Kava Kava Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Kava Kava against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Kava Kava is a dietary supplement by Samsara Herbs 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 Kava Kava. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Samsara Herbs Kava Kava is a single-ingredient powder — just kava root, the plant whose active compounds are called kavalactones. There are no other active ingredients and no inactive fillers listed.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence we hold doesn't strongly support kava for its main marketed uses. For generalized anxiety, the data rates it possibly ineffective — meaning the evidence suggests it may not work for that purpose.
For insomnia and sexual arousal, we don't have enough reliable evidence to rate it one way or another. The bottom line: if you're considering kava for anxiety or sleep, the science isn't there yet.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Kava is generally well tolerated by mouth in the short term. The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, memory problems, and tremor.
However, kava carries a serious rare risk: liver damage (hepatotoxicity). Over 100 cases have been reported worldwide, though some experts question whether all were truly caused by kava.
In people who are susceptible, symptoms like yellowing skin or eyes can appear as soon as 3–4 weeks of use. Kava is not safe in pregnancy and should be avoided.
While breastfeeding, it should also be avoided because we don't have safety data and it may pass into breast milk.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take CNS depressants (sleep aids, sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs, or opioid pain relievers) — the risk of dangerous drowsiness is Major. You should also discuss any medications metabolized by the liver enzymes CYP2C19, CYP2C9, or CYP2E1, any P-glycoprotein substrates, haloperidol (Haldol), ropinirole (Requip), or drugs that can damage the liver.
Use the medication checker on this page to search your exact prescriptions.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Kava Kava is for adults interested in relaxation, but it comes with real concerns: potential liver damage (especially with long-term use), multiple drug interactions that can amplify sedation or change how your medications work, and uncertain benefit for anxiety. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, don't take it.
Before you start, have a full conversation with your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and any liver conditions.
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 May 22, 2020.
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
General information
Key facts about Kava Kava, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Samsara Herbs |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | X00109TK89 |
| Net contents | 8 Ounce(s); 227 Gram(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | May 22, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 220728 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Powder |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 Kava by Samsara Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Kava Kava | 540 mg | -- |
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
Formula
Kava Kava (30% Kavalactones)
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
GMP Good Manufacturing Practice USA Tested 3rd party USA tested
General Statements
About us At Samsara Herbs, we believe that all positive change in the world must first begin with positive change from within. We invite you to tap into your own infinite power through the use of our potent herbal extracts! We seek out only quality herbs from our trusted sources from around the world for use in our herbal extracts. Samsara Herbs, dedicated to empowering your life force!
Formulation
Standardized herbal extracts contain isolated herbal compounds, in guaranteed amounts. Often having the prevalent compound found in an herb, in a significantly higher concentration than found in nature.
Description The origins of Kava Kava are found in the South Pacific Islands, where its history of use dates back for centuries. Kava Kava is, arguably, the epitome of a calming and relaxing herb. It is believed to be helpful in maintaining healthy stress levels, reducing restlessness and regulating normal sleep cycles.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Our water soluble herbal extracts are best mixed in juice or a smoothie, although mixing in water is perfectly fine if you can tolerate the taste.
Suggested Use: Take 1 Scoop 1-3 times per day or as recommended by your healthcare professional. Start with a 1/2 scoop initially to assess tolerance. Maximum use of 3 months. Following this take a 2 week break from use before continuing.
Storage
Storage Cool dry place, out of direct sunlight.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Precautions
Caution: If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or taking medications, consult your hearth care professional before using this product.
Keep out of reach of children.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size0.54 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container420 Amounts shown are per serving.
Kava Kava
Interacts with1,166 drugs
Kava is a Pacific Island plant traditionally used to promote relaxation and ease anxiety, and some studies suggest it may help mild anxiety. However,...
Kava Kava monograph & interactionsKava Kava by Samsara Herbs Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Samsara Herbs Kava Kava has several documented interactions with medications, primarily through its effects on how your liver processes drugs and on your central nervous system.
The most serious interaction is with CNS depressants (sleep aids, sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, pain relievers) — combining kava with these can dangerously amplify drowsiness and impair motor control.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Kava also inhibits liver enzymes that break down many other medications. It can theoretically increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 enzymes, as well as CYP2E1 substrates — a clinical study confirmed this effect for CYP2E1 drugs.
Additionally, there's conflicting research on whether kava affects P-glycoprotein substrates; one clinical trial found no effect on digoxin, but in vitro studies suggest it might. Two specific medications have case reports of problems: haloperidol (Haldol), an antipsychotic, and ropinirole (Requip), a Parkinson's drug — both carry moderate concern for serious side effects when combined with kava.
Finally, because kava itself can damage the liver, combining it with other hepatotoxic drugs (acetaminophen, some statins, certain antibiotics) raises theoretical concern for increased liver injury.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,167 individual medications. Before you start kava, run your complete medication list through the checker on this page and discuss the results with your doctor or pharmacist.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Kava 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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Kava Kava interact with 1,166 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Kava Kava interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Kava Kava
HexobarbitalHexobarbital, Sombulex
How Hexobarbital interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2c19 (cyp2c19) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Hexobarbital interactionHomatropine Methylbromide, HydrocodoneHycodan, Tussigon
How Homatropine Methylbromide, Hydrocodone interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Homatropine Methylbromide, Hydrocodone interactionHydrocodoneHydrocodone, Zohydro ER
How Hydrocodone interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Hydrocodone interactionHydrocodone BitartrateHysingla, Vantrela ER
How Hydrocodone Bitartrate interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava + Hydrocodone Bitartrate interactionHydrocodone, IbuprofenVicoprofen
How Hydrocodone, Ibuprofen interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Hydrocodone, Ibuprofen interactionHydrocodone, PseudoephedrineP-V-Tussin, Rezira
How Hydrocodone, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava + Hydrocodone, Pseudoephedrine interactionHydrocodone, Pseudoephedrine, ChlorpheniramineZutripro
How Hydrocodone, Pseudoephedrine, Chlorpheniramine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Hydrocodone, Pseudoephedrine, Chlorpheniramine interactionHydrocodone/chlorpheniramineTussionex
How Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants +1 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava + Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine interactionHydromorphoneDilaudid, Hydromorph Contin, Palladone
How Hydromorphone interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Hydromorphone interactionHyoscyamine, PhenobarbitalLevsin Pb, Levsinex Pb Timecaps
How Hyoscyamine, Phenobarbital interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Hyoscyamine, Phenobarbital interactionIbuprofen, HydrocodoneIbucodone
How Ibuprofen, Hydrocodone interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Ibuprofen, Hydrocodone interactionIbuprofen, OxycodoneCombunox
How Ibuprofen, Oxycodone interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava + Ibuprofen, Oxycodone interactionIndiplonIndiplon
How Indiplon interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Indiplon interactionKetazolamLoftran
How Ketazolam interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Ketazolam interactionLamotrigineLamictal
How Lamotrigine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Lamotrigine interactionLasmiditan SuccinateReyvow
How Lasmiditan Succinate interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Lasmiditan Succinate interactionLemborexantDayvigo
How Lemborexant interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP3AA; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava + Lemborexant interactionLevetiracetamElepsia XR, Keppra, Spritam
How Levetiracetam interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Levetiracetam interactionLevomethadylOrlaam
How Levomethadyl interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Levomethadyl interactionLevorphanolLevo-Dromoran
How Levorphanol interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Levorphanol interactionLithium Carbonate (prescription Drug)Eskalith, Lithium Carbonate
How Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Lithium Carbonate (prescription Drug) interactionLofepramineFeprapax, Gamanil, Lomont, Tymelyt
How Lofepramine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Lofepramine interactionLorazepamAtivan
How Lorazepam interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Lorazepam interactionLoxapineAdasuve, Loxitane
How Loxapine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Loxapine interactionMagnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug)Bilagog, Magnesium Sulfate
How Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug) interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Magnesium Sulfate (prescription Drug) interactionMeperidineCytospaz, Pethadol
How Meperidine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Meperidine interactionMeperidine, PromethazineMepergan, Meprozine
How Meperidine, Promethazine interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCytochrome P450 2d6 (cyp2d6) Substrates, Cns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
It is unclear if kava inhibits CYP1A2; research is conflicting.
Read the full Kava Kava + Meperidine, Promethazine interactionMephenytoinMesantoin
How Mephenytoin interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates +1 Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Mephenytoin interactionMephobarbitalMebaral
How Mephobarbital interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 2c19 (cyp2c19) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Mephobarbital interactionMeprobamateEquanil, Meprospan, Miltown, Neuramate
How Meprobamate interacts with Kava Kava — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Kava KavaCns Depressants Major
Interaction Summary
Combining kava with CNS depressants can have additive sedative effects.
Read the full Kava Kava + Meprobamate interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Kava 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.
Kava Kava
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Kava Kava, from the product label.
Samsara Herbs
See all Samsara Herbs products- Name
- Aspen Copacking
- Street Address
- 810 North 2800 West
- City
- Lindon
- State
- Utah
- ZipCode
- 84042
Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs: Common Questions
Does Kava Kava by Samsara Herbs interact with any medications?
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Is this powder pure kava with no fillers?
Can kava damage my liver?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Kava Kava is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Kava Kava’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Kava 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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Strahl S, Ehret V, Dahm HH, Maier KP. [Necrotizing hepatitis after taking herbal medication]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1998;123:1410-4.
- Spillane PK, et al. Neurological manifestations of kava intoxication. Med J Aust 1997;167:172-3. PubMed
- Swensen JN. Man convicted of driving under the influence of kava. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret News, 1996.
- Pittler MH, Ernst E. Efficacy of kava extract for treating anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2000;20:84-9. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Wheatley D. Stress-induced insomnia treated with kava and valerian: singly and in combination. Hum Psychopharmacol 2001;16:353-6. PubMed
- Schelosky L, Raffaup C, Jendroska K, Poewe W. Kava and dopamine antagonism. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1995;58:639-40. PubMed
- Norton SA, Ruze P. Kava dermopathy. J Am Acad Dermatol 1994;31:89-97.
- Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2nd ed. Edinburgh:Churchill Livingstone, 1999.
- 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.
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