Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002 ; 152(15-16): 382-8.

[Piper methysticum (kava) under discussion: observations on quality, effectiveness and safety]

Schmidt M, Nahrstedt A, Lüpke NP.

Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie und Phytochemie, Universität Münster, Deutschland. schmidt@redinomedica.de

Worldwide the application for a drug registration follows three basic principles: the proof of quality, efficacy and safety. In the following the applicability of these three principles on extracts from roots of the medicinal plant Kava (Piper methysticum) will be examined in the light of the current discussion of possible hepatic side effects ratio.