De-mythologizing and re-branding of kava as the new ‘world drug’ of choice

Aporosa, S.

doi:10.1177/2050324519876131

Cited by 18 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Studies by Steiner suggest that kava may reduce cravings associated with substances of abuse, such as alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, and heroin [ 100 ]. Kava has also been used as part of addiction rehabilitation programs in New Zealand with a reported 90% success rate [ 101 ]. Importantly, kava consumption appears to be clinically non-addictive [ 102 ].…”

Section: Neurological Functions Of Kava and Their Mechanismsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges

et al. 2020

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Kava beverages are typically prepared from the root of Piper methysticum. They have been consumed among Pacific Islanders for centuries. Kava extract preparations were once used as herbal drugs to treat anxiety in Europe. Kava is also marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. and is gaining popularity as a recreational drink in Western countries. Recent studies suggest that kava and its key phytochemicals have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, in addition to the well-documented neurological benefits. While its beneficial effects are widely recognized, rare hepatotoxicity had been associated with use of certain kava preparations, but there are no validations nor consistent mechanisms. Major challenges lie in the diversity of kava products and the lack of standardization, which has produced an unmet need for quality initiatives. This review aims to provide the scientific community and consumers, as well as regulatory agencies, with a broad overview on kava use and its related research. We first provide a historical background for its different uses and then discuss the current state of the research, including its chemical composition, possible mechanisms of action, and its therapeutic potential in treating inflammatory and neurological conditions, as well as cancer. We then discuss the challenges associated with kava use and research, focusing on the need for the detailed characterization of kava components and associated risks such as its reported hepatotoxicity. Lastly, given its growing popularity in clinical and recreational use, we emphasize the urgent need for quality control and quality assurance of kava products, pharmacokinetics, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and foundational pharmacology. These are essential in order to inform research into the molecular targets, cellular mechanisms, and creative use of early stage human clinical trials for designer kava modalities to inform and guide the design and execution of future randomized placebo controlled trials to maximize kava’s clinical efficacy and to minimize its risks.

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Section: Neurological Functions Of Kava and Their Mechanismsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges

et al. 2020

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“…Kava is not only found in traditional or ceremonial settings, it has also made its way into mainstream social spaces, often influenced by Oceanic peoples living in diaspora (Aporosa, 2019a;Tecun, 2021). This has encouraged an entire industry to grow out of kava, including the opening of a number of 'kava bars', particularly in the United States.…”

Section: The Social Functions Of Traditional Kava Spacesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A driver to these new kava spaces is kava's effect, which promotes sociocultural benefits. Unlike alcohol, kava induces relaxation, without loss of mental clarity (Aporosa, 2019a). Lemert (1967) adds that, in contrast to alcohol, kava "release[s] aggressive impulses; if anything, kava inhibits or disassociates them.…”

Section: The Social Functions Of Traditional Kava Spacesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The virtual faikava: Maintaining vā and creating online learning spaces during COVID-19

Henry

Aporosa

2021

WJE

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Covid-19 has had a major impact on collectivist cultures and their means of social interaction and maintaining contact with those in their wider community. This has particularly been the case for Pacific peoples living in diaspora, with Covid-19 preventing travel home and social distancing and forced lockdowns restricting the ability to gather. This has also impacted vā, the Pacific concept of ‘relational space’ critical to connectivity and maintaining relationships. This paper explains the creation of virtual faikava; online meeting environments in which Pacific kava users meet, maintain vā, connect with those at home and in the wider diasporic community and learn, while consuming their traditional beverage kava.

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“…Users describe the effect of kava drink, as creating a soporific relaxant state of mind, without marked euphoria, impaired decision making, or causing hilarity or disinhibition as often experienced with alcohol use (Aporosa, ; Aporosa & Tomlinson, ; Chanwai, ). Kava's use extends beyond cultural and social drinking boundaries, as the kavalactones within the plant and drink are responsible for its use in traditional medicine (Lebot & Cabalion, ).…”

Section: The Kava Effectmentioning

confidence: 99%

Kava drinking in traditional settings: Towards understanding effects on cognitive function

Aporosa

Atkins

Brunton

2020

Human Psychopharmacology

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Background Kava drinking is a tradition among Pacific Island people, although growing in popularity with other ethnicities. However, drinking substantial quantities of kava has raised concerns regarding physical manifestations of slow response and lack of precision in bodily control. These impairments can have significant consequences when after consuming large volumes of kava an individual makes a choice to drive. Aims The objective of this study was to measure selected cognitive functions following high traditionally consumed kava volumes (greater than 2,000 mg of kavalactones) aimed at identifying potential risks for kava drink‐drivers. Methods The reaction and divided attention of 20 control participants was assessed against 20 active kava‐drinking participants during and following a 6‐hr kava session in a “naturalised” setting. Assessment measures were drawn from Vienna Test System—Traffic's test battery. Results/Outcomes Results showed no statistical significant difference between control and active participants at any measurement point over a 6‐hr testing period regardless that the movements and speech of the active participants were observed to slow as the test session and kava consumption progressed. Conclusion Inconsistencies between test results and observations during testing and by road policing officers demonstrate an urgent need for more research in this field.

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De-mythologizing and re-branding of kava as the new ‘world drug’ of choice

Cited by 18 publications

References 38 publications

Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges

Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges

The virtual faikava: Maintaining vā and creating online learning spaces during COVID-19

Kava drinking in traditional settings: Towards understanding effects on cognitive function

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