Kava extract 300 mg daily is an effective treatment for anxiety syndrome in nonpsychotic patients. Included studies were of good methodological quality, but the analyses were based on few patients. Use of alternative therapies for anxiety is common.
Uncontrolled studies show kava extract to help individuals with anxiety.
Inclusion criteria were randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial which assessed the effectiveness of Kava extract for the treatment of anxiety. Medline, Embase, Biosis. The reviewers' own files were searched for relevant studies. Bibliographies of retrieved reports were checked for additional citations and no language restrictions were made. Manufacturers of kava extract products and experts were contacted for published and unpublished trials.