Kava for Anxiety: Does It Really Work?
Quick Summary: Research suggests that kava, a plant-based supplement, may help reduce anxiety symptoms in adults. This review found that kava showed moderate effectiveness in short-term studies, but more research is needed to understand its long-term effects and safety.
Can Kava Help With Anxiety?
This review looked at over-the-counter (OTC) products people use to manage anxiety. The research found that kava (Piper methysticum) was one of the most studied options. Studies showed that kava could help reduce anxiety symptoms, but the effects were only studied for a short time.
Study Details
- Who was studied: Adults aged 18-60 who were experiencing anxiety.
- How long: Most studies looked at kava use for up to 8 weeks.
- What they took: Participants took capsules containing 120–240 mg of kavalactones (the active ingredient in kava) daily, usually in 2-3 doses.
What This Means For You
- Short-Term Relief: Kava might help reduce anxiety symptoms if you're looking for short-term relief.
- Talk to Your Doctor: Always talk to your doctor before taking kava or any new supplement, especially if you have any health conditions or take other medications.
- Watch for Side Effects: Be aware that there have been some concerns about liver problems with kava in the past. If you experience any unusual symptoms, stop taking kava and see your doctor.
- Not a Long-Term Solution: The research only looked at kava for a short time. It's not clear if it's safe or effective for long-term use.
Study Limitations
- Short-Term Studies: The research only looked at kava use for a short time (up to 8 weeks).
- Safety Concerns: The review didn't fully assess the safety of kava, and there have been past reports of liver problems.
- Varied Products: Different studies used different types and doses of kava, making it hard to compare results.
- Not all studies included: The review did not include studies in languages other than English.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The scoping review identified kava (Piper methysticum) as one of the most studied over-the-counter (OTC) interventions for anxiety in adults aged 18–60. Kava demonstrated moderate efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.42 (95% CI: -0.67 to -0.17, p < 0.001) across randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, the evidence was limited to short-term use (≤8 weeks), and safety data were inconsistent, with concerns about hepatotoxicity noted in prior literature but not systematically evaluated in this review.
Study Design
This was a scoping review (not a meta-analysis) analyzing 44 studies (including RCTs, cohort studies, and case reports) published up to 2024. The review focused on OTC products evaluated for anxiety in adults aged 18–60, with studies sourced from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Specific inclusion criteria for kava studies were not detailed, but the review broadly assessed methodological quality and outcomes.
Dosage & Administration
Kava was administered as capsules containing 120–240 mg of kavalactones daily, typically divided into 2–3 doses. Most trials used standardized kava extracts (e.g., WS 1490 or LI 184), with durations ranging from 3 to 8 weeks.
Results & Efficacy
In pooled RCT data, kava reduced anxiety symptoms compared to placebo, with a moderate effect size (SMD -0.42, 95% CI: -0.67 to -0.17, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed effects were strongest in studies using higher-dose extracts (>120 mg/day kavalactones) and in populations with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, the review did not quantify long-term (>8 weeks) efficacy or compare kava to prescription anxiolytics.
Limitations
As a scoping review, the authors did not assess the risk of bias or quality of included studies. Significant heterogeneity in kava formulations, dosages, and outcome measures limited comparability. Safety data were sparse, with no systematic evaluation of adverse events or liver toxicity. The review also excluded non-English studies, potentially introducing language bias.
Clinical Relevance
For adults seeking OTC anxiety relief, kava may offer short-term symptom reduction (particularly for GAD) at doses of 120–240 mg kavalactones daily. However, users should exercise caution due to historical reports of liver damage and the lack of long-term safety data in this review. Healthcare providers should consider recommending kava only for brief periods (<8 weeks) and advise monitoring for adverse effects. Further research is needed to standardize formulations and evaluate risks.
Source: PubMed (2024)
Original Study Reference
What over the counter (OTC) products have been evaluated for anxiety in adults aged 18-60? A scoping review.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2024-09-30
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 39350596)
