Kava abstracts.

Newsgroups: misc.health.alternative
Subject: Re: Kava Kava
From: alczap.thorne.com (Al Czap)
Date: 13 Sep 1995 00:19:21 GMT

> Does anyone know what kava kava is supposed to be good for?

Effect of a special kava extract in patients with anxiety-, tension-, and excitation states of non-psychotic genesis. Double blind study with placebos over 4 weeks.

In a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study two groups each containing 29 patients with anxiety syndrome not caused by psychotic disorders were treated for a period of 4 weeks with kava extract WS 1490 (Laitan) 3 x 100 mg/day or a placebo preparation. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by the Hamilton-Anxiety-Scale (main target variable), the Adjectives-List and the Clinical-Global-Impression-Scale (secondary targe variables) after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. The HAMA overall score of anxiety symptomatology revealed a significant reduction in the drug receiving group already after one week of treatment. This difference between the two groups of patients increased in the course of the study. The results of the secondary target variables were in agreement with the HAMA-score and demonstrate the efficacy of WS 1490 in patients with anxiety disorders. No adverse experiences caused by the medication were noted during the 4 week administration of WS 1490.
Kinzler E, Kromer J, Lehmann E. Wirksamkeit eines Kava-Spezial-Extraktes bei Patienten mit Angst-, Spannungs-, und Erregungszustanden nicht-psychotischer Genese. Doppelblind-Studie gegen Plazebo uber 4 Wochen. [Effect of a special kava extract in patients with anxiety-, tension-, and excitation states of non-psychotic genesis. Double blind study with placebos over 4 weeks]. Arzneimittelforschung 41:584-588; 1991.

D,L-kavain in comparison with oxazepam in anxiety disorders. A double-blind study of clinical effectiveness.
In a placebo-controlled double blind clinical trial, 38 out-patients with anxiety associated with neurotic or psychosomatic disturbances were treated with D,L-Kavain (Neuronika) or Oxazepam. The anxiolytic effectiveness of the two preparations was judged by means of the Anxiety Status Inventory (ASI) and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) of Zung. The substances proved to be equivalent in the nature and potency of anxiolytic action. No adverse drug reactions occurred.
Lindenberg D, Pitule-Schodel H. D,L-Kavain im Vergleich zu Oxazepam bei
Angstzustanden. Doppelblindstudie zur Klinischen Wirksamkeit. [D,L-kavain
in comparison with oxazepam in anxiety disorders. A double-blind study of
clinical effectiveness.] Fortschr Med 108:49-50, 53-54; 1990.

Kava dermopathy.

Kava is a psychoactive beverage used ceremonially for thousands of years by Pacific Islanders. Kava is made from the root of the pepper plant, Piper methysticum, found in Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. The beverage is a nonfermented depressant with complex neuropharmacologic properties that causes a tranquil state of intoxication. Kava also affects the skin, causing a peculiar scaly eruption. The cutaneous effects were first reported by members of Captain James Cook's Pacific expeditions, but they have never been described in dermatologic literature. Heavy kava drinkers acquire a reversible ichthyosiform eruption, kava dermopathy. The cause is unknown but may relate to interference with cholesterol metabolism. Today kava is used across the Pacific in both traditional ceremonies and informal social events. In Western nations, kava is sold as a relaxant by health food stores. This article explores the history of kava dermopathy from Cook's early reports to its presence today.
Norton SA; Ruze P. Kava dermopathy. J Am Acad Dermatol 31:89-97; 1994.