Are you suffering from stress and anxiety? Discover the Pacific treasure Kava Kava!

• What is Kava Kava?
• Kavala-what?
  • How kavalactones work
• The effects of Kava Kava
  • Effect on stress and anxiety
  • More restful sleep
• Side effects
• How Kava Kava entered the modern world
• Kava Kava products
• Is Kava Kava the answer to stress and anxiety?
• FAQ

What is Kava Kava?

Kava Kava, or pepper tree, is a tropical shrub that grows up to 6 metres tall and is characterised by its distinctive heart-shaped green leaves. However, it is particularly valued for its roots. These contain high levels of kavalactones — psychoactive compounds that act on various receptors in the body and can affect mood and various physiological processes.

Kavala-what?

Kavalactones are the main active ingredients responsible for the effects of Kava Kava. They can make up to a fifth of the root of the pepper tree! There are several types of kavalactones, the most important of which are:

• Kavain: the most abundant kavalactone.
• Dihydrokavain: a strong sedative.
• Methysticin and dihydromethysticin: studied for their potential neuroprotective and analgesic properties.
• Yangonin: studied in connection with stimulation and effects on cognitive function.
• Desmethoxyyangonin: the least studied kavalactone.

Each type of Kava Kava has different effects depending on the specific proportion of kavalactones — while types with a higher cavain content may have an alerting, calming effect, types with a predominance of dihydrocavain will be more sedative.

How kavalactones work

Kavalactones interact with several systems in the human body. 

1. Effect on GABAA receptors: GABAA receptors are the main inhibitory receptors in the nervous system — they reduce neuron activity, inducing a feeling of calm. Kavalactones do not activate these receptors directly like benzodiazepines, but act on them indirectly. 

2. Happiness hormones: Kavalactones can promote serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, which contribute to a better mood.

3. Blocking sodium and calcium channels: Some kavalactones have been shown to block electrical signals between nerve cells and may thus contribute to pain relief.

4. Other mechanisms: Research suggests that kavalactones may also affect other systems in the body, such as those that control inflammatory processes and immune response.

The effects of kava kava — what science says

The effects of kava kava are described in new scientific studies. However, research is limited, and the following information is by no means intended as a health claim or medical recommendation.

Effect on stress and anxiety

A 2013 study with 75 participants examined the effect of Kava Kava on anxiety disorders. After 6 weeks of taking a standardised extract, there was a dramatic decrease in anxiety in 70-75% of participants compared to the placebo group. The effects were evident within the first week.

More restful sleep

A 2004 study examined 61 people suffering from sleep disorders associated with anxiety and tension who took either 200 mg of Kava Kava extract or a placebo for 4 weeks. The results showed a significant improvement in sleep quality compared to the placebo in the group taking the extract.

A 2005 study in rats examined how Kava Kava affects sleep compared to benzodiazepines, which are prescribed for anxiety and insomnia. 

Both substances shortened the time it took to fall asleep, but Kava Kava had a different mechanism of action than conventional drugs — it did not activate benzodiazepine receptors, which could mean a lower risk of addiction and support for the natural sleep cycle. At the same time, it improved the quality of deep sleep.

Side effects

When used for a short period of time in the recommended doses, Kava Kava is generally well tolerated. The following may occur:

• drowsiness and fatigue
• nausea
• headache
• dizziness 
• vivid or intense dreams

At high doses, the following may occur:

• hand tremors
• impaired attention
• coordination problems and slower reflexes

Long-term use of high doses may lead to skin changes. The skin becomes dry, scaly and yellowish to brownish in colour. The skin condition should return to normal after discontinuation.

The greatest concerns associated with Kava Kava relate to potential liver damage. In the past, cases of severe hepatotoxicity, including liver failure requiring transplantation, have been reported in Europe and the United States. 

The above-ground parts of the plant, which contain liver-damaging substances, have proven to be particularly problematic. The risk is significantly lower when using the root, although it cannot be completely ruled out.

Kava Kava is not suitable for:

• children and adolescents
• pregnant and breastfeeding women
• people suffering from Parkinson's disease — it may increase hand tremors
• people suffering from depression — may worsen lethargy
• people with liver problems

Kava Kava should not be used:

• before and during driving and operating machinery
• with alcohol
• with medication, especially benzodiazepines and antidepressants

How Kava Kava entered the modern world

Kava Kava originates from the Western Pacific region, where it has a thousand-year-old tradition. It is an integral part of social and spiritual life as well as medicine. Traditionally, the fresh or dried root is crushed and mixed with water or coconut milk and served as a drink.

Europeans became acquainted with Kava Kava in the 18th century, thanks to the famous British navigator James Cook, who discovered it during his expedition to the Pacific. A scientific description of the plant was then prepared by botanists Johann Reinhold Forster and his son Georg Forster, who accompanied Cook on his journey.

While Kava Kava has remained a common part of life in Pacific cultures for centuries, it has only begun to gain attention in the Western world in recent decades, particularly in the context of growing interest in natural support for mental well-being.

Kava Kava products

There are a number of Kava Kava products on the market for enthusiasts and collectors.

• Kava Kava powder: dried and ground root
• Kava Kava tea: dried and crushed root, loose or portioned in bags
• Kava Kava tablets and capsules: contain a standardised amount of kavalactones
• Kava Kava tincture: extract obtained by soaking the root in alcohol or glycerine

Is Kava Kava the answer to stress and anxiety?

Kava Kava is a shrub native to the Pacific, prized mainly for its root. It contains high amounts of kavalactones, psychoactive substances that interact with several systems in the human body and can induce a feeling of calm or even sedation.

Although Kava Kava has therapeutic potential, there are not enough studies to better describe its long-term effects.

Kava Kava products are not recommended for direct consumption; they are sold as collector's items that will be appreciated by any enthusiast of alternative medicine.

  

Sources:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23635869/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14706720/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15700178/

   

Author: Natálie Kubíčková

   

   

Photo: AI

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