Kava (Piper methysticum) (Naturopathica)
What to know about Kava (Piper methysticum) — also sold as Naturopathica: uses, side effects, interactions, and safety considerations for people taking it or caring for someone who is.
Kava (Piper methysticum) (brand names: Naturopathica) is classified as Low risk (2 risk points) by AllMeds. CNS depressant. CAUTION: hepatotoxicity risk. Interacts with CNS depressants, alcohol.
Key Takeaways
- Risk level: Low (2 points)
- CNS depressant: May cause sedation, impair driving, and affect work capacity
Scheduling and Classification
| Jurisdiction | Classification | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (TGA) | Unscheduled | Not PBS listed |
Risk Profile
CNS depressant. CAUTION: hepatotoxicity risk. Interacts with CNS depressants, alcohol.
How Kava (Piper methysticum) is regulated
Kava (Piper methysticum) is overseen by medicines regulators in each country. The rules below explain how it's scheduled, what oversight applies, and what to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, changing, or stopping this medication.
Work capacity impact: As a CNS depressant, Kava (Piper methysticum) may impair driving, operating machinery, and cognitive function. Work capacity certificates should reflect any medication-related restrictions.
Australia TGA / PBS / State Schemes
Classified as Unscheduled under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Clinical Evidence
- Kava for anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis (2003)
Cochrane review finding kava extract may be effective for anxiety but risk-benefit unfavourable due to hepatotoxicity risk.
Cochrane review
- TGA: Kava hepatotoxicity warnings (2005)
TGA issued safety advisory regarding hepatotoxicity (liver damage) risk with kava-containing products. Multiple reports of liver injury globally.
TGA safety alert — serious safety concern
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Important: This page is general health information, not personal medical advice. If you have questions about your medication — including starting it, stopping it, changing the dose, or combining it with something else — speak with your doctor or pharmacist. For an emergency or suspected overdose, call your local emergency number or poison information service immediately. Information is drawn from regulator and clinical guideline sources (TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBS, CDC); see our methodology for details.