Kava Kava - effects, where to buy, reviews

Kava Kawa, also known as methystine pepper, is a herbaceous plant that occurs naturally in the Pacific Islands region. It has been used for millennia by indigenous populations for both medicinal and religious purposes. It is still used in various places, such as Papua New Guinea. It is typically consumed just before dinner, as consuming kawakawa on an empty stomach can trigger the plant's psychoactive effects. Dinners are usually less substantial, as kawakawa also reduces appetite, and large portions can cause nausea. There are many methods for preparing this plant for consumption, but usually, the root is chewed, ground or crushed and then soaked in cold water, which facilitates the release of the substances responsible for its effect.

As previously mentioned, it is the laktones (referred to as Kavalaktones) that are responsible for the effects of the Kava Kava plant. Their chemical structure is very similar to mirystycin, a substance found in musculoskeletal tissue. In total, 15 of them have been isolated, of which 9 have been fully identified. In traditional folk medicine, Kava Kava has been used as a remedy for fever, diarrhea, swelling, menstrual pain. The psychoactive effects of Kava Kava can vary depending on the dose – from mild stimulation and euphoria (at lower doses) to muscle relaxation, loss of coordination, and drowsiness. Taking too high a dose and too frequently can lead to skin symptoms such as itching and rash, which often accompanies light sensitivity. Furthermore, liver function disorders and gastrointestinal disorders can occur. In several studies, the anxiolytic effect of Kava Kava has been observed. Among participants who took 100 mg of Kava Kava extract (containing 70% laktones) three times a day for four weeks, a significant reduction in anxiety levels was observed compared to a placebo group. Their effect can be compared to the effects of commonly used antidepressants and anxiolytics (benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants). Importantly, they do not appear to delay reaction time or impair concentration. In addition, Kava Kava may have an antithrombotic effect, i.e., preventing the clumping of blood platelets.

Currently, Kava kava is widely disseminated worldwide in the form of capsules or infusions, serving as a dietary supplement. Since 2002, some European countries have withdrawn from the sale of plant extracts due to the potential, liver-damaging effects (hepatotoxic). In the Register of the Chief Health Inspector, the status of preparations containing Kava kava extracts is ongoing, which means they have not been marketed. Furthermore, living Kava plant, dried, seeds, extracts or extracts have been listed in the register of narcotic agents in group I-N, which means that it can only be used for medical, scientific and industrial purposes. Nevertheless, they are available for online purchase in the form of drops and capsules. Manufacturers attribute to them calming, stress-reducing, anxiolytic and muscle-relaxing effects. However, it is doubtful that the sale is legal.

Kava kava is included on the Category I-N controlled substances list – such a substance may be manufactured or processed for research purposes by a pharmacist or without authorization by a pharmacy. These products must be adequately protected from persons not authorized to process and use them. Kava kava preparations may be authorized for marketing as pharmaceutical products. A physician may prescribe such a product with the consent of the Inspector General of Health. The prescription for kava kava may be written for a quantity that does not exceed 90 days' supply for use. Is kava kava therefore a drug? To date, it has not been proven to have addictive potential, but it is formally treated as such. Kava kava preparations are legal and available as dietary supplements in some countries. However, caution is advised, and these preparations should not be taken in conjunction with medications for Parkinson's disease or medications with negative effects on the liver.