Episode 79: Kava – Tradition, Benefits and Toxicity

This week on The Tox Lab, we’re discussing kava and examining its history, use, and potential toxicological effects.

We begin by exploring the history of kava and its longstanding cultural and social significance, before discussing reported benefits associated with its use and the reasons it continues to gain popularity.

We then turn to potential harms associated with kava, examining cases of acute liver injury and acute interstitial nephritis linked to its use, before discussing a fatal case involving kava ingestion and the toxicological considerations surrounding these reports.

Join us as we examine the evolving story surrounding kava, from its traditional use and perceived benefits to the clinical and toxicological challenges associated with its increasing use.

Links to the papers we discussed:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12405834/pdf/DAR-44-1601.pdf

https://doi.org/10.1155/crgm/3914876

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nep.70051

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.01.032

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