Hepatic injury due to traditional aqueous extracts of kava root

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Hepatic injury due to traditional aqueous extracts of kava root in New

Caledonia.

Case reports

(I have more reports if you want.... please do not take this herb)

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 15(9):1033-1036,

September 2003.

Russmann, Stefan a; Barguil, Yann b; Cabalion, Pierre c; Kritsanida,

Marina d; Duhet, c; Lauterburg, Bernhard H a

Abstract:

Traditional aqueous kava extracts were the most probable cause of

hepatitis in two patients presenting with markedly elevated transaminases

and hyperbilirubinaemia. A consequent survey of 27 heavy kava drinkers in

New Caledonia showed elevated gamma glutamyl transferase in 23/27 and

minimally elevated transaminases in 8/27. We conclude that not only

commercially available, but also traditionally prepared kava extracts may

rarely cause liver injury. The increased activity of gamma glutamyl

transferase in heavy kava consumers in the presence of normal or minimally

elevated transaminases is probably not a sign of liver injury, but rather

reflects an induction of CYP450 enzymes.

© 2003 Lippincott & Wilkins, Inc.

" and the beat goes on....... " Sonny Bono " It's not the years in your life that

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