Evidence supporting the use of: Kava kava
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Kava kava (Piper methysticum) has a long history of traditional use in the South Pacific as a ceremonial beverage and for its calming effects. Its use for anxiety disorders, however, is supported by some scientific evidence. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have investigated the efficacy of kava extract in treating symptoms of anxiety. A 2011 Cochrane review concluded that kava extract appears to be more effective than placebo in the short-term treatment of anxiety, with a moderate effect size, although concerns about study quality and potential for publication bias were noted. The active compounds, termed kavalactones, are thought to modulate GABA activity in the central nervous system, contributing to kava’s anxiolytic properties without strong sedative effects. However, there are important safety concerns. Reports of hepatotoxicity led to regulatory restrictions or bans in several countries, although the exact risk and mechanism remain debated and may be related to extraction methods or quality control issues. Current clinical guidelines generally do not recommend kava as a first-line treatment for anxiety due to these safety concerns and the availability of better-studied alternatives. In summary, while there is scientific evidence supporting kava’s efficacy for anxiety, the overall quality of the evidence is moderate, and safety concerns limit its therapeutic use.
Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
citrus oil
curcumin
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
hemp oil
inositol
kava
L-glycine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
motherwort
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhodiola
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
shen-chu
St. John's Wort
herbal blend (proprietary)
cocoa
star of Bethlehem
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Apigenin
Albizia
Aconite
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Clary sage
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Essential Oil Blend
Gelsemium
Griffonia simplicifolia
Ginkgoside
Gastrodin
Honokiol
Hypericum
hyperforin
Hericium mushroom
Hemp
Jujubosides
Kavalactones
Kefir
lemon balm
Linden
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lavandin
Large-Leaved Linden
Lactobacillus
Linalool
Mimulus
Monoterpenes
Magnolol
Mulungu
Mesembrine
Pulsatilla
Probiotics
Passionfruit
Polygala
Purple Monkeyflower
Rosavins
Rosmarinic Acid
Spikenard
Scleranthus annus
Shankhpushpi
Sandalwood
Saffranal
Terpenoids
Tea
Trichilia catigua
Tetrahydropalmatine
Valerenic acid
Vervain
Vitexin
Wogonin
yohimbine