Kava kava, also simply known as kava, refers to the Piper methysticum plant native to the Pacific Islands. The root and rhizomes of the kava plant have been used for centuries by Pacific Islanders for cultural, religious, social, and medical purposes. In recent years, kava root extract have been gaining popularity around the world as an herbal remedy to help promote relaxation and ease anxiety.
Kava root extracts are typically taken from the lateral roots and basal stumps of the kava plant. These parts contain high concentrations of active compounds called kavalactones, which are believed to be responsible for kava's psychoactive effects. As kava products have become more widespread outside the Pacific Islands, much research has focused on evaluating the potential health benefits and safety of kava supplements.
What is Kava Kava Root Extract?
Kava kava root extract is a herbal supplement made by extracting kavalactones from the root and stumps of the kava plant. The kava plant plays an integral role in the cultural identity and social bonding of many Pacific Island societies. Traditional kava preparation involves grinding or pulping the kava root, then soaking it in water to make a traditional kava beverage.
Outside the Pacific islands, kava root extract supplements provide a convenient alternative to large amounts of raw kava root. Standardized kava extracts contain a consistent concentration of kavalactones, the active constituents in kava root. The exact mechanisms and kavalactone constituents behind kava's effects are still being elucidated by research. However, multiple studies have explored the potential uses and benefits of taking kava root extract supplements.
1 Relaxation and Anxiety Relief
One of the most well-studied effects of kava root extract is its ability to promote relaxation and relieve symptoms of anxiety such as restlessness and nervousness. Multiple clinical trials and laboratory studies support kava's potential anti-anxiety effects. A 2003 randomized controlled preliminary found that members who took kava remove for a considerable length of time saw huge upgrades in tension levels contrasted with the fake treatment bunch. In addition, many people who take kava supplements say that it makes them feel calmer, lessens tension, and improves the quality of their sleep without making them sleepy the next day.
2 Potential Pain Relief
In traditional Pacific Island societies, kava root preparations were frequently used to help relieve pain and relax muscular tension. Several clinical studies have found that taking kava extracts may help provide pain relief by elevating pain thresholds and promoting muscle relaxation. This can aid in relieving muscle spasms and discomfort associated with tension headaches or back pain. A 2015 study noted reduced chronic lower back pain scores after just one week of kava supplementation. More research is still needed, but current findings indicate kava's potential for natural and non-habit-forming pain relief.
3 Social and Recreational Use
Throughout the Pacific Islands, consuming traditional kava beverages is a popular way to bring communities together in social gatherings and cultural ceremonies. The relaxing yet clear-minded effects make it a safe alternative to alcohol for social use. Outside these cultures, kava bars and cafes have emerged in recent years – demonstrating its growing popularity as a recreational herbal drink. Consuming small amounts can induce feelings of tranquility and contentment, without impairing cognitive abilities needed for work or driving.
4 Potential for Supporting Mental Health
With its natural stress-relieving qualities, kava root extract shows promise in helping manage certain mental health conditions like anxiety disorder and depression. Study findings published in Psychopharmacology highlighted reduced symptoms of anxiety after taking kava extracts for several weeks. Researchers have also proposed kava's potential for easing withdrawal symptoms when transitioning from benzodiazepine drugs or alcohol. While more research is still underway, kava's ability to calm the mind and promote relaxation may offer a complementary treatment for supporting mental wellbeing.
5 Other Potential Health Benefits
In addition to kava's direct effects on mental stress and muscle tension, early research findings have hinted at other potential benefits:
- Improving cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and promoting healthy circulation
- Managing weight and blood sugar levels – which could support treatment of diabetes and obesity
- Protecting and improving skin health due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity
However, human research in these emerging areas is still very limited. The main evidence for kava root extract remains in the areas of relaxation, anxiety relief, pain management and supporting positive mood.
Safety and Side Effects
For most healthy adults, taking kava root extract at appropriate dosages is considered relatively safe when used short term, compared to prescription anti-anxiety medications. However adverse reactions can include gastrointestinal upset, headaches, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions. Long term kava use has also been linked with elevated liver enzymes in rare cases.
To reduce risks, it's important not to exceed recommended dosages or durations of use stated on each product. Kava supplements may also interact with other substances and medications like alcohol, antidepressants and sedatives – so checking with your healthcare provider is advised. People with liver conditions are advised to avoid kava due to possible liver toxicity risks. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should likewise refrain from kava products until more safety research emerges.
Conclusion
With a long history of traditional use and emerging clinical evidence, kava root extract is gaining recognition for its ability to promote healthy relaxation while easing nervous tension and anxiety. Standardized kava supplements may also support pain management, mental wellbeing, and social enjoyment as a sober recreational drink – with a reasonable safety profile when used responsibly under medical guidance. Kava root extract looks promising as a natural plant-based alternative to prescription anti-anxiety medications for people looking for complementary treatment options, despite the need for more thorough research.
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References:
1. Sarris,J., Kavanagh,D.J., Byrne,G., Bone,K.M., Adams,J., & Deed,G.( 2009). The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study( KADSS) a randomized, placebo- controlled crossover trial using an waterless excerpt of Piper methysticum. Psychopharmacology, 205( 3), 399 – 407. https//doi.org/10.1007/s00213-009-1549-9
2. Malsch,U., & Kieser,M.( 2001). efficacity of kava- kava in the treatment ofnon-psychotic anxiety, following pretreatment with benzodiazepines. Psychopharmacology, 157( 3), 277 – 283. https//doi.org/10.1007/s002130100792
3. Norton,S.A., & Ruze,P.( 1994). Kava dermopathy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 31( 1), 89 – 97. https//doi.org/10.1016/s0190-9622(94)70132-7