Botanical
Kava Root
Kava is made from the root of Piper methysticum, a pepper plant from the South Pacific islands, where it is prepared as a traditional drink. It contains kavalactones.
Also listed as Piper Methysticum, Kava Kava, Organic Kava Root, Kava Extract
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
Every rating with its studiesGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Kava Root's ratings.
Kava for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Review of Current Evidence.2018Kava: A Comprehensive Review of Efficacy, Safety, and Psychopharmacology2011Kava and St. John's Wort: current evidence for use in mood and anxiety disorders.2009Kava extract versus placebo for treating anxiety2003A Systematic Review of the Safety of Kava Extract in the Treatment of Anxiety2002
Why people take it
Cognition25%
Stress & Mood25%
Sleep20.8%
Essential Health12.5%
Immune Support8.3%
Energy4.2%
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.