What is the problem with kava kava?
Evidence has mounted that in rare cases the use of products containing kava kava (mostly in the form of herbal medicines) has been associated with severe liver damage. The occurrence of liver damage is unpredictable and the mechanism is unclear. To date, the Agency is aware of 110 cases of severe liver damage (hepatoxicity), possibly associated with the use of kava kava containing products. Eleven patients have suffered irreversible liver failure and received a liver transplant. Overall, nine patients have now died, including two who had received liver transplants.
