Kava Fact of the Day Kava’s usefulness.

[The Kap'n]

“Whereas the neurological benefits of proper kava use appear to be undeniable, particularly in reducing stress and anxiety, there is growing evidence that its consumption could be associated with low incidence of cancer. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory activities have been reported for kava and its compounds, suggesting their potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.”

Bian, T.; Corral, P.; Wang, Y.; Botello, J.; Kingston, R.; Daniels, T.; Salloum, R.G.; Johnston, E.; Huo, Z.; Lu, J.; Liu, A.C.; Xing, C. Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges. Nutrients 2020, 12, 3044.

Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges

Kava beverages are typically prepared from the root of Piper methysticum. They have been consumed among Pacific Islanders for centuries. Kava extract preparations were once used as herbal drugs to treat anxiety in Europe. Kava is also marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. and is gaining...

www.mdpi.com

(Seriously, if you haven't read the paper above, it's good, and free to everyone)

 

[JohnMichael]

“Whereas the neurological benefits of proper kava use appear to be undeniable, particularly in reducing stress and anxiety, there is growing evidence that its consumption could be associated with low incidence of cancer. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory activities have been reported for kava and its compounds, suggesting their potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.”

Bian, T.; Corral, P.; Wang, Y.; Botello, J.; Kingston, R.; Daniels, T.; Salloum, R.G.; Johnston, E.; Huo, Z.; Lu, J.; Liu, A.C.; Xing, C. Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges. Nutrients 2020, 12, 3044.

Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges

Kava beverages are typically prepared from the root of Piper methysticum. They have been consumed among Pacific Islanders for centuries. Kava extract preparations were once used as herbal drugs to treat anxiety in Europe. Kava is also marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. and is gaining...

www.mdpi.com

(Seriously, if you haven't read the paper above, it's good, and free to everyone)

Great article. Apart from their recommendation of designer kava products, it is a very positive research article. And I agreed with this: "Given the recent reports of their biological activities (anticancer and hepatotoxic risk potentials), flavokavains may need to be included in quality control for kava products."

 

[Groggy]

I wonder if it benefits inflammation of the liver, would be an interesting twist in the story.

 

[The Kap'n]

I wonder if it benefits inflammation of the liver, would be an interesting twist in the story.

This study is on FKB from the Taiwan herb "Alpinia pricei Hayata" and it's anti-inflammatory effects

Anti-inflammatory activity of Flavokawain B from Alpinia pricei Hayata - PubMed

Alpinia pricei (Zingiberaceae) is a spicy herb indigenous to Taiwan. A potent anti-inflammatory compound, flavokawain B (FKB), was obtained from A. pricei. FKB significantly inhibited production of NO and PGE(2) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, it also notably decreased the secretion of...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Direct Link: http://web.nchu.edu.tw/pweb/users/taiwanfir/research/9903.pdf

 

[Alia]

Page 9, and elsewhere, in that paper there is mention of kava's potential for releiving and/or prevention of Alzheimers.
The paper has lots of good references too for those who wish to delve further.
Yes I agree about the designer kava products...gets a ways from culture and traditional.

 

[kavamehameha]

Very fascinating, thanks Kapm! There is so much we still don't know about this wonderful plant. Really amazing... the many faces of kava.

Scientists should start making long-term trial studies with those island populations which are known for consuming kava for generations.

 

[AlexisReal]

I wonder if it benefits inflammation of the liver, would be an interesting twist in the story.

I figure that the liver might benefit, indirectly at least, from general reduced inflammation in the body, and especially condition/organ specific inflammation.

That is just what came to my mind anyway.