The neurobehavioural effects of kava

Abstract

Objective: This review considers the context in which kava is used, together with its underlying psychopharmacological mechanisms, to investigate the neurobehavioural effects associated with kava use. Method: We conducted a systematic search using the computerized databases MEDLINE, OVID and PsychLIT for all articles containing any of the following words: kava, kavain, kawa and Piper methysticum. In the opinion of the authors, all articles from this collection containing data that could inform the neurological and cognitive sequelae of kava use were included for the purpose of this review. Results: The use of kava occurs among indigenous populations in the South Pacific and in northern Austr..