July 23, 2002
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers of
the potential risk of severe liver injury from the use of dietary
supplements containing kava (also known as kava kava or Piper methysticum).
Recent reports from health authorities in Germany, Switzerland, France,
Canada, and the United Kingdom have linked kava use to at least 25
cases of liver toxicity, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver
failure. Although liver damage appears to be rare, the FDA believes
consumers should be informed of this potential risk.
Kava, a member of the pepper family, is an herbal supplement. Products
containing kava are sold in the United States for a variety of uses,
including insomnia and short-term reduction of stress and anxiety.
These products are marketed to men, women, children, and the elderly.
Advice to Consumers
Safety is a concern for users of kava. People, especially those with
liver disease or liver problems, or persons who are taking drugs that
can affect the liver, should talk with their health care practitioner
before using kava.
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NCCAM currently has one clinical study of kava on hold.
To view the advisory from the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, please visit the FDA web site at
www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/addskava.html.
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