The effectiveness and safety of Kava Kava for treating anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and analysis of randomized clinical trials
The effectiveness and safety of Kava Kava for treating anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and analysis of randomized clinical trials
Smith et al., 2018 | Complement Ther Clin Pract | Systematic Review
Citation
Smith Katelyn, Leiras Claudia. The effectiveness and safety of Kava Kava for treating anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018-Nov;33:107-117. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.09.003
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To determine if Kava Kava is an effective treatment for combating symptoms of anxiety despite warnings of hepatotoxicity from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). METHODS: Databases PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were utilized to obtain clinical trials on Kava Kava and its effects on anxiety. A total of 11 articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria: 2 for Kava Kava vs. another anti-anxiety medication, 2 detailing additional adverse events, and 7 for Kava Kava vs. placebo. Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effects model was used to analyze the data, with responder rates being pooled to compute weighted risk ratios. RESULTS: Kava Kava was shown to be more effective than placebo in 3 of the 7 trials. A final risk ratio of 1.50 (95% CI: 1.12, 2.01) from responder rates was calculated in favor of the intervention from 5 clinical trials (n = 330). Adverse events were shown to be the same as placebo (P = 0.574), and laboratory values analyzing hepatotoxicity were no different when compared to baseline except in two studies. CONCLUSIONS: Kava Kava appears to be a short-term treatment for anxiety, but not a replacement for prolonged anti-anxiety use. Although not witnessed in this review, liver toxicity is especially possible if taken longer than 8 weeks.
Key Findings
Kava Kava was shown to be more effective than placebo in 3 of the 7 trials. A final risk ratio of 1.50 (95% CI: 1.12, 2.01) from responder rates was calculated in favor of the intervention from 5 clinical trials (n = 330). Adverse events were shown to be the same as placebo (P = 0.574), and laboratory values analyzing hepatotoxicity were no different when compared to baseline except in two studies.
Outcomes Measured
- anxiety
Population
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | See abstract |
| Sample Size | 330 |
| Age Range | See abstract |
| Condition | anxiety |
MeSH Terms
- Anxiety
- Humans
- Kava
- Phytotherapy
- Plant Extracts
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Treatment Outcome
Evidence Classification
- Level: Systematic Review
- Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
- Vertical: kava-anxiety
Provenance
- PMID: 30396607
- DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.09.003
- PMCID: Not in PMC
- Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API
Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09