Kava extract may be an effective treatment for anxiety according to Australian researchers. The Fox News story Kava Extract May Safely Treat Anxiety explores kava and its uses as a treatment for anxiety problems. The report includes background information about the herbal remedy for stress as well as some cautionary notes.
What is Kava?
Kava is found in South Pacific islands. The herb is in the pepper family and it has been used as an ingredient in a traditional beverage of the islands. The roots of the plant are the main ingredient in the beverage but extracts from the plant are the focus for kava as a treatment for anxiety.
Extracts from the kava plant have been used to help people by relaxing muscles and as a sleep-promoting agent. The extracts are also believed to help ease away stress.
Research Study
The Australian research study is relatively small but its results are promising. The study focuses on a kava extract that is water-soluble, known as an aqueous extract. This is a very safe form of kava that is believed to have little side effects.
Research from the university study found that the symptoms of anxiety were lessened in participants. Some experienced alleviated symptoms of depression as well. The way the kava extract is processed is a very important aspect of the study, since liver damage concerns are eminent in the use of kava.
Kava and Liver Problems
Kava supplements have been associated with liver problems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers about potential health problems that may develop when taking the kava extract. However, there may be some other components contributing to the liver damage reported after using kava supplements.
The way that the kava is processed may be the fundamental problem leading to liver damage. If the plant is prepared using traditional methods, potentially damaging elements including alcohol are not present. No absolute conclusion about the safety of kava in regards to the liver has been established.
The Australian study does note that the traditionally made kava extract that is water soluble showed no side effects in patients. No liver damage or problems were reported.
Future of Kava
The future of kava extract for anxiety is promising, especially since researchers are leaning toward the idea that the traditional methods used to create the extract in its water-soluble form appear to be safe. The future of kava involves going back to the traditional ways of processing the herbal remedy.
People may expect to find water-soluble forms of kava available on the market. This form of kava extract has little or no side effects and it is not thought to cause liver damage. For now, the supplements sold today are likely to be processed using potentially damaging substances.
Those who decide that a kava supplement in the non-water soluble form is right for them should take precautions. The first step is to talk to a physician and have liver function tested prior to use.
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