Last reviewed · How we verify
kava (Piper methysticum)
Kava contains kavalactones that modulate neurotransmitter activity and ion channels, producing anxiolytic and sedative effects.
Kava contains kavalactones that modulate neurotransmitter activity and ion channels, producing anxiolytic and sedative effects. Used for Anxiety disorders, Stress-related conditions.
At a glance
| Generic name | kava (Piper methysticum) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) |
| Drug class | Herbal anxiolytic |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry/Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The active kavalactones in kava (particularly kavain and methysticin) interact with multiple CNS targets including GABA receptors, monoamine oxidase inhibition, and calcium/sodium channel modulation. These mechanisms collectively reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. The exact primary mechanism remains incompletely characterized, though GABAergic potentiation is considered a major contributor.
Approved indications
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress-related conditions
Common side effects
- Hepatotoxicity
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
Key clinical trials
- Effects of Feel Free® Classic Tonic on Stress and Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Adults (NA)
- A Study of Oral Kavalactones Effect on Nurses (NA)
- Reducing Tobacco-associated Lung Cancer Risk: A Randomized Clinical Trial of AB-free Kava (PHASE2)
- Effect of Kava on Anxiety and Stress in Cancer Survivors (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Kava Aging and Mobility Study (EARLY_PHASE1)
- The Potential of Kava in Enabling Tobacco Cessation - Its Holistic Effects in Managing Stress and Insomnia Associated With Abstinence (PHASE2)
- Biomarker Changes and Anxiolytic Effects-Phase 2 (PHASE2)
- Dengue Controlled Human Infection Model in Dhaka, Bangladesh (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- kava (Piper methysticum) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- kava (Piper methysticum) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) portfolio CI