The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has heightened its investigation into the herbal supplement kava kava and its possible link to liver toxicity. Kava kava, also known as Piper methysticum, is an ancient herb native to the South Pacific. The supplement purportedly helps to relieve stress. Recent reports from Switzerland and Germany detail nearly thirty cases of liver toxicity associated with kava kava use. Six of the cases involved liver failure.

Last week the FDA met with representatives of the herbal supplement industry, including officials with the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), to discuss the future of kava kava. For safety reasons, the NCCAM has suspended two research studies of the herb until FDA approval is given.

Health professionals are beginning to warn users of the possible health risks associated with kava kava. Warning signs have been placed in stores where kava kava is sold informing consumers of the herb's possible link to liver problems. In the United States, the FDA has received word of twenty-six cases of kava kava-induced illnesses.