Kava-Kava is an intoxicating drink prepared from the root (rhizome) of the Piper plant which grows in tropical swamps.
Synonyms: kew, tonga, awa
Plant: Piper methysticum
Distribution of use: Polynesia and Australia
Toxins: methysticine, plus kawain, yanogonin and their derivatives (dihydrokawain, dihydromethysticine, desmethoxyyanogonin)
The mashed or masticated root is used to prepare a tea or beer, which may consumed in religious ceremonies. Aqueous extracts of the plant may not contain the active agents.
Acute intoxication:
(1) intoxication
(2) weakness in the legs
(3) sedation
(4) relaxation of smooth muscles
(5) deep sleep
Chronic use:
(1) ataxia
(2) blurred vision
(3) deafness
(4) coarse, roughened skin with yellowish tinge
(5) anorexia and malnutrition
(6) dyskinesias
(7) dyspnea with reduced lung volumes
(8) thrombocytopenia
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