SILVER SPRING, Md., Mar 27, 2002 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) yesterday adopted new cautionary language to appear on food or dietary supplement products containing the popular herb kava (Piper methysticum), commonly used for anxiety and stress.

Earlier this year, the Association outlined specific health information that consumers should take into consideration prior to taking kava and provided this information to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The safety of the South Pacific Herb began to be re-examined when rare case reports in the United States and Europe suggested a potential relationship between the use of kava-containing dietary supplements and liver injury.

"Although no actual relationship between the use of kava and any liver problem has been established by the FDA or any scientific reviewers, it is sensible that consumers of kava are informed in the light of the recent case reports," said Michael McGuffin, President of the American Herbal Products Association.

AHPA originally adopted a label for kava products in 1997 to restrict against use by children or by pregnant or nursing women and to caution against use with alcohol or when driving. The new policy retains all of those earlier parts and adds the following language:

Caution: Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have or have had

liver problems, frequently use alcoholic beverages, or are taking any

medication. Stop use and see a doctor if you develop symptoms that may

signal liver problems (e.g., unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of

appetite, fever, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, yellow eyes or skin).

"This revision reflects the concerns identified by the recent U.S. and European cases," said McGuffin. "The message provided here is consistent with the consumer information we have published since January and with the advisory issued from FDA."

Monday, the FDA cautioned consumers about the potential link, citing approximately 25 reports of liver-related injuries in other countries and several reports of liver problems in the United States. The FDA reiterated that the cases appear to be extremely rare and acknowledged that kava might not be responsible for the problems.

Founded in 1983, The American Herbal Products Association is the leading botanical trade association representing growers, processors, manufacturers and marketers of herbal products.

　　From Ahpa.org