Anxiolytic-like effects of Kava-Kava in the elevated plus maze test—a comparison with diazepam

Abstract

Kava-Kava, a drug derived from a traditional psychoactive beverage used in the South Pacific, is known for tranquilizing and anxiolytic effects. Extracts made from the roots of the Kava plant ( Piper methysticum G. Forster) have anxiolytic and mild sedative effects in man. To our knowledge, there are only few data concerning the efficacy of Kava-Kava in animal tests of anxiety. This study was carried out to compare the anxiolytic potential of Kava-Kava extract LI 150 with diazepam. Acute effects of diazepam and a Kava-Kava preparation, compared to their respective controls, were examined in Wistar rats using the elevated plus maze (X-maze). The time spent on open arms, the percentage of open-arm visits and parameters describing the risk assessment were evaluated. LI 150 (120–240 mg/kg po) affected the behaviour measured in the X-maze test, inducing an anxiolytic like behaviour similar to diazepam (15 mg/kg po). These data support the use of Kava-Kava in the treatment of anxiety.