Question

What is the significance of Kava blocking the re-uptake of nor-epinephrine and decreasing the activity of monoamine oxidase on it’s behavioral profile (i.e., the effects it has on anxiety or depression)? Briefly explain.

If you go online to look up the side effects of kava, you’ll find the following: Higher doses and long term use can lead to hypertension, shortness of breath, mild GI symptoms, enlarged pupils, and possible pulmonary hypertension. Assume that kava acts on the body in a similar way as it does in the brain. Please explain the side effects profile.

Answer 1

Kava is a form of herbal valium (used in ayurvedic and herbal therapies) that is speculated to enhance binding at GABA receptors, block norepinephrine reuptake, decrease monoamine oxidase. It has been found to be useful in relieving in anxiety, stress-related symptoms like muscle tension or spasm, restlessness, sleepnessness, ADHD,used to withdraw benzodiazepinedrugs,epilepsy, psychosis, depression, migraines, headaches, chronic fatigue symptom (CFS) and even in muscle pain, common cold, respiratory tract infection, tuberculosis, skin diseases etc. It is widely used as unlike majority of GABA binders it does not affects mental aletness and sharpness (post usage).

side effects include, liver damage, yellowed fever (jaundice), fatigue, dark urine, inability to drive and operate machinery, can pass to infact by lactating mother, can make depression get severe, it also makes parkinson's disease get worse. High and prolonged usage may cause permanent liver damage and even death.