Kava Kava toxicity issue

While working in the herb aisle today at the co-op, I had a customer ask about the nerve-racking warning label of potential liver toxicity on a bottle of kava kava capsules. This is a common question, and I thought I'd link to the following Herbal Gram article that thoroughly outlines the issue. Herbal Gram is the peer reviewed journal of the American Botanical Council.
After a comprehensive, historical examination of toxicity case reports and existing research, the article points out that there is little evidence to support  a direct causation between kava kava and toxicity of the liver, especially when taken within the recommended dose, and not continually. Kava is contraindicated with some pharmaceuticals, namely benzodiazepines. Kava has a long history of traditional use in the South Pacific.  Read on:

"Kava safety questioned due to case reports of liver toxicity"

by Mark Blumenthal

HerbalGram. 2002; 55:26-32 American Botanical Council

To read, please visit: http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue55/article2147.html


Piper methysticum (kava)
NPS Photo by Bryan Harry, see http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/basch/uhnpscesu/htms/haleplnt/fish_pops/piperaceae/plant02.htm