Kava: From Ethnology to Pharmacology (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Industrial Profiles)

Kava is a herb that has for centuries been used for ceremonial, ritual, religious, social, political and medicinal purposes. In the past few decades, the medicinal properties of kava have been recognized in the West and it is now widely marketed as an over-the-counter preparation for the treatment of anxiety, stress, restlessness and sleep disorders. This comprehensive volume describes kava's history, botanical origins, production, marketing, chemical and biological properties of the chemical constituents and the clinical and medical studies that provide evidence for its therapeutic benefits. An invaluable reference to kava, this book will be of great interest to healthcare professionals, scholars, researchers, students, the pharmaceutical industry, and the general public.