Piper Methysticum (Kava) Extract Uses, Effects & Dangers

The Piper methysticum plant, more commonly known as kava kava, is a shrub that grows in the western Pacific region. The roots of this shrub have been used in different beverages in Fiji and other areas of the South Pacific for many centuries.

Piper methysticum is also known as Intoxicating Long Pepper, Ava Pepper, Kawa Kawa, Yaqona, Sakau, Malok and Malog. There are hundreds of different strains of Kava that grow around the world; different strains are said to produce different effects in the user.

Piper methysticum is used for a variety of purposes, including recreational use and anxiety relief. While this herb offers some benefits, using it has also been linked to serious and potentially life-threatening adverse reactions in some people.

Those who are interested in using Piper methysticum extract should understand the potential dangers involved and weigh these against the benefits it offers. Some countries have placed a ban on these products. Other countries, including the U.S., have warned consumers about the potential effects of using kava.

Kava

Herbal Supplement

Anxiety

Mood

Sleep

How It Works:

• Reduces feeling of anxiety & stress
• Improves feeling of wellbeing
• Shown to improve sleep & insomnia

Dosage:

Between 100 - 300 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Common Uses for Piper Methysticum

Traditionaly, Piper Methysticum plants were harvested after 4 or 5 years. The roots of the plant were then peeled, ground and prepared into a ceremonial beverage or chewed.

In Fiji, the roots of this plant are prepared into a beverage called “grog”, which is consumed at social events and plays a similar cultural role as alcohol in the west. Kava kava continues to be used for ceremonial, social, religious and political purposes in the South Pacific.

Kava kava has a distinct “earthy” taste when consumed as a beverage. More recently, highly concentrated kava root extracts have been sold in Europe and the United States in pill capsules or liquid tincture form.

Some researchers ague that it is the preparation of these extracts that causes the adverse effects linked to Kava use. They cite the very low incidence of serious side effects noted from kava consumption in its long history of traditional use.

Kava has also had a history of medicinal use, in addition to its cultural roles. According to the Natural Medicines Database, Piper methysticum is sometimes used for reducing anxiety and managing stress.

Its use has also been documented for managing the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, depression and epilepsy. These products are also used for managing migraines and headaches.

Other medicinal uses for Piper methysticum include managing symptoms of venereal diseases, urinary tract infections and vaginal prolapse. It has also be used for managing menstrual discomfort.

Piper methysticum has topical uses as well. It can be applied to the affected area for wounds, toothaches and abscesses. Topical forms of the kava herb have been used for canker sores and otitis.

Piper methysticum has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of any specific medical condition. Many of the above uses are based on its historical or traditional uses and have not been validated by clinical research studies.

Effects and Benefits of Piper Methysticum

The National Institutes of Health states that the active ingredient in Piper methysticum is kavalactones, which are compounds that show sedative, anxiolytic and analgesic effects.

18 different kavalactones have been identified in Piper methysticum. These compounds have been shown to stimulate GABA-A receptors in the brain and inhibit the release of certain excitatory neurochemicals.

In some research studies, kavalactones have been found to improve sleep, reduce pain and promote calmness. [1] Kavalactones are purported to promote a high feeling for those who use Piper methysticum recreationally, but they can also create a relaxed state of mind when used at lower doses. In studies, Kavalactones have also demonstrated anticonvulsants effects.

When taken as a dietary supplement, Piper methysticum may help relieve the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, according to the results of a 2013 study that appeared in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. [2]

It has also been studied for its potential to help people manage insomnia and stress, although there is insufficient reliable evidence to rate its effectiveness, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [3]

Piper methysticum has been studied for its effects on depression, epilepsy, headaches and ADHD, but there is not enough evidence to determine if it is effective for managing these conditions.

Additional studies are needed, but some institutions are unable to conduct them. For example, kava research at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health was suspended after the Food and Drug Administration issued warnings on the potentially harmful effects of Piper methysticum on the liver. [4]

How to Take Piper Methysticum Extract

Piper methysticum is available as tablets, capsules and other supplement forms. Extract made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant is available in liquid form that can be used in different beverages, including tea and water.

This plant can also be grown from rootstock or cuttings. Piper methysticum seeds for growing are not available for those who want to grow their own kava, since this plant is typically unable to produce seeds.

Piper methysticum extract can be found at Amazon and other online retailers, as well as in retail stores in the United States that carry health and wellness supplements.

A large percentage of consumers who have taken these supplements report that they ease anxiety and promote relaxation. A small percentage of consumers who use these supplements state that they do not reduce stress or have calming effects.

No recommended dosage for supplements that contain Piper methysticum has been determined.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, kava root extract is commonly taken at a dose of between 100 – 300 mg per day. However, different products may contain different concentrations of active kavalactones. It is important to follow dosage guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the specific product you are using.

It is important for those who are considering taking this supplement to speak with their doctor first, especially if they have liver problems or other medical conditions.

Doctors can determine if Piper methysticum is safe to use and how much can safely be taken based on age, medical conditions and other factors.

Side Effects of Piper Methysticum

Piper methysticum use has been linked to harmful effects on the liver. More than 30 cases of liver damage have been reported in Europe, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [5]

Experts are unsure if Piper methysticum causes liver damage or if taking this plant along with other medications results in liver damage.

Piper methysticum supplements should only be used with the guidance of a healthcare provider to help reduce the risk of liver damage and other side effects. Some of the adverse effects associated with this herb include drowsiness, nausea, skin problems, dizziness and restlessness.

The use of Piper methysticum in small or moderate dosages for up to 4 weeks is generally well tolerated. Exceptions to this include those with liver problems, those who take medication that affects the liver, women who are pregnant and women who are nursing.

Taking these supplements for a long period of time or using large doses of it can lead to partial hearing loss, hair loss and other problems. Other potential effects include appetite loss and a yellowish skin tone. If you experience these side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Piper methysticum supplements are not safe to take before driving or using heavy machinery. Some experience an intoxicating effect similar to that of alcohol when using kava kava, which makes these kinds of activities dangerous to attempt.

Some types of medications can interact with Piper methysticum supplements. These include anti-anxiety drugs, diuretics, anticonvulsants and drugs that affect the liver. Those who take any of these should check with their doctor before taking kava supplements.

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