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Planta Med 2003; 69(6): 496-499
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-40658
Rapid Communication
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Aqueous Kava Extracts do not Affect Liver Function Tests in Rats

Yadhu N. Singh1 , Ashwini K. Devkota1
  • 1College of Pharmacy, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
This work was supported by the Joseph F. Nelson Research Mentorship program and an SDSU Research Support Fund grant
Further Information

Publication History

Received: March 17, 2003

Accepted: April 24, 2003

Publication Date:
16 July 2003 (online)

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Abstract

Kava (Piper methysticum Forst. f., Piperaceae), prepared as the traditional aqueous infusion, was tested in the rat for possible effects on liver function tests. Extracts were administered in daily dosages of 200 or 500 mg of the active kavalactones/kg for two or four weeks. Sera were assayed for four enzymes that are markers of liver toxicity and liver homogenates for malondialdehyde formation that indicates changes in lipid peroxidation. The data showed that none of the enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase, nor malondialdehyde were elevated, in fact in some cases they were significantly reduced, suggesting the lack of a toxic effect by kava on the liver.

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Dr. Yadhu N. Singh

College of Pharmacy

South Dakota State University

Brookings

South Dakota 57007-0099

USA

Phone: +1-605-688-4239

Fax: +1-605-688-6232

Email: Yadhu_Singh@sdstate.edu