Health - Kava-Kava DOES NOT Cause Liver Damage

[Kristy]

SWIM has just made an order of kava but was wondering how much liver damage it can cause exactly?

SWIM has read up on kava and has read it can cause liver damage, but how much compared to say, a benzo??

Thanks

[Nagognog2]

The "tests" done on Kava~Kava that indicated it causes liver-damage were done by corrupt researchers under the supervision of American governmental agencies. The people they studied were alcoholics with severe liver-damage from drinking booze. They twisted the results (and outright lied) to indicate Kava~Kava had caused the damage!

Studies conducted on Islanders who have used Kava~Kava all their lives in Tonga and Fiji found no liver-damage whatsoever.

Reputation Comments on this post:

interesting "study"

[Kristy]

Thanks nagognog, SWIM is glad to hear this.

(although its shocking of the gov'ment). SWIM is looking forward to the order arriving even more now

[Nicaine]

Some say the liver damage was from products including Kava stem/leaf (which contains some substance toxic to the liver, and is not used by the natives)... genuine root powder should be no problem. For this reason, I would personally avoid extracts and stick to the real thing.

Others feel it's some sort of conspiracy by big pharmaceutical companies to prevent Kava from eating into the sale of prescribed anti-anxiety meds. I tend to believe the first explanation (stem/leaf) more, but don't totally discount the second. It could even be a combination of both.

As for how much damage... there were reports of destroyed livers requiring transplants. Not to freak you out, just passing along what I heard.

[Nagognog2]

In Tonga and Fiji, the Catholic church has been trying to ban Kava for decades. They have a vested interest in the liquor industry there, and Kava cuts down on the sales. No doubt peaceful, friendly people drinking Kava don't have as much to confess on Sundays as do those who guzzle whiskey and beat up folks.

A friend of mine just returned from Tonga and has many stories of using Kava~Kava in the traditional way with the locals. Perhaps I can talk him into writing these up.

[ponygirl]

If you're worried, have your liver enzymes tested. My liver is damaged (but getting better!) from some meds the /Doctors/ gave me. Um...thanks Doc. A simple test will tell you the damage and your liver will repair itself.

Reputation Comments on this post:

	helpful post
	great advice and very helpful. good thinking!

[mouthwater]

Kava Hepatotoxicity: Are we any closer to the truth?

In recent years, kava kava ( Piper methysticum, Forst. f., Piperaceae) has been implicated in a number of liver failure cases. Ever since this has kept the scientific world busy. Even though, on closer inspection, the majority of the case reports are probably not connected to kava intake, hepatotoxic effects of kava cannot generally be ruled out. In this article the major theories as to the mechanism of kava hepatotoxicity are summarized. But in spite of all these hypotheses, there is still no satisfactory answer. In any case, further studies, that might hopefully restore the reputation of kava, are required.

Kava kava: examining new reports of toxicity.

Before 1998, extracts of kava kava, Piper methysticum, were considered to be very safe alternatives to anxiolytic drugs and to possibly exert a wide range of other benefits. Major reviews published through the end of 2002 continued to confirm kava's safety and efficacy. Nevertheless, by January 2003 kava extracts had been banned in the entire European Union and Canada, and were subject to cautions and advisories by the US FDA as a result of 11 cases of hepatic failure leading to liver transplants, including four deaths. A total of 78 cases of hepatotoxicity reputedly linked to kava ingestion are available for review from various databases. Of these adverse events, four probably are linked to kavalactones taken alone and another 23 are potentially linked to kava intake, but also involve the concomitant ingestion of other compounds with potential hepatotoxicity. Three possible mechanisms for kavalactone hepatotoxicity are known: inhibition of cytochrome P450, reduction in liver glutathione content and, more remotely, inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzyme activity. The direct toxicity of kava extracts is quite small under any analysis, yet the potential for drug interactions and/or the potentiation of the toxicity of other compounds is large. Presently, kava toxicity appears to be "idiosyncratic." The risk-to-benefit ratio of kava extracts, nevertheless, remains good in comparison with that of other drugs used to treat anxiety.

Liver function test abnormalities in users of aqueous kava extracts.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic toxicity from manufactured herbal remedies that contain kava lactones has been reported in Europe, North America, and Australia. There is no evidence for serious liver damage in kava-using populations in Pacific Island societies or in Indigenous Australians who have used aqueous kava extracts. This article presents evidence that liver function changes in users of aqueous kava extracts appear to be reversible. Data from one Arnhem Land community [Northern Territory (NT), Australia] with 340 indigenous people older than 15 years of age in 2000 are used. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study with 98 participants, 36 of whom had never used kava. Among 62 kava users, 23 had discontinued kava at least 1 year before the study. Continuing users had not used kava for 1 to 2 months (n = 10) or 1 to 2 weeks previously (n = 15). Some (n = 14) had used kava within the previous 24 hr. Liver function tests were compared across these groups, taking into account differences due to age, sex, alcohol, and other substance use. RESULTS: The average quantity of kava powder consumed was 118 g/week, and median duration of use was 12 years (range, 1-18 years). Kava usage levels were less than one-half of those found in previous studies. More recent kava use was independently associated with higher levels of liver enzymes gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p < 0.001) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.001), but not with alanine aminotransferase or bilirubin, which were not elevated. In those who were not heavy alcohol users, only those who used kava within the previous 24 hr showed GGT levels higher than nonusers (p < 0.001), whereas higher ALP levels occurred only in those who last used kava 1 to 2 weeks (p = 0.015) and 24 hr previously (p = 0.005). DISCUSSION: Liver function changes in users of aqueous kava extracts at these moderate levels of consumption appear to be reversible and begin to return to baseline after 1 to 2 weeks abstinence from kava. No evidence for irreversible liver damage has been found.

It seems that chances of hepatic complications are very slim, but SWIY should be aware that liver toxicity has occured in other users, although this may be the result of idiosyncrasy. SWIY should dose Kava responsibly to avoid possible health dangers.

[Bajeda]

Originally Posted by mouthwater

It seems that chances of hepatic complications are very slim, but SWIY should be aware that liver toxicity has occured in other users, although this may be the result of idiosyncrasy. SWIY should dose Kava responsibly to avoid possible health dangers.

Please note the dates of those studies as well as the conditions under which they were taken.

More recent studies analyzing the supposed trend of liver damage as a whole as well as those undertaking more specific non meta-analytical studies have found the possibility of liver damage to be extremely unlikely.

[Nagognog2]

Please remember that the original "study" done, with the blessing of the government, used last-stage alcoholics as subjects. Voila! Look! Look! They have liver damage!

And these same idiots will continue to try to get us all to believe that this gentle, soothing, peaceful little plants will RIP YER LIVER OUT AND BURN IT!!

[Alfa]

I highly suspect that this is the reason why kava-kava has been banned:

extracts of kava kava, Piper methysticum, were considered to be very safe alternatives to anxiolytic drugs

[Bajeda]

Originally Posted by Alfa

I highly suspect that this is the reason why kava-kava has been banned:

Its somewhat reminiscent of the whole l-tryptophan debacle, http://www.ceri.com/trypto.htm



Where exactly has Kava-Kava been banned? I think in the Netherlands and Germany it is controlled but am unsure of where else.

[Nagognog2]

Banned in Canada. Possibly Australia - have to ask a friend.

[Bajeda]

From what I could find with a quick search, Kava is controlled in some way in Australia, Finland, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. In Germany it is regulated as a medicinal substance of some type I believe rather than as a banned drug, though I'm not really sure how this works.

[Venusia]

Originally Posted by Bajeda

From what I could find with a quick search, Kava is controlled in some way in Australia, Finland, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. In Germany it is regulated as a medicinal substance of some type I believe rather than as a banned drug, though I'm not really sure how this works.

How interesting! One might think the USA would ban it since it is mood-altering, but nope. How strange that such a puritanical country would let Kava slide while more liberal countries have banned it. Sometimes Swiv just doesn't understand the law and how arbitrary it can be.

Anyway, Swiv likes Kava and would be sad to hear it is bad for the liver. All things in moderation, she supposes. Too much of anything is going to be bad for some organ or another.

[imyourlittlebare]

Originally Posted by venusia

How interesting! One might think the USA would ban it since it is mood-altering, but nope. How strange that such a puritanical country would let Kava slide while more liberal countries have banned it. Sometimes Swiv just doesn't understand the law and how arbitrary it can be.

Anyway, Swiv likes Kava and would be sad to hear it is bad for the liver. All things in moderation, she supposes. Too much of anything is going to be bad for some organ or another.

The U.S. couldnt ban it. Its safety profile is very high. You are significantly more likely to die from using benzodiazepines in correct dosages, motrin and acetaminophen. Aspirin has been shown to cause microhemorrhages in the brain. Kava has never been shown to cause physical or psychological addiction and like I mentioned b4, it is significantly safer on the body than OTC drugs so there is no grounds to ban it in the U.S. It was banned and controlled in a few places due to a bad study done in Germany using a bad extract many years ago. It took about 15 years but now its finally showed that it is safe for use and significantly safer than OTC drugs and non-addictive through a very unique mechanism of action. Australia banned it quickly because of the natives who used it there and that same study. Its funny bc instead of kava farms, breweries started to come and the aborigines (i believe thats how you spell it), since they could no longer use kava, have now found themselves to suffer from large amounts of alcohol similar to native americans. I would have to hypothesize its probably biological differences similar to native americans. But thats besides the point. The world health organization originally thought countries should make kava Rx only. But research has shown it to be safe and there is no problems from use so its all good.

[Bajeda]

European Union Kava Report 2003

Refutes the argument that the 76 cases of hepatoxicity somehow related to Kava that occurred in Europe is indicative of Kava being toxic to the liver. Only four cases actually were related to Kava intake. Plenty of scientific evidence has shown Kava to be an extremely safe substance to use. This report argues for EU member states that banned Kava to rethink their position.

Another look at the issue here, speculating a bit.

And another theory here as to how, if at all, Kava could have contributed to the hepatoxicity cases noted in Europe.

[Pino]

Kava Kava could be bought in pharmacies in the Netherlands as an extract. After two or three cases of liver failure after kava kava use, it was prohibited as untested medicine. (I am not sure about that, maybe it is classified as hard drug). I can remember some details of one of the cases. It was a guy, who took 40 kava kava pills. That is about 8 grams of kavalactones! I think there were some economical reasons behind the prohibition. Nobody is banning alcohol because someone is drinking 40 beers (or 40 Big Macs at once).

SWIM misses the stuff, it was a nice and clean buzz. He stopped drinking alcohol and only took some Kava. Alcohol is a more inferior product, if SWIM compared it with kava kava.

[imyourlittlebare]

I am a neuroscientist currently doing research on kava-kava. if prepared with just kava root, the literature appears to support that kava does not cause liver damage. however, full plant may so just to be on the safe side (especially if you are a regular user of alcohol or my most hated drug tylenol) be wary of plant material you buy. in comparison to tricyclic antidepressants kava is much better. Although this is somewhat disputed it is my professional opinion that benzo's do in fact cause more deaths per million than kava because of their mechanism. some people argue but i dont buy it. kava is a wonderful medicine. im going to continue for its research and validity to help create a better market for it in the future for people to relax. its unfair to make anxious people nervous that they are going to be accused of being an addict if they take all their valiums. It would be much better to unrestrict an anxious persons usage to promote them to becoming a more healthy person free of at least that worry.

[krazykungfu]

Hey Guys, found what SWIM thinks is an interesting article on this subject - just throwing it out there to see other SWIY's opinions.... SWIM believes strongly that kava is safe in it's traditional form - but as for extracts SWIM believes that they're still probably OK but SWIM doesn't have the scientific background or the resources to find out definitively either way.... So for the time being this means that SWIM will steer clear of these.... SWIM has tried to make extracts and some do work but the only benefit gained is not having to really taste the stuff. SWIM thinks that if this is a problem for others then push through it for a while and once SWIY understands the effects, the flavour is no longer a problem - SWIM also understands that others might not be able to obtain fresh ground up kava root and extracts are the only way - if this is the case SWIM thinks you should monitor yourself carefully and don't risk harming your body just to get "high" or fell less anxious because I'm sure liver damage would make someone anxious too....

PS SWIM doesn't really know who wrote the article and doesn't claim it to be the unbiased truth but it seems fairly well informed to the casual researcher...

[Kratom23]

Kava is safe, but just treat it with respect.

[imyourlittlebare]

2009 article and the World Health Organization confirm the safety of kava. Only use products that contain the root of the plant and only extracts where water was used. Acetone and ethanol extracts can cause chemical changes that can lead to problems and same with the rest of the plant. If anyone wants the articles tell me how to post and I will.

Furthermore, I wanted to let everyone know. I am a week away from presenting my work at a pharmacological conference on kava and test-anxiety. I am two weeks away from sending it to get published. Kava-kava has nootropic effects and at a dose of 500 mg (150 mg kavalactones), test-anxiety is significantly reduced.

imyourlittlebare added 91 Minutes and 42 Seconds later...

how would I post my study? I have a pdf of my poster and sources about the pharmacological effects and what I did. As far as my paper goes, I have a full paper from my thesis and a shorter paper for publication not yet in pdf form. Can anyone inform me how to put up a pdf?

Reputation Comments on this post:

great you should post your study here

[Imafish]

What makes so little sense to me is why kava could be banned due to *alleged* liver damage when acetaminophen- a drug anyone can very easily buy- is PROVEN to cause liver failure in a few days if too much is taken. I guess it wouldn't be a good political move to make Tylenol illegal though eh?

[Boca Bitch]

SWIY could always consume milk thistle the next day, to reverse any hepatotoxicity that could have been a result of kava consumption. Just be sure to take it with a meal, or it can cause an upset stomach.

It's legal, readily available at every pharmacy, and so proven to improve liver health, that it's prescribed by doctors to recovering alcoholics.

[Bajeda]

Title: Safety of ethanolic kava extract: Results of a study of chronic toxicity in rats.
Author: Sorrentino, L Add.Author / Editor: Capasso, A Schmidt, M
Citation: Phytomedicine. Volume: 13, Issue: 8, Date: 2006 08 21, Pages: 542-9 Year: 2006

Abstract:
BACKGROUNDS: Recently, potential liver toxicity was discussed with the intake of kava extract preparations (Piper methysticum) as anxiolytic drugs. The aim of this study was to test chronic toxicity in rats by oral application of an ethanolic kava full extract.
METHODS: Wistar rats of both sexes were fed 7.3 or 73 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic kava extract for 3 and 6 months. The animals were examined for changes in body weight, hematological and liver parameters, and macroscopical and microscopical histological changes in the major organs.
RESULTS: No signs of toxicity could be found.
CONCLUSIONS: The results are in accordance with the medical experience regarding the use of kava preparations and the long tradition of kava drinking in the South Pacific island states. Specifically, the results do not back the suspicion of potential liver toxicity.


^^^^^^

Have the pdf of the article for the abstract above but need to optimize it before I can upload. It basically appears that there is no liver toxicity concern where kava is concerned, just as Nag said.



Heres another study alraedy in the archive ----> Kava-kava and Anxiety: Growing Knowledge About the Efficacy and Safety

Its a bit older so it has a more vague conclusion but the report points towards the same general results as the abstract above.