ka·va (kä v )n. A dietary supplement derived from the roots of the shrub Piper methysticum, used as a sedative. |
kava,
an herb that is harvested from a shrub that grows in the South Sea islands.
uses Although it is useful for nervous anxiety, restlessness, sleep disturbances, and stress, there are safety concerns following several reports of hepatotoxicity and liver failure occurring with relatively normal doses used for a short term.
contraindications Kava should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, in children less than 12 years of age, or in persons with known hypersensitivity, major depressive disorder, or Parkinson's disease.
Kava
A broad-leafed shrub native to Oceania, which contains alkaloids, lactones, kawain, methysticin, mucilage, starch, yangonin
Ethnomedicine Kava plays a central role in tribal life of Oceania; it is ground and fermented to produce a hallucinogen, used to celebrate birth and marriage, mourn death, placate the gods, cure illness, and remove curses
Herbal medicine It is antiseptic and diuretic; it is used by Western herbalists for prostatitis, urinary tract infections, rheumatic complaints, gout, anxiety, depression, insomnia, muscle spasms
Toxicity Chronic use is associated with dermal, hepatic, ocular, and spinal cord damage
Ethnomedicine Kava plays a central role in tribal life of Oceania; it is ground and fermented to produce a hallucinogen, used to celebrate birth and marriage, mourn death, placate the gods, cure illness, and remove curses
Herbal medicine It is antiseptic and diuretic; it is used by Western herbalists for prostatitis, urinary tract infections, rheumatic complaints, gout, anxiety, depression, insomnia, muscle spasms
Toxicity Chronic use is associated with dermal, hepatic, ocular, and spinal cord damage
kava (kä·v
),n Latin name:
Piper methysticum; parts used: rhizomes, roots; uses: anxiolytic, antiepileptic, antidepressant, muscle relaxant, analgesia, insomnia, alcohol dependency; precautions: children, pregnancy, lactation; patients with depression, pulmonary hypertension, Parkinson's disease; liver disease, or kidney disease; patients who drink alcohol. Also called
ava, ava pepper, awa, intoxicating pepper, kava-kava, kawa, kew, sakau, tonga, or
yagona.
Piper methysticum; parts used: rhizomes, roots; uses: anxiolytic, antiepileptic, antidepressant, muscle relaxant, analgesia, insomnia, alcohol dependency; precautions: children, pregnancy, lactation; patients with depression, pulmonary hypertension, Parkinson's disease; liver disease, or kidney disease; patients who drink alcohol. Also called
ava, ava pepper, awa, intoxicating pepper, kava-kava, kawa, kew, sakau, tonga, or
yagona.
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