DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Underground branched rootstock (the rhizome) of the kava plant.
The drug, which was previously specified in the German Drug Codex (DAC), may no longer be used medicinally. The Federal Ministry for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) definitively ordered the revocation of marketing authorizations for medicinal products containing kava kava in a decision dated December 20, 2019. Based on the scientific assessment of the Committee for Herbal Medicinal Products(HMPC) of the European Medicines Agency, the benefit-risk ratio is assessed as unfavorable.
HMPC: In 2017 it was decided that the risk exceeds the benefit due to liver damage. Authorization definitely revoked on 20.12.2019.
ESCOP monograph: indicated liver toxicity. Indication: anxiety states, states of tension and restlessness of non-psychotic origin.
Commission E monograph: nervous states of anxiety, tension and restlessness.
In Polynesia, kava kava is used to prepare a relaxing, slightly euphoric drink (macerate).
Cosmetics industry: see Piper methysticum extract (INCI)
Ingredients: 5 to 6% kavapyrones (styrylpyrones, kavalactones), such as kavain, dihydrokavain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin and yangonin, chalcones (flavokavin A to C) and flavanones.
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
Liver toxicity, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss. Reversible yellowing of skin and skin appendages. Allergic skin reactions, pupil dilation, accommodation disorders, disturbance of the oculomotor balance.
InteractionsThis section has been translated automatically.
Comatose states following the combination of kava with alprazolam, a diazepine derivative, have been described.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/kava-kava.php
Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl tea drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practice. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 362-364
