10 Possible Side Effects Of Piper Methysticum (Kava)

Piper methysticum has some side effects when used improperly, such as drowsiness, nausea, and headaches.

These side effects can be caused by consuming excessive amounts of the herb, interacting with other medications, or experiencing individual sensitivities. In severe cases, kava consumption can lead to worsened liver function, anxiety, and depression.

For instance, a person with a pre-existing liver condition may experience permanent damage, while a person with anxiety may experience increased symptoms, negatively impacting their daily life and relationships.

This article explains in details the 10 most common side effects of Piper methysticum if used imporperly.

1. Affects liver function negatively

Piper methysticum increases heart rate rapidly due to its ability to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

The active compounds in kava, such as flavonoids and lactones, can bind to GABA receptors, leading to an increase in the release of neurotransmitters like adrenaline.

This can cause a rapid acceleration of the heart rate, often accompanied by feelings of excitement and stimulation.

2. Affects liver function negatively

Piper methysticum causes excessive sedation due to its potent effect on the brain and nervous system.

The plant's active compounds, including flavonoids and lactones, interact with GABA receptors in the brain, leading to increased levels of serotonin and dopamine. This can result in feelings of relaxation, calmness, and drowsiness, which may become excessive in some individuals.

As the body becomes accustomed to these effects, users may experience difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, and decreased reaction time, further exacerbating the sedative response.

3. Affects liver function negatively

Piper methysticum induces anxiety attacks suddenly due to its ability to interact with the brain's GABA receptors.

When taken in large doses or for prolonged periods, kava can lead to a surge of adrenaline and a sense of panic, causing sudden anxiety attacks.

The root cause of this side effect is believed to be kava's impact on the body's natural cortisol levels, leading to an imbalance that triggers anxiety responses.

4. Affects liver function negatively

5. Affects liver function negatively

Piper methysticum triggers hallucinations frequently due to its active compounds, which affect the brain's neurotransmitters and receptors.

The plant contains a group of chemicals called kavalactones, which are thought to interact with GABA and serotonin, leading to altered states of consciousness and perception. This can result in vivid dreams, illusions, and in some cases, full-blown hallucinations.

The specific effects vary from person to person, but the potential for hallucinations is a known and documented side effect of Piper methysticum use.

6. Affects liver function negatively

Piper methysticum lowers blood pressure sharply due to its ability to relax blood vessels and reduce peripheral resistance.

The active compounds in kava, such as kavalactones, have a direct effect on the cardiovascular system, causing a decrease in blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and reducing heart rate.

This can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, particularly in individuals who already have low blood pressure or are taking medications that also lower blood pressure.

7. Affects liver function negatively

Piper methysticum disrupts menstrual cycles severely.

This side effect is attributed to the plant's ability to interact with hormones in the body, particularly estrogen and progesterone. The active compounds in kava, such as flavonoids and terpenes, may bind to these hormone receptors, altering their normal function and leading to changes in menstrual patterns.

Additionally, kava's relaxant properties may also contribute to disruptions in hormone regulation, further exacerbating the issue.

8. Affects liver function negatively

Piper methysticum reduces cognitive function significantly.

This is attributed to its ability to bind to GABA receptors in the brain, leading to a decrease in neural activity and a reduction in the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

Additionally, kava's interaction with glutamate receptors can further impair memory and concentration.

9. Affects liver function negatively

Piper methysticum enhances psychotic symptoms noticeably.

This is because the plant's active compounds, including flavokavains and hydroxycumarins, can affect the brain's neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, leading to increased feelings of anxiety, agitation, and hallucinations in susceptible individuals.

The exact mechanism behind this interaction is not fully understood, but it may be related to kava's ability to bind to GABA receptors and influence glutamate transmission, potentially exacerbating underlying psychological conditions.

10. Affects liver function negatively

Piper methysticum interacts with medications badly because it inhibits the activity of certain liver enzymes responsible for breaking down pharmaceuticals.

This can lead to increased levels of these drugs in the bloodstream, potentially causing adverse effects such as dizziness, confusion, and fatigue.

Additionally, kava's ability to affect liver function may also contribute to its negative interactions with medications, resulting in altered pharmacokinetics and potential toxicity.