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Kava

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Kava. Polynesian anxiolytic with strong evidence; rare hepatotoxicity risk.

How it works. Kavalactones modulate GABA-A and inhibit MAO-B.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Significant reduction in GAD symptoms (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 60–250 mg kavalactones/d short-term.

Side effects and interactions. 2 medication interactions listed. Serious: Hepatotoxicity (rare, mostly with non-aqueous extracts).

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA). Avoid combining with Alcohol, Pre-existing liver disease.

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Kava. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Kava. Polynesian anxiolytic with strong evidence; rare hepatotoxicity risk.

Key compound: kavainC14H14O3 · 230.26 g/mol

What it is

Polynesian anxiolytic with strong evidence; rare hepatotoxicity risk.

Also called

Piper methysticum

Food sources

Piper methysticum root

Goals

Mood & Anxiety

How it works

Kavalactones modulate GABA-A and inhibit MAO-B.

Pathways

  • GABA-A modulation

Effects

  • ↓Anxiety decreases

What the research supports

Significant reduction in GAD symptomsstrong

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
60–250 mg kavalactones/d short-term
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the aqueous extract (safer) form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Drowsiness

Serious

  • Hepatotoxicity (rare, mostly with non-aqueous extracts)

Medication interactions

Benzos / alcoholsevere

Additive sedation; hepatic risk.

Hepatotoxic drugssevere

Avoid.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Avoid combining

  • AlcoholSevere additive hepatotoxicity and sedation.
  • Pre-existing liver diseaseHepatotoxicity risk.

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Kava — Significant reduction in GAD symptoms ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kava and "Significant reduction in GAD symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Kava — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kava and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Kava — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Kava and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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