How much Kava should I take daily?

Introduction

Kava, a plant native to the Pacific Islands, is commonly used for its sedative and anxiolytic properties. The appropriate daily dosage of kava is a topic of interest, particularly for its use in treating conditions like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This synthesis aims to provide insights into the recommended daily intake of kava based on available research.

Key Insights

Dosage in Clinical Settings:
- In a clinical trial, 400 mg of Kava-Kava extract LI 150 was administered daily to patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) for 8 weeks. This dosage was found to be as effective as 10 mg of Buspirone and 100 mg of Opipramol, with about 75% of patients classified as responders and 60% achieving full remission.
Consumption in Aboriginal Communities:
- Observations in an Aboriginal community in Arnhem Land reported a steady consumption of kava at a rate of 37g of kava powder (containing around 3800 mg of kava lactones) in 670 ml of water per hour. The highest levels of consumption were up to 900g/week of kava powder, with heavy consumers drinking at least 610g/week.

Conclusion

The recommended daily intake of kava can vary depending on the context. In clinical settings for treating GAD, a daily dosage of 400 mg of Kava-Kava extract LI 150 has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated. In contrast, traditional consumption patterns in some Aboriginal communities can be significantly higher, with weekly intakes reaching up to 900g of kava powder. It is important to consider the context and purpose of kava use when determining the appropriate dosage.

How much Kava should I take daily?

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Kava in Arnhem Land: a review of consumption and its social correlates

Kava consumption in Arnhem Land is comparable to Pacific island societies, with heavy consumers drinking at least 610g/week, and a steady drinking tempo means that an individual's weekly consumption is related to the amount of time spent drinking.

Kava-Kava extract LI 150 is as effective as Opipramol and Buspirone in Generalised Anxiety Disorder--an 8-week randomized, double-blind multi-centre clinical trial in 129 out-patients.

Kava-Kava LI 150 is well-tolerated and as effective as Buspirone and Opipramol in the acute treatment of out-patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Clinical efficacy of kava extract WS 1490 in sleep disturbances associated with anxiety disorders. Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

Kava extract WS 1490 effectively and safely treats sleep disturbances associated with non-psychotic anxiety disorders, improving sleep quality and overall well-being.

Kava-induced dermopathy: a niacin deficiency?

Heavy chronic kava consumption is not responsible for the rash, which is more likely due to acquired ichthyosis.

High dose of commercial products of kava (Piper methysticum) markedly enhanced hepatic cytochrome P450 1A1 mRNA expression with liver enlargement in rats.

High doses of commercial kava products may induce hepatic CYP1A1 expression in rats, potentially causing liver toxicity in sensitive individuals.

Kava for generalised anxiety disorder: A 16-week double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study

Kava root extract was not effective for diagnosed generalised anxiety disorder, with no significant difference in anxiety reduction between the two groups.

Enough! or too much. What is 'excessive' kava use in Arnhem Land?

Excessive kava use in Arnhem Land Aboriginal communities can lead to dermopathy, abnormal BMI, low blood lymphocytes, and abnormal GGT levels, suggesting that controlling supply may help minimize harm from its abuse.

Kava for the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder RCT: Analysis of Adverse Reactions, Liver Function, Addiction, and Sexual Effects

Kava may improve sexual function and reduce anxiety in women with generalized anxiety disorder, without significant adverse reactions or addiction.

Kava and Valerian in the treatment of stress‐induced insomnia

Kava and valerian effectively relieve stress and insomnia, with no significant differences between them, and both have no significant side-effects.

Effects of the heavy usage of kava on physical health: summary of a pilot survey in an aboriginal community.

Heavy kava use in Aboriginal communities is associated with poor health, increased underweight, and decreased nutritional status, highlighting the need for urgent social action to improve health and nutritional status.

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