Nutraceuticals and nootropics for anti-aging

The Kava scare — just more governmental hot air

In November 2001 the German government claimed that Kava supplements (made from the roots of Piper methysticum) were linked to severe liver damage, and a few months later these supplements were banned in Germany. Governments of other countries soon issued warnings about Kava. The U.S. news industry, holding true to its sensationalist reputation, immediately ran countless scare-articles about the subject.

Now, two years later, it appears that the Kava scare was a tempest in a teapot — the result of governmental distortions of medical data, bureaucratic carelessness, and irresponsible journalism. When the dozens of reported cases of liver damage were examined critically the supposed links to Kava consumption evaporated.

The following links illustrate the Kava-scare and its denouement:

The suppression of Kava in Germany:

Germany bans Kava supplements

One of many sensationalistic news stories:

FDA Probes Whether Anti-Anxiety Herb Is Dangerous to Health

Early assessment by U.S. Centers for Disease Control:

Hepatic Toxicity Possibly Associated with Kava-Containing Products — United States, Germany, and Switzerland, 1999-2002

Scientific criticism of the actions of the German goverment:

Toxicity of kava pyrones, drug safety and precautions--a case study.

An analysis revealing sloppiness in government handling of evidence:

Kava — the unfolding story: report on a work-in-progress.

A detailed analysis of the basis of the Kava-scare:

Expert analyses of case reports say insufficient evidence to make causal connection