Kava

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant that has had many traditional uses throughout history, especially among South Pacific Islanders. It is best known for anxiety reduction but comes with some serious safety concerns when used in excess.

Quick Answer

What it is

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant that has had many traditional uses throughout history, especially among South Pacific Islanders. It is best known for anxiety reduction but comes with some serious safety concerns when used in excess.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Anxiety Symptoms
  • Grade C: Aggression
  • Grade C: Cognition (Cognitive Improvement)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Kava

Quick Facts: Kava

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:10
  • Research Outcomes:37
  • Grade A Findings:3
  • Key Effect:Anxiety Disorders (Other)
Outcomes by grade:
A3
B0
C8
D0
10 conditions Β· 37 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
A
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
C
Aggression
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Sleep Quality
1 study
↑Improves
A
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
C
Aggression
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Sleep Quality
1 study
↑Improves
A
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
?
Sleep Quality
1 study
↑Improves
?
Stress Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
C
Aggression
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Anxiety Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
C
Aggression
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Anxiety Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
C
Cognition
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Reaction Time
↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
C
Cognition
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Reaction Time
↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
C
Sleep Quality
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Stress Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
C
Aggression
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Anxiety Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Subjective Well-Being
↑Improves
?
Anxiety Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Stress Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves

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