Safety of ethanolic kava extract: Results of a study of chronic toxicity in rats.
BACKGROUND
Recently, potential liver toxicity was discussed with the intake of kava extract preparations (Piper methysticum) as anxiolytic drugs. The aim of this study was to test chronic toxicity in rats by oral application of an ethanolic kava full extract.


METHODS
Wistar rats of both sexes were fed 7.3 or 73 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic kava extract for 3 and 6 months. The animals were examined for changes in body weight, hematological and liver parameters, and macroscopical and microscopical histological changes in the major organs.


RESULTS
No signs of toxicity could be found.


CONCLUSIONS
The results are in accordance with the medical experience regarding the use of kava preparations and the long tradition of kava drinking in the South Pacific island states. Specifically, the results do not back the suspicion of potential liver toxicity.
Sorrentino
L
L
Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University Frederico II, Via D Montesano 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy. ludovico.sorrentino@unina.it
Capasso
A
A
Schmidt
M
M
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D001769:Blood / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects; D020901:Kava / Q000633:toxicity*; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D010936:Plant Extracts