Australian approved name (AAN): Piper methysticum
Common names and synonyms: Kava
Plant part used: Root or rhizome
Mandatory component: Kavalactones
Maximum daily dose: 250mg Kavalactones (when used in oral medicines)
Warnings and Restrictions: Only for oral use when the dosage form is ‘tablet’ or ‘capsule’; or when the container type is ‘tea bag’. If the dosage form is tablet or capsule then the quantity of kavalactones (of Piper methysticum) must be no more than 125 mg per tablet or capsule.
Oral medicines containing more than 25 mg of kavalactones (of Piper methysticum) per dose require the following warning statement on the medicine label:
PIPER – Not for prolonged use. If symptoms persist – seek advice from a healthcare practitioner. Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women (or words to that effect). May harm the liver.
The plant part must be root or rhizome. When for oral use, the medicine may only contain dried whole or peeled root or rhizome or aqueous dispersions or aqueous extracts of whole or peeled root or rhizome.
When for topical use on the rectum, vagina or throat, the medicine may only contain dried whole or peeled root or rhizome or aqueous dispersions or aqueous extracts of whole or peeled root or rhizome.
When the container type is tea bag the maximum quantity per tea bag must be no more than 3 grams of dried whole or peeled root or rhizomes.
Allowable purpose of the ingredient: Active. Homeopathic