Al-Marsad Newspaper – Agencies: An expert has explained how taking kava supplements can be dangerous, according to the British newspaper Express.
Kava, also known as Kava Kava, comes from the Piper methysticum plant and is used by some cultures as a relaxing beverage. It can also be taken as a tea, in powdered form, or in tablet form.
But Dr. Monica Wasserman, a hepatologist, warned that it could cause cirrhosis, hepatitis, and even liver failure.
“Multiple studies show that kava can reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD),” she said. “However, excessive intake of kava or long-term use of the herb can cause cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver failure,” she said.
“Cases of harmful interactions between kava and drugs that pass through the liver for metabolism (think anti-anxiety drugs or anticonvulsants) are unheard of,” she added.
“For this reason, you may really want to check with your healthcare provider before adding kava to your daily routine (especially if you are on drugs metabolized by the liver),” she continued.