Tea as Treatment: Applications of the Kava Plant

by Everett Blough, GCSOM, MBS2019
Mentor: Dr. Brian Piper

Since the dawn of civilization, plants have been utilized for their beneficial health effects. The story of the kava plant (sometimes “kava kava”) is no exception. Thousands of years ago, tribes of the Pacific Islands have harvested kava, preparing its roots as a type of tea used in ceremonies. In these rituals, men—typically chiefs or priests—ingested the kava tea for its euphoric and sedative effects, which was believed to aid in their decision-making and spiritual connectedness.

Fast forward to today, the kava plant is both exported and cultivated worldwide. While current strains are not as potent as those used traditionally in the Pacific, kava is still sought after for its relaxing properties. So, too, has the culture of kava spread worldwide; from coast-to-coast, kava lounges are appearing in the United States which provide a means for people to enjoy kava in a social setting. Additionally, the roots are available as capsular supplements, claiming to promote relaxation and improve blood flow.

However, current research is turning over a new leaf for this popular pepper plant (yes, kava is a member of the pepper family!). Recent studies have investigated the effects of kava’s unique compounds, classified as “kavalactones” or “flavokavains.” A number of these experiments have uncovered some of the physiological mechanisms by which kava produces is relaxing, anxiety-reducing effects. The big “takeaway” from this research is that kava acts much differently than most popular anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium). What makes this beneficial is that kava’s mechanism of action is non-addictive, and there is no withdrawal associated with ceasing kava use. Additionally, kava does not make its imbiber drowsy—a common side effect of benzodiazepines. As many kava enthusiasts (myself included) would attest, the tea produces a state of focused relaxation and does not cause foggy-headedness.

Additionally, kava’s unique molecules are being researched for exciting anti-cancer potential. These studies were inspired by a peculiar statistic; Fijian men have a five-times greater risk of developing prostate cancer when moving away from their home country. Since the genetic history of these men should be relatively similar, the difference in cancer rate was linked to an aspect of their native culture—namely, kava consumption. Sure enough, preliminary research indicates that flavokavains (a class of chemicals unique to kava) are capable of inhibiting cancerous tumors from further growth. In rodent studies, there are also findings that kava may play some role in the prevention of lung cancer. For mice exposed to carcinogens found in cigarettes, those who had been given a kava supplement beforehand showed significantly fewer incidences of lung cancer development. Considering there are dozens of kavalactones and flavokavains—each present in different concentrations depending on strain—there is still much work to be done in determining the anti-cancer roles of each compound.

Furthermore, research indicates that kava plays a unique role in terms of regulating the body’s immune system. In both rodent and human studies, kava-derived compounds are capable of preventing auto-immune inflammation; for individuals with an auto-immune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, these molecules might be able to reduce the associated symptoms of inflammation such as joint pain and fever. However, the immune system is very complex with both innate and adaptive branches, each of which having cross-talk with the other branch at various steps. Therefore, research in this field is still quite rudimentary; exposing kavalactones to a line of human cells is quite different from exposing it to the body as a whole!

While we now have some scientific evidence that kava is not merely snake oil, this does not mean it is the next wonder drug either. During kava’s initial surge in popularity several decades ago, multiple reports of liver toxicity shrouded the plant in controversy. Some scholars attribute these cases to the natively-grown plants which were initially exported; the hot, humid conditions of the Pacific Island foster mold growth, and some molds are known to produce hepatotoxins—chemicals which damage the liver. Still, analyses of current clinical trials indicate that long-term (8+ weeks) kava use may have some impact on liver function. Additionally, there are very rare cases of “kava-induced dermopathy,” meaning skin inflammation, from the past few years. While these potential risks in kava use are uncommon and not well understood, caution should still taken when trying kava for yourself (and with switching brands/strains).

Clearly, kava’s journey throughout time and medicine has been a remarkable one. From its roots (pun intended) as a spiritual enhancer to its current state as a potential anti-cancer drug, kava has truly begun to bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine. Personally, I was also skeptical of kava and its surge in popularity. However, after spending a few evenings with the good people of Sacred Root, a kava bar and tea lounge in Ithaca, NY, I have certainly come around. Kava—whether enjoyed hot or prepared cold (the ceremonial method)—is a delectable tea with potential medical applications. So keep an eye out for kava, both on the shelves and in the news!