04.01.24
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) released an updated entry in the “Botanical Safety Handbook” for kava (Piper methysticum G. Forst.), which adds over 45 new literature references.
These references provide recent scientific information on pharmacological interactions with the metabolism of drugs or supplements; other pharmacological studies of bioavailability and enzyme inhibition; and analysis of adverse events and case reports.
A new food use section was added to the entry, noting kava’s history of traditional use as a beverage. The editor’s notes section was also expanded to provide context for the distinct phytochemical profiles between traditional (water-extracted) and contemporary extraction processes using organic solvents. The standard dose section was also updated to recognize these different forms.
“We encourage consumers of any herbal substance, including kava, to take safety information available in the ‘Botanical Safety Handbook’ and from other reputable sources into consideration when making choices about their personal health and wellness,” said Jane Wilson, director of program development at AHPA.
AHPA members can obtain an annual individual subscription to the online “Botanical Safety Handbook,” or a hard copy for $95, with multi-user rates available for companies needing expanded access. Information about subscriptions and hard copy purchases can be found on AHPA’s website.
Subscribers to the online “Botanical Safety Handbook” can review short descriptions of updated entries in the "Revisions" panel on the online version homepage when they log in. The online Botanical Safety Handbook is undergoing a review of existing entries and the addition of new entries to provide the latest safety information before it can be included in the next print edition of the handbook. AHPA will continue to post additional updates to existing entries as well as develop new botanical entries.
The handbook provides safety information on over 500 species of herbs, derived from data compiled from clinical trials, pharmacological and toxicological studies, medical case reports, and historical texts. All entries are reviewed by an expert advisory council that includes some of the most renowned herbal and integrative medicine experts in the United States.
These references provide recent scientific information on pharmacological interactions with the metabolism of drugs or supplements; other pharmacological studies of bioavailability and enzyme inhibition; and analysis of adverse events and case reports.
A new food use section was added to the entry, noting kava’s history of traditional use as a beverage. The editor’s notes section was also expanded to provide context for the distinct phytochemical profiles between traditional (water-extracted) and contemporary extraction processes using organic solvents. The standard dose section was also updated to recognize these different forms.
“We encourage consumers of any herbal substance, including kava, to take safety information available in the ‘Botanical Safety Handbook’ and from other reputable sources into consideration when making choices about their personal health and wellness,” said Jane Wilson, director of program development at AHPA.
AHPA members can obtain an annual individual subscription to the online “Botanical Safety Handbook,” or a hard copy for $95, with multi-user rates available for companies needing expanded access. Information about subscriptions and hard copy purchases can be found on AHPA’s website.
Subscribers to the online “Botanical Safety Handbook” can review short descriptions of updated entries in the "Revisions" panel on the online version homepage when they log in. The online Botanical Safety Handbook is undergoing a review of existing entries and the addition of new entries to provide the latest safety information before it can be included in the next print edition of the handbook. AHPA will continue to post additional updates to existing entries as well as develop new botanical entries.
The handbook provides safety information on over 500 species of herbs, derived from data compiled from clinical trials, pharmacological and toxicological studies, medical case reports, and historical texts. All entries are reviewed by an expert advisory council that includes some of the most renowned herbal and integrative medicine experts in the United States.
