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Role of ethanol in kava hepatotoxicity
Author(s) -
Li X. Z.,
Ramzan I.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.3046
Subject(s) - kava , traditional medicine , medicine , recreational drug , pharmacology , drug
Kava is known for its recreational, ceremonial and medicinal use in the Pacific. The aqueous non‐alcoholic drink of kava rhizome produces intoxicating, relaxing and soothing effects. While kava's medicinal effects receive worldwide recognition, kava‐containing products came under scrutiny after over 100 reports of spontaneous adverse hepatic effects. Many mechanisms have been postulated to explain the unexpected toxicity, one being pharmacokinetic interactions between kavalactones and co‐administered drugs involving cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Alcohol is often co‐injested in kava hepatotoxicity cases. This review evaluates the possible hepatotoxicity mechanisms involving alcohol and kava. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.