Page 121 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)
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Roots containing chalcones and aurones
Kava-kava root
Botanical origin: Piper methysticum Family Piperaceae.
Constituents: Kava contains a mixture of pyrones (substituted lactones) ,
chalcones.
Uses:
• Mainly used in anxiety disorders also in insomnia as a sleep aide as
anxiolytic ,generally as antidepressant
• Advantage : long term use has no tolerance problems associated with these
chemicals (no addiction)
Safety:
Severe liver toxicity (liver failure), on prolonged uses. In some countries e.g.
France the sale order of the drug is stopped
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