Kava (Piper methysticum) as a tool for helping with Anxiety

Bayesian network meta-analysis of 29 randomized trials comparing 12 medicinal herbs for anxiety: kava was an effective anxiolytic (mean difference -2.46 on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale) and was well tolerated, although evidence specifically in generalized anxiety disorder was less clear.

Ten-year updated systematic review of herbal medicines in psychiatric disorders: high-quality clinical-trial evidence was found for Piper methysticum (kava), Passiflora (passionflower) and Galphimia glauca in anxiety disorders, confirming kava as one of the best-supported herbal anxiolytics.

Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (645 participants) finding that kava extract produces a significant reduction in anxiety on the Hamilton Anxiety scale versus placebo, with adverse events that were mild, transient and infrequent over short-term (1-24 week) use.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trials: kava extract was significantly superior to placebo in reducing total Hamilton Anxiety scores (weighted mean difference 9.69), supporting kava as an effective symptomatic treatment for anxiety.

Placebo-controlled double-blind cross-over randomised controlled trial of a standardised aqueous extract of Piper methysticum (kava) in 60 adults with elevated anxiety and varying depressive symptoms, assessing anxiolytic and thymoleptic (mood) efficacy and the safety of an aqueous kava preparation in humans.