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skwood
02-19-2003, 06:04 PM
FYI: Kava Kava
I just got my issue of Consumer reports and it had an article about the supplement Kava Kava. Apparently it has a negative impact on Liver function and has been linked to liver damage. I've been taking it to help me sleep for the last 6 months and promptly put in in the garbage. Anyone else taking it may want to read this. (this is dated info - March 2002)


KAVA-CONTAINING DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE LIVER INJURY
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers of the potential risk of severe liver injury associated with the use of kava-containing dietary supplements. Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant indigenous to the islands in the South Pacific where it is commonly used to prepare a traditional beverage. Supplements containing the herbal ingredient kava are promoted for relaxation (e.g., to relieve stress, anxiety, and tension), sleeplessness, menopausal symptoms and other uses. FDA has not made a determination about the ability of kava dietary supplements to provide such benefits.

Liver-related risks associated with the use of kava have prompted regulatory agencies in other countries, including those in Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada, and the United Kingdom, to take action ranging from warning consumers about the potential risks of kava use to removing kava-containing products from the marketplace. Although liver damage appears to be rare, FDA believes consumers should be informed of this potential risk.

Kava-containing products have been associated with liver-related injuries – including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure -- in over 25 reports of adverse events in other countries. Four patients required liver transplants. In the U.S., FDA has received a report of a previously healthy young female who required liver transplantation, as well as several reports of liver-related injuries.

Given these reports, persons who have liver disease or liver problems, or persons who are taking drug products that can affect the liver, should consult a physician before using kava-containing supplements.

Consumers who use a kava-containing dietary supplement and who experience signs of illness associated with liver disease should also consult their physician. Symptoms of serious liver disease include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and brown urine. Non-specific symptoms of liver disease can include nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, unusual tiredness, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

FDA urges consumers and their health care professionals to report any cases of liver and other injuries that may be related to the use of kava-containing dietary supplements. Adverse events associated with the use of dietary supplements should be reported as soon as possible to FDA's MedWatch program by calling their toll-free number (1-800-332-1088) or through the Internet (http://www.fda.gov/medwatch).

The presence of kava in a supplement should be identified on the product label in the "Supplement Facts" box. The following are commonly used names for kava:

ava
ava pepper
awa
intoxicating pepper
kava
kava kava
kava pepper
kava root
kava-kava
kawa
kawa kawa
kawa-kawa
kew
Piper methysticum
Piper methysticum Forst.f.
Piper methysticum G. Forst.
rauschpfeffer
sakau
tonga
wurzelstock
yangona


FDA will continue to investigate the relationship, if any, between the use of dietary supplements containing kava and liver injury. The agency's investigation includes attempting to determine a biological explanation for the relationship and to identify the different sources of kava in the U.S. and Europe. The agency will alert consumers, and if warranted, take additional action as more information becomes available.

blm9376
02-19-2003, 07:22 PM
Yeah I read that back in 98' when I tried it for the first time. It didn't do much for me anyhow so I tossed it. Melatonin worked much better for me.

On a different note...I saw on 20/20 about 2 years ago that a man in CA got busted for DWI( I think that is right, whichever one it is that covers anything that is intoxicating) because he got pulled over for not staying in the lines. Anyhow, the man said it was part of his culture/tradition to ingest "raw" kava kava root everyday and it was not illegal, but the charge stuck. This is not a bullshit story even though it does sound hokey. Some of the details have faded but that was the general story. Fucked up huh?!

Elmoduplaya
02-19-2003, 09:03 PM
Dude, you can't beat Vicodin when it comes to getting a good night sleep. Too bad it fucks with your liver and not to mention how addicting it is.

bigshug
02-20-2003, 07:52 AM
Tie on a good drunk and you'll sleep like a baby

skwood
02-20-2003, 10:15 AM
I was using Melatonin until I found out that it has a negative impact on your natural test production. That's when I made the switch.

LA
02-20-2003, 04:55 PM
skwood, ever try Gaba? Makes me sleep like a baby. And the dreams.......

skwood
02-20-2003, 06:51 PM
No I'll have to check it out. Thanks - skwood