Evidence supporting the use of: Kavalactone
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Kavalactones are the primary active compounds found in the root of the kava plant (Piper methysticum), a traditional beverage in the South Pacific. The use of kava for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety has a long history in Pacific Island cultures, but its application for treating anxiety disorders has also been evaluated in scientific research. Several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have investigated standardized kava extracts in people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other anxiety-related conditions. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including a 2011 Cochrane review, have concluded that kava is more effective than placebo for short-term reduction of anxiety symptoms, with effect sizes comparable to low-dose benzodiazepines in some studies. However, methodological issues, small sample sizes, and variability in kava preparations have limited the strength of these findings.

Safety concerns, most notably rare but severe liver toxicity, have led to regulatory restrictions in some countries. Despite these concerns, the evidence base for kava’s anxiolytic effects is stronger than for most herbal remedies, though not as robust as for standard pharmaceutical treatments. Current clinical guidelines generally do not recommend kava as a first-line therapy due to safety considerations and insufficient long-term data, but its short-term use for mild anxiety has some scientific support.

More about Kavalactone
More about Anxiety Disorders

Other health conditions supported by Kavalactone

Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Insomnia
Stress

Products containing Kavalactone

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.