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Kava Kava is a supplement often touted for its calming, mood-lifting properties. However, many people also worry about the potential for Kava causing liver damage. Is this a myth or can this herbal extract cause long-lasting damage to liver function?
Kava is a supplement produced from the dried roots of a shrub known as “Piper methysticum.” This substance has been used ceremonially for hundreds of years, but it is also used in alternative medicine.
It may be consumed in the form of a tablet, capsule or beverage. Some people also apply kava topically. However, oral consumption of Kava extract has been linked to several cases of serious side effects.
In some cases, Kava has been reported to cause hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). Long-term use at high doses may result in liver toxicity symptoms. However, adverse effects for liver health have also been reported in some individuals at low doses.
Anxiety
Mood
Sleep- Reduces feeling of anxiety & stress
- Improves feeling of wellbeing
- Shown to improve sleep & insomnia
How Does Kava Work?
Kava produces several different effects in the human body. Research has shown that this substance has neuroprotective effects, acts as an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory, and exhibits anxiolytic mechanisms.
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Kava is used for the following:
- Insomnia
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Cancer
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Tuberculosis
- Respiratory tract infections
- Colds
- Venereal diseases
- Urinary tract infections
- Menstrual discomfort
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Headaches and migraines
- Epilepsy
- Stress
- Anxiety disorders
According to NMCD, Kava may also be used as an aphrodisiac, to improve cognitive function or to prevent cancer. In its topical form, kava may be used to treat skin disease, ear infections, abscesses, canker sores or toothaches.
However, only a minority of these uses have been validated by clinical research studies. Other uses are based on historical or traditional medicine system.
The FDA has not approved the use of Kava as a drug for the treatment of any specific medical condition. While Kava is legal as an ingredient in dietary supplements, the FDA has issued a warning that these supplements are not safe to take.
Does Kava Cause Liver Damage?
Multiple case reports of liver damage have indicated a connection to kava. Nonetheless, in many of these instances, the role of kava in the development of liver damage could not be proven.
However, the preponderance of evidence suggests that there is a potential risk of negative effects for liver health. Kava’s damaging effects on the liver have been noted in more than 100 different case reports.
Although the potential mechanisms underlying kava liver toxicity are not completely clear, researchers suspect that it may occur because of the formation of quinones and/or the depletion of intracellular glutathione, an antioxidant that plays a key role in detoxifying the liver.
It may be the case that certain individuals are at greater risk of liver damage from taking Kava supplements, teas or drinks than others. Some have theorized that differences in how our livers metabolize toxins could play a role in personal sensitivities.
Kava Tea Liver Damage Symptoms
Whether the substance is consumed in the form of a tea, a pill or some other preparation, liver damage related to kava consumption may manifest in several ways.
Past case reports include instances of liver failure, cirrhosis and hepatitis. There have also been reports of death linked to kava’s effects on the liver. In some individuals, the use of kava resulted in the need for a liver transplant after only one to three months of use.
Some of the possible symptoms of liver damage related to the consumption of kava include:
- Pain in the belly
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Itchy skin
- Swelling
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Confusion
Avoiding Kava Liver Damage
The risk of liver damage related to the use of kava has been well documented. Because of the potential of kava to cause these problems, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now issued warnings about the use of this substance. Nonetheless, some people still choose to use it for different purposes.
Kava can be consumed in the form of a beverage, extract, tablet or capsule. It can also be applied topically.
A variety of different dosages have been used in past studies, ranging from 100 mg per day to as much as 600 mg per day. However, because of the potential for liver toxicity, the smallest possible dose of this drug should be consumed.
To reduce the risk of liver damage while consuming kava, do not take more than the minimum dose you need to get the desired result. Likewise, you should never take more of this substance than your doctor recommends, nor should you consume kava regularly for an extended period of time.
Avoid any medications known to interact with kava, including Valium, ibuprofen, tamoxifen, warfarin, Zofran, levodopa, Xanax, CNS depressants, Zyprexa, omeprazole and any drug known to be toxic to the liver.
If you are not sure whether your medications will interact with kava, consult a licensed physician. Do not drink alcohol while taking kava supplements or drinking kava tea preparations.
People who have a history of liver problems should not use kava, as the risk of side effects may be greater in these individuals. Avoid kava if you have had problems metabolizing other drugs or supplements in the past.
If you notice any side effects or signs of liver damage while taking kava, including liver pain, yellowing of the skin or any of the other symptoms listed above, discontinue your use of the supplement and seek medical treatment immediately.
Some experts have also recommended undergoing regular liver tests while consuming kava to monitor the liver for signs of a problem and prevent significant Kava liver damage.
- Sarris J, Stough C, Bousman CA, Wahid ZT, Murray G, Teschke R, Savage KM, Dowell A, Ng C, Schweitzer I. Kava in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2013.
- Kava Kava. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Cited on May 25, 2016.
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment