Plant Depressants: Tranquilizers and Opiates-Tranquilizers

Question 1

Kava

BOTANICAL INFORMATION:

Answer 1

• Shrub
• South Pacific Islands
• Cultigen-sterile polyploid cultivars

Question 2

Kava

HISTORY AS A MEDICINAL PLANT:

Answer 2

• Religious and ceremonial significance used to communicate with ancestors and the gods
• Relax the body and mind, induce sleep, relieve pain, treat anxiety, and insomnia
• Treat rheumatism, menstrual problems, venereal diseases, and tuberculosis
• Rootstock-chewed or grated

Question 3

Kava

MODERN UTILIZATION:

Answer 3

• Kavalactones-muscle-relaxing and antispasmodic effects
  
  • Mild muscle paralysis, increased force and decreased rapidity of the heartbeat, initially stimulates but then depresses respiration
  • Does not impair alertness
• Hypnotic-sedative, analgesic, psychotropic effects
• Treatment of nervous tension, stress, agitation, insomnia
• Fewer side effects-scaly skin eruptions
• Alcohol and kava are depressants, should not be taken together
• Liver toxicity for being used as a dietary supplement
• Attributable to adulteration of parts other than kava root or the use of ethanol