Botanical name: Piper methysticum
Common name: Kava, Kava kava, Awa, Ava, Yaqona, Yagona, Sakau, Seka, Malok, Malogu
Plant part: Root
Strength: 1:2
Source (Organic or Trade): Trade
Country of Origin: Fiji
Weekly Dosage (mL): 42-84mL
Standardised to contain minimum of: 10mg/mL kavalactones

Actions: Anxiolytic, Hypnotic, Sedative, Local anaesthetic, Skeletal muscle relaxant

Main indication: Anxiety, insomnia, neuralgia, toothache, tension headache, cramping

Safety information: Caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, Parkinson's Disease or liver disease.

Drug Interactions: Dopamine antagonists eg antipychotics, metoclopramide - Increased risk of Parkinsonian side effects theoretically possible
Levo-dopa & other dopaminergic agents - Possible reduction of efficacy in Parkinson's disease
Ethanol - Additive CNS depressant effects possible especially with large doses
Sedatives & anxiolytic drugs (hypnotics, benzodiazepines, opiates, some analgesics - Additive CNS depressant effects possible especially with large doses
Drugs with risk of hepatotoxicity - Possible increased risk of hepatotoxicity

More Information: Herbal Mythbusters Info Sheet

Article: Hepatotoxicity and raw material quality of Kava (2012), Safety following chronic use of Kava (2006), Endangered herbs (2004), No hepatotoxic action of Kava (2003), Kava withdrawn in Australia (2002), Interactions of Kava with CNS receptors (2001), Kava - a review (1999)