 2001;16:353-6. PubMed
  10. Schelosky L, Raffaup C, Jendroska K, Poewe W. Kava and dopamine antagonism. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1995;58:639-40. PubMed
  11. Norton SA, Ruze P. Kava dermopathy. J Am Acad Dermatol 1994;31:89-97.
  12. Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2nd ed. Edinburgh:Churchill Livingstone, 1999.
  13. Mathews JD, Riley MD, Fejo L, et al. Effects of heavy usage of kava on physical health: Summary of a pilot survey in an aboriginal community. Med J Aust 1988;148:548-55.
  14. Escher M, Desmeules J, Giostra E, Mentha G. Hepatitis associated with Kava, a herbal remedy for anxiety. BMJ 2001;322:139.
  15. Russmann S, Lauterburg BH, Helbling A. Kava hepatotoxicity [letter]. Ann Intern Med 2001;135:68-9.
  16. Liver Toxicity With Kava. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. January 2001.
  17. Consultation letter MLX 286: Proposals to prohibit the herbal ingredient Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum) in unlicensed medicines. Medicines Control Agency, United Kingdom, July 19, 2002.
  18. Meseguer E, Taboada R, Sanchez V, et al. Life-threatening parkinsonism induced by kava-kava. Mov Disord 2002;17:195-6. PubMed
  19. Ruze P. Kava-induced dermopathy: a niacin deficiency? Lancet 1990;335:1442-5. PubMed
  20. Singh YN. Kava: an overview. J Ethnopharmacol 1992;37:13-45.
  21. Bilia AR, Gallori S, Vincieri FF. Kava-kava and anxiety: growing knowledge about the efficacy and safety. Life Sci 2002;70:2581-97. PubMed
  22. Wooltorton E. Herbal kava: reports of liver toxicity. CMAJ 2002;166:777.
  23. Mathews JM, Etheridge AS, Black SR. Inhibition of human cytochrome P450 activities by kava extract and kavalactones. Drug Metab Dispos 2002;30:1153-7. PubMed
  24. Logan JL, Ahmed J. Critical hypokalemic renal tubular acidosis due to Sjogren's syndrome: association with the purported immune stimulant echinacea. Clin Rheumatol 2003;22:158-9.
  25. Teschke R, Gaus W, Loew D. Kava extracts: safety and risks including rare hepatotoxicity. Phytomedicine 2003;10:440-6. PubMed
  26. Schmidt P, Boehncke WH. Delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to kava-kava extract. Contact Dermatitis 2000;42:363-4.
  27. Schulze J, Raasch W, Siegers CP. Toxicity of kava pyrones, drug safety and precautions--a case study. Phytomedicine 2003;10:68-73.. PubMed
  28. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Kava extract for treating anxiety. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(1):CD003383.
  29. Cairney S, Maruff P, Clough AR, et al. Saccade and cognitive impairment associated with kava intoxication. Hum Psychopharmacol 2003;18:525-33. PubMed
  30. Moulds RF, Malani J. Kava: herbal panacea or liver poison? Med J Aust 2003;178:451-3. PubMed
  31. Gow PJ, Connelly NJ, Hill RL, et al. Fatal fulminant hepatic failure induced by a natural therapy containing kava. Med J Aust 2003;178:442-3. PubMed
  32. Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
  33. Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, et al. In vivo effects of goldenseal, kava kava, black cohosh, and valerian on human cytochrome P450 1A2, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4/5 phenotypes. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2005;77:415-26. PubMed
  34. Weiss J, Sauer A, Frank A, Unger M. Extracts and kavalactones of Piper methysticum G. Forst (kava-kava) inhibit P-glycoprotein in vitro. Drug Metab Dispos 2005;33:1580-3. PubMed
  35. Gurley BJ, Swain A, Barone GW, et al. Effect of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and kava kava (Piper methysticum) supplementation on digoxin pharmacokinetics in humans. Drug Metab Dispos 2007;35:240-5. PubMed
  36. Gurley BJ, Swain A, Hubbard MA, et al. Clinical assessement of CYP2D6-mediated herb-drug interactions in humans: Effects of milk-thistle, black cohosh, goldenseal, kava kava, St. John's wort, and Echinacea. Mol Nutr Food Res 2008;52:755-63.
  37. Li XZ, Ramzan I. Role of ethanol in kava hepatotoxicity. Phytother Res 2010;24:475-80. PubMed
  38. Bodkin R, Schneider S, Rekkerth D, et al. Rhabdomyolysis associated with kava ingestion. Am J Emerg Med 2012;30:635.el-3. PubMed
  39. Donadio V, Bonsi P, Zele I, et al. Myoglobinuria after ingestion of extracts of guarana, Ginkgo biloba and kava. Ginkgo biloba and kava. Neurol Sci 2000;21:124. PubMed
  40. Sarris J, Kavanagh DJ, Byrne G, et al. The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study (KADSS): a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial using an aqueous extract of Piper methysticum. Psychopharmacology 2009;205:399-407. PubMed
  41. Hannam S, Murray M, Romani L, Tuicakau M, J Whitfeld M. Kava dermopathy in Fiji: an acquired ichthyosis? Int J Dermatol 2014;53(12):1490-4. PubMed
  42. Huynh JC, Asgari MM, Moore MM. Sebotropic eruption associated with use of oral kava kava supplement. Clin Exp Dermatol 2014;39(7):816-8. PubMed
  43. Teschke R, Sarris J, Schweitzer I. Kava hepatotoxicity in traditional and modern use: the presumed Pacific kava paradox hypothesis revisited. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2012;73(2):170-4. PubMed
  44. Scherer, J. Kava-kava extract in anxiety disorders: an outpatient observational study. Adv.Ther. 1998;15(4):261-269.
  45. Humberston, C. L., Akhtar, J., and Krenzelok, E. P. Acute hepatitis induced by kava kava. J Toxicol.Clin Toxicol. 2003;41(2):109-113. PubMed
  46. Schmidt, M. Are kavalactones the hepatotoxic principle of kava extracts? The pitfalls of the glutathione theory. J Altern Complement Med 2003;9(2):183-187. PubMed
  47. Stickel, F., Baumuller, H. M., Seitz, K., Vasilakis, D., Seitz, G., Seitz, H. K., and Schuppan, D. Hepatitis induced by Kava (Piper methysticum rhizoma). J Hepatol. 2003;39(1):62-67. PubMed
  48. Grace, R. Kava-induced urticaria. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;53(5):906. PubMed
  49. Christl, S. U., Seifert, A., and Seeler, D. Toxic hepatitis after consumption of traditional kava preparation. J.Travel.Med. 2009;16(1):55-56. PubMed
  50. Teschke, R., Genthner, A., and Wolff, A. Kava hepatotoxicity: comparison of aqueous, ethanolic, acetonic kava extracts and kava-herbs mixtures. J.Ethnopharmacol. 6-25-2009;123(3):378-384. PubMed
  51. Jappe, U., Franke, I., Reinhold, D., and Gollnick, H. P. Sebotropic drug reaction resulting from kava-kava extract therapy: a new entity? J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998;38(1):104-106. PubMed
  52. Gessner B and Cnota P. Extract of the kava-kava rhizome in comparison with diazepam and placebo. Z Phytother 1994;15(1):30-37.
  53. Johnson D, Frauendorf A, Stecker K, and et al. Neurophysiological active profile and tolerance of kava extract WS 1490, A pilot study with randomized evaluation. TW Neurolgie Psychiatrie 1991;5(6):349-354.
  54. Keller F and Klohs M. A review of the chemistry and pharmacology of the constituents of Piper methysticum. Lloydia 1963;26:1-15.
  55. Siegers CP, Honold E, Krall B, and et al. Results of the drug monitoring L 1090 with Laitan capsules. Arztl Forsch 1992;39:7-11.
  56. Chanwai, L. G. Kava toxicity. Emergency Medicine 2002;12:142-145.
  57. Leung, N. Acute urinary retention secondary to kava ingestion. Emerg Med Australas 2004;16(1):94. PubMed
  58. Teschke R. Kava hepatotoxicity: pathogenetic aspects and prospective considerations. Liver Int 2010;30(9):1270-9. PubMed
  59. Toohey TP, Lu BY, Wada C. Toxic effects of psychotropics related to possible p450 enzyme inhibition by kava:report of 2 cases. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2013;15(5). PubMed
  60. Ostermayer D. News: Kava, Popular as Alcohol Alternative, May Cause Toxicity. Emerg Med News. 2016;38(1B).
  61. Kuchta K, Schmidt M, Nahrstedt A. German Kava Ban Lifted by Court: The Alleged Hepatotoxicity of Kava (Piper methysticum) as a Case of Ill-Defined Herbal Drug Identity, Lacking Quality Control, and Misguided Regulatory Politics. Planta Med. 2015;81(18):16 PubMed
  62. Schmidt M. German Court Ruling Reverses Kava Ban; German Regulatory Authority Appeals Decision. HerbalEGram. 2014;11(7).
  63. Wainiqolo I, Kool B, Nosa V, Ameratunga S. Is driving under the influence of kava associated with motor vehicle crashes? A systematic review of the epidemiological literature. Aust N Z J Public Health 2015;39(5):495-9. PubMed
  64. Wainiqolo I, Kafoa B, Kool B, et al. Driving following kava use and road traffic injuries: a population-based case-control study in Fiji (TRIP 14). PLoS One 2016;11(3):e0149719. PubMed
  65. Asher GN, Corbett AH, Hawke RL. Common Herbal Dietary Supplement-Drug Interactions. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(2):101-107.
  66. Sarris J, Byrne GJ, Bousman CA, et al. Kava for generalised anxiety disorder: A 16-week double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2020 Mar;54(3):288-297. PubMed
  67. Aporosa AS, Atkins M, Brunton R. Kava drinking in traditional settings: towards understanding effects on cognitive function. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2020;35(2):e2725. PubMed
  68. Sarris J, Ravindran A, Yatham LN, et al. Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety T
  69. Aporosa S', Ballard H, Pandey R, McCarthy MJ. The impact of traditional kava (Piper methysticum) use on cognition: Implications for driver fitness. J Ethnopharmacol 2022;291:115080. PubMed
  70. Savage K, Sarris J, Hughes M, et al. Neuroimaging insights: Kava's (Piper methysticum) effect on dorsal anterior cingulate cortex GABA in generalized anxiety disorder. Nutrients 2023;15(21):4586. PubMed
  71. du Plessis Nisbet J, Xie D, Thompson R, Wark K, Lamrock E, Scurry J. Kava-induced dermatitis: A detailed histopathological analysis. Australas J Dermatol 2024. PubMed

See these in context on the Kava monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring