Kava in generalized anxiety disorder: three placebo-controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#anxiety-disorders #cyclohexanols #double-blind-method #female #humans

Kava in generalized anxiety disorder: three placebo-controlled trials

Connor et al., 2006 | Int Clin Psychopharmacol | Rct

Citation

Connor Kathryn M, Payne Victoria, Davidson Jonathan R T. Kava in generalized anxiety disorder: three placebo-controlled trials. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2006-Sep;21(5):249-53

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of kava kava (Piper methysticum) in generalized anxiety disorder. Data were analyzed from three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of kava, including one study with an active comparator (venlafaxine), in adult outpatients with DSM-IV generalized anxiety disorder. The pooled sample (n=64) included the following number of participants: kava, n=28; placebo, n=30; and venlafaxine, n=6. Given the comparability of the study designs, the data comparing kava and placebo were then pooled for further efficacy and safety analyses. No significant differences were observed between the treatment groups in any of the trials. In the pooled analyses, no effects were found for kava, while a significant effect in favor of placebo was observed in participants with higher anxiety at baseline. No evidence of hepatotoxicity was found with kava, and all of the treatments were well tolerated. Findings from these three controlled trials do not support the use of kava in DSM-IV generalized anxiety disorder.

Key Findings

Findings from these three controlled trials do not support the use of kava in DSM-IV generalized anxiety disorder.

Outcomes Measured

  • anxiety

Population

Field Value
Population adult outpatients
Sample Size 64
Age Range See abstract
Condition anxiety

MeSH Terms

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Cyclohexanols
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kava
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Preparations
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
  • Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: kava

Provenance

  • PMID: 16877894
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09