Background/History
KAVA KAVA Mikiyala Wells, Student pharmacist Spring 2022
(Piper Methysticum) Name is so nice, you say it twice. Common Names: Kava, Kawa, ‘Ava (Somoa), ‘Awa (Hawaiian), Waka, Lawena, Sakau, Yaqona
For many centuries, kava has been an important part of Pacific Island cultures. The rituals consisted of consuming kava as a beverage composed of the plant’s roots. It is prepared by pulverizing or chewing the roots then steeping them into water or coconut milk. The kava beverage was used in the ceremony to induce relaxation and symbolized respect and hospitality. In the early 1900’s, the use of kava was researched. Kava was used for anxiety, sleep disorders, and nervous disorders. It was one of the top herbals used in the US and Europe until the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for the potential for liver injury.
Common Uses ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Anticonvulsant Anti-inflammatory Local anesthetic Anxiolytic Cognition Sleeping aid / Sedative Antithrombotic Spasmolytic
Pharmacology/MOA https://erowid.org/plants/kava/kava.shtml
The proposed mechanisms of action for kava are increased levels of dopamine and serotonin by inhibiting monoamine uptake, decreased levels of glutamate, increased excitatory neurotransmitters, and GABA receptor interactions.
Dosage Forms Kavalactone tablets/capsules 125 mg with the maximum daily dose of 250 mg
Typical Dosing Kavalactones 50 to 70 mg three times daily or dried kava root 2 to 4 grams boiled as a decoction three times daily.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/kava#hed2
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