Kava-Kava

KAVA-KAVA (Kawa, Kawa-Kawa, Jango-na), the rhizome of a large shrub, wild-growing and partly cultivated on the Pacific Islands (Polynesia, etc.). Piper methysticum Forst., drunken pepper, family Piperaceae. -- The massive rhizome, weighing up to 1–2 kg in the fresh state, possesses a faint aromatic smell and a slightly bitter taste resembling pepper. On section, it gives a red color when treated with concentrated H₂SO₄. The active principle is a resin-like substance (about 5%), which divides into two fractions: alpha- and beta-resins. Kava resin is insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and chloroform. In addition, the following substances have been found in K.: kavain (syn. methysticin), pseudometistisin, yango-nin, and other substances, which do not possess the action of the resin. -- The resin of K., when acting on mucous membranes, as well as when injected subcutaneously, causes a transient irritation, followed by a local decrease in pain sensitivity (and on the tongue also loss of taste); when taken internally, about 20–30 mg produces a state of euphoria, followed by drowsiness; with an increased dose, motor and mental restlessness is observed. Acute intoxication leads to loss of consciousness and coma; chronic poisoning (kavaism) leads to cachexia, persistent skin itching, liver dysfunction, etc. The decomposition products of the resin—kava acid, its salts, etc.—possess a partial action of the resin itself. -- By the natives, K. is used for the preparation of an intoxicating drink and as an anti-gonorrheal agent. In medical practice it is applied in combination with sandalwood oil under the name Gonozan (see). In gonorrhea it reduces pain, increases diuresis, assisting in the washing out of the urinary tract, and limits purulent discharges. Occasionally K. is applied as a hypnotic. It is prescribed in the form of powder, 2.0 three or four times a day, or more often in the form of a solid alcoholic extract, 0.3–0.4 several times a day.