Official World Health Organization report on liver damage associated with Piper methysticum (kava)

The Natural Standard Research Collaboration has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to author Assessment of the Risk of Hepatotoxicity with Kava Products, a publication that explores the controversial threat of liver damage as a result of products containing Piper methysticum (kava). The report includes a description of P. methysticum and its various preparations and historical uses, as well as interactions and side-effects. It provides the details of an investigation into P. methysticum’s possible association with hepatic toxicity, or chemically-induced liver damage. In addition it contains safety information as determined by several clinical trials and a case by case analysis of patients who experienced liver damage while using P. methysticum products. The report also provides regulatory information, analytical results and clinical recommendations specific to this issue.

<http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/78549.php>, accessed September 24, 2007.