Toxicokinetics of Kava. (13th February 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rowe, Anthony; Zhang, Lillian Yuan; Ramzan, Iqbal
• Other Names: France Charles P. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Advances in pharmacological sciences. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-02-13
• Subjects: Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacological Phenomena; Pharmacology; Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/326724
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-6334

Abstract

Abstract : Kava is traditionally consumed by South Pacific islanders as a drink and became popular in Western society as a supplement for anxiety and insomnia. Kava extracts are generally well tolerated, but reports of hepatotoxicity necessitated an international reappraisal of its safety. Hepatotoxicity can occur as an acute, severe form or a chronic, mild form. Inflammation appears to be involved in both forms and may result from activation of liver macrophages (Kupffer cells), either directly or via kava metabolites. Pharmacogenomics may influence the severity of this inflammatory response.