Saccade and cognitive function in chronic kava users

Abstract

Kava is an extract from thePiper methysticumForst. f.plant that has been consumed in the Pacific islands for millennia and more recently, among indigenous populations, in northern Australia and throughout the Western world as an herbalmedicine. Through alterations onneuronal excitation, kava induces muscle relaxation, anasthesia, and has anxiolytic properties. There have been several isolated reports ofpsychotic syndromes, severe choreoathetosis and possible seizures following kava use. However, there is no conclusive evidence thatkava interferes with normalcognitive processes. We tested a group of current, ex, and nonkava users among an indigenous population innorthern Australia, using sacc..