Neurocognitive effects of kava (Piper methysticum): a systematic review

LaPorte, E.; Sarris, Jerome; Stough, Con; Scholey, Andrew

doi:10.1002/hup.1180

Cited by 39 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…They reported that due to a lack of consistency in “study designs and use of control” (p. 108), it was found difficult to establish the psychopharmacological effects of kava. For instance, LaPorte et al () suggested acute kava use, both significantly impaired visual attention and increased body sway, whereas in another study, it was reported that: “kava significantly enhanced visual attention and working memory” (p. 110). They concluded: “kava has non‐deleterious effects on cognition during acute administration or produces reduced visual attention at higher doses during cognitive demand” (p. 110).…”

Section: Kava and Cognition Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The first systematic review to assess the effects of kava on cognition was undertaken by LaPorte, Sarris, Stough, and Scholey (). They reported that due to a lack of consistency in “study designs and use of control” (p. 108), it was found difficult to establish the psychopharmacological effects of kava.…”

Section: Kava and Cognition Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although this subject is of concern to road safety commentators (Berry, Gilbert, & Grodnitzky, ; Fu, Perl, Jennings, & Hepburn, ; Wainiqolo, Kool, Nosa, & Ameratunga, ), law enforcement, and land transport agencies in NZ and the Pacific Islands, the reality is that very little is known about the effects of kava at traditionally consumed volumes, on cognitive faculties related to driver safety. Additionally, when the comments of LaPorte et al's () and Sarris et al (2013) as discussed above are combined with Bwarenaba et al () concerns about kava psychopharmacology and neurophysiology following small pharmacologically administered doses of kava, this points to the urgency to undertake research in this field.…”

Section: Kava and Cognition Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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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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Section: Kava and Cognition Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Kava and Cognition Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Kava and Cognition Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

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

Aporosa

Atkins

Brunton

2020

Human Psychopharmacology

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“…In a systematic review of 10 clinical trials, the impact of kava on neurocognition was explored . There were 7 small, randomized controlled trials assessing the cognitive impact of acute kava ingestion, while only 1 small, randomized controlled trial and 2 case control studies assessed chronic kava use.…”

Section: Kava's Safety Profilementioning

confidence: 99%

The Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, and Adverse Events Associated With Kava

White

2018

The Journal of Clinical Pharma

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Kava is a plant with numerous kavapyrones that can induce pharmacologic effects and drug interactions through the cytochrome P450 and P-glycoprotein systems. Kava is used recreationally and for the treatment of anxiety. Clinical trials verify anxiolytic effects in excess of placebo, but the effects are not seen immediately and the optimal dose and dosing schedule needs to be determined. Clinical trials usually lasting for 4 weeks found generally good tolerability and safety; however, dermatologic, hepatologic, and cognitive adverse effects may occur. Some of these adverse effects are known to occur from the kavapyrones themselves, while others can be caused or exacerbated by use of substandard kava products. There is tremendous variability in the constitution of a kava product based on the parts of the plant that are being extracted and the extraction method. The most commonly studied extract for the treatment of anxiety is the acetone extract.

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“…Kavalactones have been shown to exhibit only moderate antioxidant activity [13], Several other effects have been reported, such as inhibition of nuclear factor-κB [14], iNOS [15] and cyclooxygenases [13], and neuroprotection after focal cerebral ischemia in mice and rats [16]. Furthermore, kava has no significant negative effects on cognition [17]. Yet, no interactions between kavalactones and neuroreceptors have been found that would explain the various pharmacological effects.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Oral administration of methysticin improves cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

et al. 2017

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IntroductionThere is increasing evidence for the involvement of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an anti-inflammatory transcription factor that regulates the oxidative stress defense. Our previous experiments demonstrated that kavalactones protect neuronal cells against Amyloid β (Aβ)-induced oxidative stress in vitro by Nrf2 pathway activation. Here, we tested an in vivo kavalactone treatment in a mouse model of AD.MethodsThe kavalactone methysticin was administered once a week for a period of 6 months to 6 month old transgenic APP/Psen1 mice by oral gavage. Nrf2 pathway activation was measured by methysticin treatment of ARE-luciferase mice, by qPCR of Nrf2-target genes and immunohistochemical detection of Nrf2. Aβ burden was analyzed by CongoRed staining, immunofluorescent detection and ELISA. Neuroinflammation was assessed by immunohistochemical stainings for microglia and astrocytes. Pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus was determined by Luminex multi-plex assays. The hippocampal oxidative damage was detected by oxyblot technique and immunohistochemical staining against DT3 and 4-HNE. The cognitive ability of mice was evaluated using Morris water maze.ResultsMethysticin treatment activated the Nrf2 pathway in the hippocampus and cortex of mice. The Aβ deposition in brains of methysticin-treated APP/Psen1 mice was not altered compared to untreated mice. However, methysticin treatment significantly reduced microgliosis, astrogliosis and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-17A. In addition, the oxidative damage of hippocampi from APP/Psen1 mice was reduced by methysticin treatment. Most importantly, methysticin treatment significantly attenuated the long-term memory decline of APP/Psen1 mice.ConclusionIn summary, these findings show that methysticin administration activates the Nrf2 pathway and reduces neuroinflammation, hippocampal oxidative damage and memory loss in a mouse model of AD. Therefore, kavalactones might be suitable candidates to serve as lead compounds for the development of a new class of neuroprotective drugs.

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Neurocognitive effects of kava (Piper methysticum): a systematic review

Abstract: The majority of evidence suggests that kava has no replicated significant negative effects on cognition.

Cited by 39 publications

References 47 publications

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

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

The Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, and Adverse Events Associated With Kava

Oral administration of methysticin improves cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

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