ADVERTORIAL
Kava and synergistic herbs for anxiety , insomnia , and pain
by Laura Dwyer | BHSc ( Naturopathy )
The triad of anxiety , insomnia , and pain
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness experienced by Australians . 1 It is well acknowledged that anxiety disorders elevate the risk of developing other mental illnesses , and sleeping problems are often associated with disease development . 2 The association between anxiety and insomnia is not simply a cause-effect relationship but a complex bi-directional one , whereby anxiety influences insomnia and vice versa . 3 Various studies have also observed the relationship between pain and psychiatric disorders , with evidence suggesting their coexistence is associated with poorer treatment outcomes . 4
Kava has historically been used to treat restlessness , muscular spasms , pain , sleep disturbances , fatigue , asthma , rheumatism , and menstrual disorders .
Gamma-aminobutyric acid ( GABA ) attenuates hyperarousal in anxiety and sleep disturbances , 5 , 6 and an imbalance between GABA and glutamate may negatively impact pain perception . 7 Using phytotherapies that balance GABA and glutamate may , therefore , have a role in reducing anxiety , insomnia , and pain .
Kava
Kava has historically been used to treat restlessness , muscular spasms , pain , sleep disturbances , fatigue , asthma , rheumatism , and menstrual disorders . 8 , 9 Kavalactones , the main constituent found in the resin , are responsible for the anxiolytic , sedative , and analgesic actions , primarily by potentiating GABA receptors , reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release , inhibiting the reuptake of noradrenaline and monoamine oxidase B , and binding to sodium ion channel receptor sites . 10
Synergist herbs
Passionflower and California poppy are traditionally known for relieving symptoms of mental stress , anxiety , insomnia , migraine , neuralgia , and melancholia and are often combined to
11 , 12
treat hyperactivity and sleeplessness . The activity of passionflower may be mediated via the GABAergic pathways , 13-15 while California poppy potentially acts as a weak modulator of GABA-A receptors . 16 , 17 By interacting with opioid receptors , passionflower and California poppy exert analgesic activity , thus providing pain relief . 18-20
Clinical indications Anxiety disorders Multiple reviews have determined that kava extracts ( 60-240mg kavalactones ) significantly reduce anxiety scores and consequently provide effective symptomatic treatment for patients with generalised anxiety disorder ( GAD ) or anxiety of non-psychotic origin . 21-26 Moreover , studies suggest kava may be a superior alternative to benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating non-psychotic anxiety disorders , especially since its dependencies are seldom observed . 9 , 24 Results from a human clinical trial further indicate that kava ( 250mg kavalactones ) exerts significant anxiolytic and antidepressant activity compared to placebo in patients with GAD and comorbid depression . 27
Passionflower , another popular botanical for nervousness and anxiety , was found to be as effective as oxazepam in treating GAD and was associated with lower incidences of impaired work performance compared to benzodiazepines . 28 Kava and passionflower may further benefit menopausal patients by relieving
Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed in these advertorials are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ATMS or its Directors .
110 | vol29 | no2 | JATMS