Other named kavalactones include kavain, methysticin, and dihydromethysticin. High doses of kava extracts cause muscular relaxation and, at very high doses, paralysis without loss of consciousness. It is also used for insomnia . According to double-blind studies involving a total of about 400 participants, kava appears to be an effective treatment for symptoms of anxiety. The HAM-A assigns a total score based on symptoms such as restlessness, nervousness, heart palpitations, stomach discomfort, dizziness, and chest pain.
Lower scores indicate reduced anxiety.
Although it took a while for results to develop, by 8 weeks participants who were given kava showed significantly improved HAM-A scores compared to the placebo group. These good results were sustained throughout the duration of the treatment. Interestingly, previous studies had showed a good response in 1 week, especially in menopause-related anxiety. We will need additional research to know for sure, but you should probably give it a couple of months before deciding whether it works for you. Another study compared kava against standard antianxiety drugs.