Clough, Alan R., Bailie, Ross S., and Currie, Bart (2003) Liver function test abnormalities in users of aqueous kava extracts. Clinical Toxicology, 41 (6). pp. 821-829.

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Abstract

Introduction: Hepatic toxicity from manufactured herbal remedies that contain kava lactones has been reported in Europe, North America, and Australia. There is no evidence for serious liver damage in kava‐using populations in Pacific Island societies or in Indigenous Australians who have used aqueous kava extracts. This article presents evidence that liver function changes in users of aqueous kava extracts appear to be reversible. Data from one Arnhem Land community [Northern Territory (NT), Australia] with 340 indigenous people older than 15 years of age in 2000 are used.

Methods: This study was a cross‐sectional study with 98 participants, 36 of whom had never used kava. Among 62 kava users, 23 had discontinued kava at least 1 year before the study. Continuing users had not used kava for 1 to 2 months (n = 10) or 1 to 2 weeks previously (n = 15). Some (n = 14) had used kava within the previous 24 hr. Liver function tests were compared across these groups, taking into account differences due to age, sex, alcohol, and other substance use.

Results: The average quantity of kava powder consumed was 118 g/week, and median duration of use was 12 years (range, 1–18 years). Kava usage levels were less than one‐half of those found in previous studies. More recent kava use was independently associated with higher levels of liver enzymes gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p < 0.001) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.001), but not with alanine aminotransferase or bilirubin, which were not elevated. In those who were not heavy alcohol users, only those who used kava within the previous 24 hr showed GGT levels higher than nonusers (p < 0.001), whereas higher ALP levels occurred only in those who last used kava 1 to 2 weeks (p = 0.015) and 24 hr previously (p = 0.005).

Discussion: Liver function changes in users of aqueous kava extracts at these moderate levels of consumption appear to be reversible and begin to return to baseline after 1 to 2 weeks abstinence from kava. No evidence for irreversible liver damage has been found

Item ID:	44901
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1556-9519
Keywords:	hepatic toxicity, kava, aqueous extracts, Indigenous Australian
Funders:	National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
Date Deposited:	04 Aug 2016 04:07
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111701 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health @ 80% 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1199 Other Medical and Health Sciences > 119999 Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere classified @ 20%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9203 Indigenous Health > 920399 Indigenous Health not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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