AHP Publishes Monograph and Therapeutic Compendium for Kava Rhizome and Root

The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia has released a monograph and therapeutic compendium for kava rhizome and root (Piper methysticum G. Forst). The genesis of the monograph began in the early 2000s, when kava was booming worldwide.

Concerns regarding potential hepatotoxicity emerged, leading to bans on the plant in many areas. All research on kava virtually stopped then, and it took decades to understand issues of concern, AHP reported.

However, in many instances that led to theories about hepatotoxicity, the wrong type of kava was used (noble versus Tudei), or the wrong plant part (root versus stem), islander versus European genetic polymorphisms, microbial contamination, organic solvents in modern preparations versus traditional water preparations, and more.

When critically reviewed, hepatotoxicity is “idiosyncratic,” AHP reported, and doesn’t appear to be dose-, solvent-, or time-dependent.

Based on clinical and preclinical studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews, kava is “one of the safest and most effective” botanicals used for mood and stress, AHP reported. Clinical studies support its use for mood and sleep support, among other uses.

Aside from issues of hepatotoxicity, another emerging concern is the adulteration of kava with kratom without clear dose limitation, and the potential for indiscriminate kratom-kava use, with effects that wouldn’t occur with kava alone.

The monograph was developed and reviewed by leading kava researchers and is available online.