Journal article

Kava: A comprehensive review of efficacy, safety, and psychopharmacology

J Sarris, E Laporte, I Schweitzer

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry | Published : 2011

Abstract

Overview: Kava (Piper methysticum) is a South Pacific psychotropic plant medicine that has anxiolytic activity. This effect is achieved from modulation of GABA activity via alteration of lipid membrane structure and sodium channel function, monoamine oxidase B inhibition, and noradrenaline and dopamine re-uptake inhibition. Kava is available over the counter in jurisdictions such as the USA, Australia and New Zealand. Due to this, a review of efficacy, safety and clinical recommendations is advised. Objective: To conduct a comprehensive review of kava, in respect to efficacy, psychopharmacology, and safety, and to provide clinical recommendations for use in psychiatry to treat generalized an..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Grants

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council


Funding Acknowledgements

Jerome Sarris is funded by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Fellowship (NHMRC funding ID 628875), in a strategic partnership with the University of Melbourne and the National Institute of Complementary Medicine at Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.