Max
08-15-2002, 01:25 PM
Australia Issues Recall of Products with Kava
Thu Aug 15, 2:46 PM ET
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Australia issued a recall Thursday of all medicinal products that contain the herb kava following the death of a woman who was using this treatment.
Germany has also banned all products containing kava, citing numerous worldwide cases of liver toxicity in patients who were taking the herb.
The Australian woman died after taking the herb in concentrated forms, as tablets or capsules. The products also contained two other herbs.
The patient only took the herbal medicine for 4 months before she developed liver failure. Australian health officials attribute her death to the kava ingredient.
Kava has also become increasingly popular in the US and Europe as a sedative, muscle relaxant and a diuretic. It is derived from peppers native to the South Pacific islands.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the agency that issued the recall, said they were not aware of any instances of liver damage when the herb is traditionally prepared, then served as a social and ceremonial drink. The herb is used in this manner in some Aboriginal and Pacific Islander communities.
As a result of Thursday's recall, TGA has asked all vendors selling kava-containing products to stop doing so, and warned consumers who take herbal medicines to avoid any that contain the ingredient.
At least one case of liver failure has occurred in the US following the use of kava. It occurred in a previously healthy young woman who, as a result, needed a liver transplant.
In March, the US Food and Drug Administration ( news - web sites) warned consumers against using products that contain kava. Britain is currently debating whether to ban the herb.
Thu Aug 15, 2:46 PM ET
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Australia issued a recall Thursday of all medicinal products that contain the herb kava following the death of a woman who was using this treatment.
Germany has also banned all products containing kava, citing numerous worldwide cases of liver toxicity in patients who were taking the herb.
The Australian woman died after taking the herb in concentrated forms, as tablets or capsules. The products also contained two other herbs.
The patient only took the herbal medicine for 4 months before she developed liver failure. Australian health officials attribute her death to the kava ingredient.
Kava has also become increasingly popular in the US and Europe as a sedative, muscle relaxant and a diuretic. It is derived from peppers native to the South Pacific islands.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the agency that issued the recall, said they were not aware of any instances of liver damage when the herb is traditionally prepared, then served as a social and ceremonial drink. The herb is used in this manner in some Aboriginal and Pacific Islander communities.
As a result of Thursday's recall, TGA has asked all vendors selling kava-containing products to stop doing so, and warned consumers who take herbal medicines to avoid any that contain the ingredient.
At least one case of liver failure has occurred in the US following the use of kava. It occurred in a previously healthy young woman who, as a result, needed a liver transplant.
In March, the US Food and Drug Administration ( news - web sites) warned consumers against using products that contain kava. Britain is currently debating whether to ban the herb.